In its article, The Future of Work Reimagined, Dell shares its vision for the future of work and beyond the office. This would be a vision for what Dell calls “intelligent companion devices,” where our computers are becoming more “aware” of their own condition, location, and surroundings. In other words, we can more easily leave it to the device to recognize its surroundings and what it needs to do to set up and configure itself correctly.
Dell is also exploring multi-screen concepts, devices that have the potential and greater screen real estate to promote multitasking, new ways of working and greater productivity. Plus, Dell is constantly investigating different ways in which technologies like the cloud, 5G and AI will come together to improve the PC experience. At CES this year, Dell presented Concept Ori and Concept Duet. The former, a dual screen concept, the latter a foldable screen with a bigger display for multitasking. These exploratory concepts are part of Dell’s efforts “to create the best customer experiences possible,” though they may not be available for purchase in the next year.
It’s time for hybrid working solutions.
While we’ve been away from the office, Dell has been hard at work to facilitate our transition to the hybrid work world where technology is crucial in helping us to be both flexible and more productive. Anywhere and everywhere. Where seamless transitions from place to place are the endgame, whether from office to conference room, kitchen to living room, or from one location to another.
Let’s look at three recent concepts that Dell has created that could improve our hybrid technology experience—our ability to communicate, collaborate and level the location playing field.
| Technology Disruptors. Remember what it’s like! Don’t forget the power cord! What’s the wifi password? Where’s the projector? Is it plugged in? Where’s the outlet? Is it connected? Can you see my screen? Can you all hear me now? |
Seamless Transitions. Concept Flow.
Concept Flow is Dell’s vision for a seamless transition to productivity as team members become more mobile and move between locations as they work. Concept Flow is a visualization for how technology should and could move seamlessly with us as we go about our daily work, avoiding current frustrating technology disruptors and limitations. Beyond this, it suggests a rethink of how offices are laid out and how infrastructure is constructed for the hybrid workplace.
Dell’s Concept Flow.
- What they did: To create a singular, seamless experience, Dell teams have coupled devices, industry standard wireless charging technology, intelligent software applications and Wi-Fi 6E docking technology.
- Result 1: Simultaneously, as you place your laptop down, it receives power wirelessly (no more ungainly scrambling under desks to search for power outlets and cords.).
- Result 2: When you need to depart to your next location, Concept Flow has a proximity detection feature that disconnects you automatically as you leave.
| Picture this! Imagine walking up to an intelligent workspace where your laptop automatically connects to the displays, mouse, keyboard and the network before you’ve sat down. |
Virtual Meetings. Concept Pari
Meetings are here to stay. They are one way that teams connect, collaborate, and communicate, whether individually or collectively. How do we ensure that each participant has an equal experience, no matter where or how they join the meeting?
“Engagement fatigue” has intensified over the past couple of years as the hybrid workplace has become more commonplace. Team members show this in many ways. Eye contact. Body language. Camera placement is crucial and Dell’s innovation team came up with a camera with a difference that can help keep teams focused on the meeting and its topics.
Dell’s Concept Pari.
- What they did. Concept Pari is a simple, moveable, wireless web camera, with innovative features and a small footprint/flexibility that help interaction effortlessly. Small and light (approx. 1 ounce / 30g), this version features a microphone and can deliver 1080p resolution (FHD) video over Wi-Fi.
- Result 1: The camera can be placed directly–anywhere on compatible displays, in a charging dock, on a stand, or held in the hand, lets users make direct eye contact with the other team members, and permits easy sharing of additional offscreen content and viewpoints.
- Result 2: Built-in features include a power indicator, vertical indicator light to ensure alignment and great angles, plus an integrated USB-C dock for wireless charging. The dock can also cradle and charge a reversed camera.
Dell’s Concept Pari.
What they did. Concept Pari is a simple, moveable, wireless web camera, with innovative features and a small footprint/flexibility that help interaction effortlessly. Small and light (approx. 1 ounce / 30g), this version features a microphone and can deliver 1080p resolution (FHD) video over Wi-Fi.
Concept Pari could appeal to anyone engaging in regular video calls and could easily be a companion accessory in a hybrid work toolkit for anyone transitioning between different locations for work.
Take Note. Concept Stanza
The Dell team also looked at one of the most common things we all do…still. Some of us still rely on a notepad of some sort and a pen or pencil. Concept Stanza arose from the team’s exploration of multi-screen technology. The team chose not to include cameras or speakers, creating an intentionally “distraction-free experience.”
Dell’s Concept Stanza.
No more digging through multiple notebooks to find that reminder or note that you recall!
What they did. Concept Stanza is a thin, light, port-less, completely wireless 11-inch companion device designed for note taking and as an intelligent second screen. A combo of analog and digital, Stanza was developed with a pen and microphone for transcribing notes.
- Result 1: With Concept Stanza, there is no learning curve required and it “feels like” you are are taking notes with a pen and paper; double tap functionality converts handwriting to text instantly.
- Result 2: Additional intelligence, screen extension functionality and software features, Stanza allows content it creates to be retrievable, searchable, and shareable across devices.
Reimagining Work Experiences
Dell is aware that the hybrid work model goes beyond productivity and that achieving a balanced work environment will require both a culture shift and advancements in technology. Dell’s team of engineers and designers will continue to look into improving their customers’ work experience, investigating collaboration tools, ecosystem solutions, device intelligence, and how future technology solutions will be much more aware.
Watch the Video. How it all Flows Together!
Sources:
https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/blog/dell-brings-vision-future-pc-experiences-ces/
https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-us/blog/dell-s-latest-concepts-for-seamless-work-experiences/
By Jane Pratt