Zoom's AI Companion: A Helpful Hand or a Work in Progress?

Yesterday’s Tech Host Academy Sandbox sparked an engaging conversation about AI, accessibility, and audio—key elements for seamless online experiences. Whether you're a tech host, a facilitator, or simply curious about Zoom’s evolving features, this session offered valuable insights.

One of the hot topics in a recent Sandbox session was Zoom’s AI Companion—its potential to revolutionize meeting summaries and provide insights into participation dynamics. While some found it helpful, others reported inconsistent results. Heather walked us through the features that accompany recordings that can help us bring more value to our clients as tech hosts, while Muddy shared his real-world experiences using AI and the related tech.

The discussion sparked a meaningful conversation:
How do we leverage these features as a tech host?

Five Features Every Tech Host Should Know

Before the session, participants explored a prework handout highlighting five powerful Zoom features designed to enhance engagement, efficiency, and equity in online meetings:

1. Real-Time Transcription and Live Captions – Keeps participants engaged, reduces repetition, and ensures accessibility for hearing-impaired attendees and non-native speakers.

2. Smart Meeting Summaries – Allows participants to focus on discussions instead of note-taking and provides key takeaways for those who couldn’t attend.

3. Real-Time Language Translation – Helps multilingual teams collaborate seamlessly without the need for live interpreters.

4. Noise Suppression – Reduces distractions, creating a more professional and inclusive meeting environment.

5. Smart Recording Search – Enables quick access to specific moments in recordings, saving time and ensuring key insights aren’t lost.

These features sparked a lively discussion on how tech hosts can maximize Zoom’s capabilities while ensuring accessibility and efficiency for all participants. Download the handout here.

Choosing the Right Audio Setup

Great audio can make or break an online experience, and Muddy had some expert recommendations. He explained why wired headsets are preferred to Bluetooth for reliability and how a well-placed external microphone can significantly improve sound quality. If you're curious about the Blue Yeti and other setups, stay tuned—Heather and Muddy will be recording a dedicated session on this soon!

Here are the in-ear monitor headphones and related accessories Muddy discussed and the direct links to them:

• Linsoul KZ ZS10 Pro In-Ear Monitor Headphones https://amzn.to/4hZHAuS
• Linsoul KZ AS10 In-Ear Monitor Headphones https://amzn.to/4kcwDIj 
• MEE audio M6 Pro In-Ear Monitor Headphones https://amzn.to/4jVlZ8u
• Shure SE215 Pro In-Ear Monitor Headphones https://amzn.to/42UsvpO
• N-ear: 360 Flexo Dynamic Dual Radio Earpiece https://n-ear.com/collections/all/products/360-flexo-dynamic-dual-radio-earpiece
• Bubblebee Industries Sidekick 3 IFB In-Ear Monitor https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1646112-REG
• Cable Matters 2-Pack Headphone Extension Cable 10 ft https://amzn.to/4gJ7nWZ
• Headset Wire Clip for Earphone Wire https://amzn.to/41dxoci
• Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac https://amzn.to/4jZL6Hq
• Ugreen Headset to Headphone + Mic Adapter https://amzn.to/42Utlms

Mike "Muddy" Schlegel of Whiteboard Academy explains the different types of audio and the number of rings on the plug (TS, TRS, or TRRS) determines whether it's mono, stereo, or includes a microphone channel.

Next Steps & Future Sessions

This session reinforced that the use of Zoom's AI features should be intentional, serving real human needs rather than just adding complexity.

What are your thoughts on AI and accessibility in online meetings? Drop a comment or join us for the next Tech Host Academy Sandbox!

Be sure to download the handout to see how to leverage these AI features as a tech host.