Cisco Adds Webex Calling Features to Improve Hybrid Work Experience

Cisco has unveiled new innovations for Webex Calling that it says will improve the hybrid work experience.

One new key feature allows users to automatically remove background noise from external callers. Cisco also is debuting new devices for hybrid work — the Webex Room Bar and Cisco Video Phone 8875.

‘Seamless’ Experiences

Cisco’s Jeetu Patel

Jeetu Patel is EVP and GM, Cisco Security and Collaboration.

“In today’s hybrid work environment, it’s essential that organizations help employees achieve seamless experiences regardless of where they choose to work. This includes calling, which is increasingly embedded in our everyday workflows as cloud adoption accelerates,” Patel said.

Webex Calling is part of the Webex Suite. It provides cloud/premises calling, messaging, meetings, polling, whiteboarding, asynchronous video and events in one offering. Webex Calling is now available in more than 110 countries. Cisco has expanded calling plans to Asia Pacific, with service in Australia and New Zealand.

Cisco says the updates improve the reliability and experience of Webex calling systems. For example, site survivability ensures businesses can make and receive PSTN calls during a network outage. Audio intelligence enhancements extend Webex’s AI-powered background noise removal technology to now include PSTN calls with external callers. Furthermore, Webex Calling users can eliminate an external caller’s background noise with a single click.

Webex Room Bar and Video Phone

Meantime, Cisco is introducing the new Webex Room Bar. It turns huddle spaces and small-to-medium-size meeting rooms into a hub for engaging collaboration. Webex Suite AI capabilities ensure everyone in the room is framed well and all participants have an equal presence on the call. The Webex Room Bar’s spatial audio aims to provide a great audio experience whether participants are in the room or not.

With a new video desk phone – the Cisco Video Phone 8875 – Webex users can make phone calls and start video meetings while maximizing productivity. The Cisco Video Phone 8875 delivers shareable functionality and personalization for hot desking; a better meeting experience; ease of use and intuitive interface; simple IT management; and a higher quality of audio and video, the company said.