Nowadays, for the majority of us, video conversations have become a regular part of life; interestingly in industries too, the variety of options available, such as Webex meetings, Microsoft Teams, zoom and Skype are used for Business meetings. Here’s the challenge, it’s difficult to keep track of everything ultimately making things more complex. Fortunately, there was an alternative to it i.e. shifting to video assistance instead of video conferencing.
No doubt, both video assistance and video conferencing systems use software to link users via a visual and audio connection, but their practical implementations differ greatly. Video meetings are conducted using software for video conferencing, such as Zoom. Facebook Messenger and other non-business solutions could also be categorized under this heading. On the other hand, you have tools for video support. Software for screen sharing, co-browsing, and remote video inspection all fall under the category of video help. So, let’s examine Video Assistance vs Video Conferencing in more detail to gain a better understanding.
Here users can participate digitally in a meeting room created using video conferences. These have various uses, including business meetings, online learning, and occasionally private talks. Screen sharing and using a breakout room system are two unique functions offered by many conferencing solutions. Many conferencing services provide free basic plans as well as premium plans with greater features. They usually function on web browsers and mobile apps. The capability of video conferencing may be constrained in comparison to remote video assistance software.
Video assistance technology establishes a video connection between two or more people, but it is specifically created by keeping business requirements in mind. Because of it, remote customer service and remote repairs are just as efficient as in-person visits. Customers can speak with an IT help desk specialist who can walk them through repairs or recommend the right parts. In B2B use cases where a technician or inspector may do their tasks virtually, it can also be applied.
Let’s clearly define the differences between a video call and remote video support, often known as visual assistance.
Starting off, the overall goal of utilizing each solution is really distinct. Although both approaches emphasize bringing people together, the primary driver of those connections is fundamentally different.
In order to make a regular video conference more like an in-person meeting, you often want to conduct a conversation with your friends or family while you can both see each other. As a result, you gaze at one another the majority of the time, even if you sometimes turn the camera to capture your cat doing something amusing.
The goal of a remote video assistance session is to jointly examine the same issue rather than just communicate. In a remote video support system, both parties are viewing the same video feed rather than “person one” seeing “person two” and vice versa. Seeing face-to-face video is not ideal, if field worker is talking with a service expert to request assistance evaluating a problematic printer. They can connect with the help smart phones, tablets, and even with smart glasses. If both can clearly see what field workers camera displays, which is the printer, rather than just seeing a tiny version up in the left corner of the screen, we can work together much more effectively.
As a result, the goals of each solution are very different from one another, which leads to even more discrepancies between the two.
You may add amusing effects or accessories to your face using Augmented Reality technologies in several video call services, including Google Duo and Messenger. And certainly, a digital set of bunny ears may be essential for a successful video conversation, but they are less useful when attempting to assist someone with a problem or inspect equipment.
You have access to tools that will help you better direct the person you are speaking with when using remote video assistance. So, if I show you my broken printer and you are an expert on it for the sake of this example, you can use the pointer to indicate where I need to push to access the control panel. You can also pause my video feed and draw on it, possibly demonstrating how to activate or deactivate a certain feature. This straightforward illustration clearly illustrates the purpose of visual aid, which is to link you up with a professional who can guide you through the various procedures.
Microsoft Teams and Zoom are two examples of online meeting solutions that are designed for meetings, video conferencing, webinars, and online events. On the call, participants can see each other and share their screens with one another, which is frequently done when delivering a PowerPoint presentation.
To call attention to something on a slide, you may also transform your mouse into a laser pointer in Teams and Zoom. The presenter will have to cease sharing their screen before anyone else can share because there can only be one presenter at a time. A remote guidance call makes switching between views much simpler. You can switch between seeing what the other person is seeing, sharing your screen, sending a picture, drawing or pointing on the screen, and returning to the live view of the issue you’re trying to solve. Video assistance saves time, money and downsize your carbon footprints.
Imagine opening a control panel and finding seven cords lined up in a row. At this point, you are instructed to disconnect the second left green connection. The fact that you and the person advising you do not speak the same language has now been added to the problem. By pointing at the exact cable and confirming that it is the correct cable to pull using the pointer feature on a visual assistance system, you can get over linguistic hurdles.
A bad internet connection can quickly ruin a video chat you’re having with someone on FaceTime or WhatsApp by freezing the video or muting the audio. This is due to the fact that running two video streams concurrently uses more bandwidth. You just need one video stream if you use a remote video assistance program designed for visual aids. This is simpler to employ in remote areas, such as Brazil’s power systems, as it is less taxing on the network.
When your internet connection is unstable, you also have the option of recording your remote video support session and playing the recorded video on your mobile device once the connection is working again. There is no minimum threshold to start recording, and you can record the session just once and preserve it for later use if you frequently get support cases on the same computer. You can make remote support calls while watching a slow-motion video if you are using high-speed equipment.
The fact that often both parties in the chat need to have the same app installed is typical for video conference solutions. When you communicate frequently, this is not a major issue. Typically, you check the types of video programs each person has and may find that you both have Messenger and use that.
It’s fantastic when you need to fix issues with broken equipment, perform a remote check as part of preventative maintenance, or occasionally teach new workers in the field. But if all you want to do is meet up with a buddy or co-worker and speak casually, then you are suggested for a regular video call. Each solution is therefore tuned for its specific intended use.
Even in the after-COVID world, remote video assistance is consistently used across industries for a range of benefits. For example, augmented reality (AR) enabled video assistance can bring the expertise of remote experts to the frontline workforce in no time! Plutomen Connect is one such leading tool that enables seamless remote video assistance.
Here’s a table illustrating the difference between Plutomen Connect and other video conferencing apps:
With Plutomen suite, you can reimagine the capabilities of your frontline and new hires. Our tools let subject-matter specialists create custom training programs. The distinctive interactive step-by-step instructions are shown in front of an employee’s eyesight. It lightens the strain and provides self-help for tasks like production, QA, assembly, and immersive learning. Get a demo from our expert to understand more!
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With more than 12+ years of experience in the world of enterprises, technology, and metaverse, Keyur Bhalavat is leading Plutomen to gain meaningful partnerships & to have a strong clientele network. He is one of the board members of GESIA (Gujarat IT Association Ahmedabad).
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