2N has added new functionality to its devices by upgrading its OS which will support flexible working and ensure that 2N’s devices can be used by the hard of hearing.
According to a survey published in May, CBRE’s EMEA Occupier Survey 2022, it was discovered that only 6% of companies are currently requiring employees to return to the office on a full-time basis, with 72% saying that they are moving towards a hybrid working model. Over 60% of companies are looking to increase the provision of mixed, shared or mobile work settings, with almost 80% planning to downscale dedicated assigned seating.
This change in working has led many companies to re-consider the need for a traditional receptionist. In response to this, 2N’s new OS update enables bidirectional video through the 2N IP Style, the company’s flagship intercom. This allows visitors to see the person they are talking to and vice versa, which is of particular value to buildings which decide to go without a dedicated receptionist.
The addition of bidirectional video is also in response to the growing demand for inclusivity in device functionality as it allows the hard of hearing to communicate using sign language.
The upgrade also has two security advantages. Firstly, ONVIF settings have had a total rework, with 2N intercoms now supporting T as well as S profiles. The S profile already supported the basic video streaming; the T profile enables advanced video streaming. This opens up a range of new possibilities, including motion detection and tamper alarms, as well as the support of bi-directional audio. The new 2N OS thus broadens the integration options with third party security devices, allowing customers to connect 2N’s devices into fully comprehensive security solutions.
Secondly, the 2N OS upgrade improves the quality of images sent to the 2N Indoor View answering unit, a 7” touchscreen designed for luxury residential projects. The upgrade also allows users to zoom in on the answering unit so that they can see the caller’s face, name tag or ID more clearly by pinching two fingers, just as they would on a phone.
In addition, for the first time, the upgrade allows visitors to leave a videomail on the 2N Indoor View when the resident is not home.