Holger Reisinger on Jabra’s AI-powered hybrid work solutions

Q. How is Jabra leveraging AI to enhance hybrid work experiences? What are the most exciting trends or opportunities that you see emerging?

The most exciting market trend is the integration of AI into UCC solutions. Applications utilising voice and speech recognition, such as meeting transcripts and summaries, are already prevalent and are expected to gain in popularity.

We see our products as the gateway to AI because the effectiveness of voice-based AI relies heavily on the accuracy of recognition and transcription, which is contingent upon the quality of the audio technology employed. Consequently, this trend is driving investments not only in software but also in hardware.

Similarly, we are also integrating AI in our products – such as AI algorithms in our headsets or edge-AI processing in our video solutions, which power intelligent features such as the virtual director. We always use AI in our products with the intention of making remote and hybrid collaboration and communication clearer and more natural.

Q. How do you envision AI reshaping the way knowledge workers operate in the coming years?

AI will significantly enhance the efficiency of knowledge workers by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative or strategic activities. Workers will also be able to make more informed decisions faster with advanced tools for data analysis and insights generation.

The collaboration will improve through AI-driven communication platforms that streamline information sharing and project management. For us, one of the most critical transformations is connected to speech. Voice-activated AI lets users control systems, analyse data, and automate tasks just by talking.

It makes workflows smoother and helps employees get things done more efficiently, especially in hands-free or urgent situations. So, no more typing – just chat naturally with AI that can listen, understand, and respond right away.

 

Q. With the increasing adoption of hybrid work models in the UAE, how is Jabra tailoring its solutions to meet the unique needs of organisations and individuals in the region?

Our primary focus is on developing high-quality audio and video technology that enhances remote and hybrid collaboration. We offer versatile products designed for use in office and home environments as well as for working on the go. Our solutions emphasise flexibility, enabling organisations to scale and integrate technology as needed.

Furthermore, our PanaCast video conference solutions feature advanced architecture and powerful Edge AI processors, allowing for regular software updates and thus making them future-proof.

Together with our very strong partners in the region, including distributors and resellers, we are committed to delivering the best service and support to our customers. We look at every customer’s needs from a holistic perspective, which means that we analyse their current situation: What collaboration platform and tools are they using? How do their employees work, with whom, and how do they communicate? What do their offices look like now, and how do they think they will look in five years from now? All these are questions we ask, and they are important details for deciding which solutions are best for them.

Q. How does the company ensure that sustainability and ethical practices are integrated into its product development and business strategies?

We focus on sustainable design by utilising Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to minimise environmental impact. We ensure our products are TCO Certified and that our packaging is FSC-certified and free from foam and virgin plastic. We are committed to decarbonisation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in line with scientific guidelines through eco-friendly innovations. Additionally, we uphold supply chain responsibility by protecting human rights globally and adhering to UN Principles and RBA standards.

Q. Given the growing health concerns surrounding wireless headphones, how does Jabra prioritise safety in its product design and development?

Health and safety are the highest priority in our product design. We are part of the GN Group and, therefore, can benefit from the expertise of our colleagues in medical-grade hearing technology. We integrate various hearing protection features in our headsets, such as Jabra PeakStop or Jabra SafeTone, which eliminate potentially harmful sound spikes and ensure a safe listening level that meets EU and US safety requirements.

I was not aware that health concerns regarding wireless headphones are growing, but it is a recurring question, and I think I can give you and end users some peace of mind: Bluetooth devices emit low levels of non-ionising radiation. Exposure to low amounts of this type of radiation is not harmful to humans.

Let’s compare it to cell phone radiation, which is one thousand times stronger than Bluetooth radiation. The basic consensus is that current research does not point to any obvious link to health issues from cell phone use. However, Bluetooth headsets can actually substantially reduce exposure to cell phone radiation since the phone is kept away from the head while speaking.

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