Luckily, there is an easy way to display vital information about meeting and conference rooms and eliminate any stress. 

Meet Joan. 

What is Joan?

Joan is a simple, yet brilliant, solution for managing meeting rooms and optimizing room use. What sets their room booking software apart are the touch-screen display devices Joan offers. You can mount the devices right outside the meeting room door. They not only show meeting room information, but also let you see open time slots and book them on the spot. 

If you would rather use a larger screen, consider using Joan on displays together with Airtame’s digital signage capabilities to prominently display the latest meeting information. Joan on displays lets you see current and future meetings and their attendees, as well as any available rooms and their seating capacity. 

Let’s go over a couple of reasons why Airtame and Joan are the perfect cable-free pairing for more engaging meetings. 

Effortless meetings  

Joan integrates seamlessly with standard calendar systems. This means you only have to update meeting information in one place and the information will sync automatically to all your displays. Now you are freed up to prepare for your meeting. 

When you need to present, you can quickly share your computer screen using Airtame’s simple app. Since there are no cables plugged into your laptop, it’s also easy to switch between presenters. With hands-free presentations, you can get more hands-on collaboration done.  

No hassle installation

The huge benefit of wireless technology is that it fits in seamlessly with any office design. Since Joan device is battery-powered, you can install it pretty much anywhere. 

The Airtame device is designed to sit on the wall, behind a TV screen, or fit in a projector’s cable tray. And with the option to power the device using Power over Ethernet, Airtame is not tethered to a power outlet either. The connection between your computer and TV screen is completely wireless, meaning you’re not tied to the table either. 

The perfect match for better meetings

Joan brings you peace of mind that your meeting rooms are being optimally used. Together with Airtame’s user-friendly screen sharing and digital signage, you can have more distraction-free meetings and reach maximum productivity. 

To explore more of the Joan solution for better meetings, visit their website. 

The post Building the ultimate wireless meeting room for stress-free meetings appeared first on Airtame.

By that, we mean that there are different ways to secure, from physical security to network security. The benefit of investing in enterprise-level products, such as Airtame 2, is that these products come with options for security built-in.

Let’s go over some of the Airtame security features.

Pin Code Connect

Pin Code Connect, is an easy way to ensure that no one outside of the room can stream to Airtame.

When you enable Pin Code Connect, Airtame will require users to enter a random 4-digit pin code in order to start a stream. The pin code will appear on your TV or projector screen, which you then type into the Airtame app.

This easy to use feature makes sure that no one in or outside the room streams to the wrong screen and shows potentially private content to the wrong audience. It also prevents any unwanted mischief from outside of the room.

Kensington lock

With regards to physical security, a good old fashioned lock is a simple, yet effective solution. That’s why we designed Airtame 2 with a Kensington lock slot. Kensington is the cross-industry standard for physically securing your AV equipment.

Using the Kensington lock slot means you can confidently use Airtame in TVs or projectors in shared or public spaces without fear of leaving the device vulnerable to theft.

Not sure which Kensington lock to buy for your Airtame 2? Our trusted resellers recommend the Microsaver 2.0 lock sold by Kensington.

Web proxy support

As a part of their network security, many organizations use web proxy setups. A web proxy, in simple terms, is a filter between your computer and the internet. That means if you try to visit a website running malicious code, a web proxy could detect this as a bad site and prevent it from accessing the network.

Airtame supports web proxy setups, which organizations often use as a part of their network security. Airtame requires internet access to run updates and display websites or dashboards, which makes web proxy support essential for enterprise-level organizations. Check out our article to see how easy it is to configure a web proxy on Airtame.

Looking for more ways to beef up your security? We’ve got some tips for you on how to improve your network security.

Airtame Cloud user roles

There are times we have to protect against security risks from inside our organizations. For example, our device management platform, Airtame Cloud, offers different user roles so private information, such as network settings, remains secure.

The user roles available are Owner, Admin, Manager, and User, suitable for every type of employee, staff, or student member you might have in your organization. Each role has a different degree of permissions to set new signage, edit streaming settings, or invite new users to Airtame Cloud.  

An enterprise-ready solution

For enterprises and other large organizations, such as educational institutions, security is not an area to be compromised. Airtame devices are built to work with your network security setup and take into account different aspects of Airtame security from locks to user roles.

Interested in learning more about what Airtame offers with regards to security? Our deployment guide is the place to go.

The post Everything you need to know about Airtame security appeared first on Airtame.

When you receive a new Airtame, the first step you take is a natural one: unboxing the device. But what do you do with the packaging when you’re done setting up your Airtame?

The thought of our boxes sitting in a landfill made us realize we had a chance to completely rethink our packaging in a way that reduces our environmental footprint. From that point on, our hardware and design teams set out to develop more sustainable packaging.

The result is a revamp of our packaging, specifically the outer box, the inlay that holds Airtame 2, and the instruction manuals. It not only looks good but makes us feel good too.

Sustainable from the outside in

When developing our packaging, we had three main priorities. The packaging had to:

1. Help users quickly set up their Airtames
2. Protect the device and accessories during transport
3. Be easy for users to dispose of

We spoke with a few suppliers that offered different options. Our first consideration was a carton material, which is similar to that used in our original packaging. This material, however, did not fit our vision for the new Airtame 2 packaging: simple, sustainable, sturdy.

Our search for the right materials supplier finally led us to DS Smith for the outer box and PaperFoam for the inlay that holds the Airtame 2 device within the box. DS Smith offers a wide range of protective packaging materials. This and their dedication to recyclable materials made them an attractive option.

To hold the Airtame 2 device inside the box, however, cardboard was not a viable option, as we needed something with more pliability and softness. Enter, PaperFoam.  

From potatoes to PaperFoam

We discovered PaperFoam, a 100% recyclable and biodegradable material that can be molded to the shape we need.

PaperFoam mixes starch from potatoes, natural fibers, water, and their own secret ingredient, to create their lightweight, yet cushioning inlay. Yes, the raw materials are technically edible, but we wouldn’t encourage snacking on the finished product.

Making the change to more sustainable packaging is great, but how does it really help users set up their Airtames more quickly?

Benefits of recyclable materials and sustainable processes

Choosing sustainable materials also has powerful results with regards to making it easier for users.

Whether you’re unboxing one Airtame or one hundred, you can easily dispose of the box and inlay in one recycling bin. This is possible because a majority of the packaging material is not only made of sustainable materials but also simplified down to a similar type of recyclable material – mainly cardboard. Less time spent on sorting waste means you can set up Airtames much more efficiently.

Turning efficient into sustainable

Choosing recyclable cardboard and paper materials plus PaperFoam’s specially formulated inlays is a humble step towards creating sustainable processes at Airtame. The road to more sustainable packaging is not without some bumps and comes with its own learning curve.

Sustainability does not only stop at packaging materials. Our hardware and engineering teams are currently looking at ways to make the Airtame product more environmentally friendly and energy efficient in your office or school. Watch this space for any updates on that!

Not heard of Airtame before? Check out our quick intro video:

Read more about sustainability in the workplace in our 2019 office trends piece

The post Unboxing our new sustainable packaging appeared first on Airtame.

What you need before setting up

• Airtame 2 (and all accessories from the box)
• The display (e.g. TV or projector) that you will equip with Airtame
• WiFi network (or Ethernet connection)
• Laptop (Windows, MacOS, Linux)*

*The initial setup is not possible from a mobile device or Chromebook.

Physically installing the device

1. Connect the two ends of the Aircord splitter into the power supply and the HDMI port of the display, respectively. Always use the provided power supply.
   
   
2. Place the magnetic wall mount onto the back of the Airtame device.
   
   
3. Connect the USB-C (remaining end of the Aircord) to the Airtame.
   
4. Choose one of the following options for placing the Airtame:
   1. For a permanent installation, you will need to peel the red stickers off the back of the wall mount, as well as the back of the Aircord splitter, in order to secure them to the wall (there is a strong adhesive underneath the stickers).
      
      
      Mount the Airtame 2 on the wall approx. 10cm/4” from the edge of the display.Only remove the stickers before permanently sticking the device to the wall.
      
      
   2. For a non-permanent installation, simply place the Airtame and Aircord splitter onto the back of the display’s edge. Most TVs have a magnetic frame, so the magnetic force will keep everything in place. In this case, do not peel off the red stickers.
      
      
   3. For a non-permanent installation with a projector, place the device on top (in a spot that does not heat up when the projector is in use).
      
      

Configuring your Airtame 2

Congrats, your Airtame 2 is now installed! You should be seeing a “Present Wirelessly” message on your Airtame-equipped display, with the name of your new device (starting with “airtame-oob”). If you don’t see this message, try changing the HDMI input on your display until you’ve found the right one.

“Configuring” refers to setting up the different characteristics of a device, including how it’s connected to a local network. This is the purpose of these next steps.

1. Download the Airtame application here. Please remember that you will need to use the application on a Macbook, Windows or Linux computer for the initial setup.
2. Open the application, and click the Set up button next to the name of your new device.
   
   
3. In the in-app setup, select a name for your Airtame.
4. You will now be prompted to connect the Airtame to your network (via WiFi or Ethernet).

WiFi connection

To connect via WiFi, select your network from the WiFi list and choose 5GHz over 2.4GHz if available.

Click “Connect” and enter your computer’s user password to allow Airtame to temporarily switch to Airtame’s own hotspot to transfer this configuration. Once the setup is done, your computer connects back to your local WiFi.

A confirmation message will show on the Airtame-equipped display, stating that the Airtame is now on your local WiFi. A new IP address will also be visible on the display.

Ethernet connection

To connect via Ethernet, it’s best to connect the Ethernet adapter and cable before clicking on the “Set up” button in the app.

When connected to the Ethernet adapter as shown in the above image, an IP address will appear on the display automatically.

Once you click the “Set up” button in the app and have given the device a name and selected Ethernet, name the Ethernet connection the same as the SSID it is connected to. If you’re unsure of what the SSID is, check with your IT administrator.

For more info on setting up with Ethernet (including how to have a simultaneous Ethernet + WiFi setup), click here.

Start your first presentation with Airtame 2

Now that your device is connected to the local network, just take a minute to double check that your computer is also back on the local network (and not still connected to Airtame’s own hotspot).

To start mirroring your computer screen:

1. Open the Airtame app.
2. Find your device in the list or enter its IP address.
3. Click the “Share screen” button next to the name of your new Airtame.
4. When you are done, return to the app panel and click “Stop” to finish the stream.
5. If you want to mirror a specific window (e.g. a document or browser), click “Share window” in the app, and then click on the desired window. Click “Stop” to end the presentation.
6. To play sound from your display’s speakers instead of your laptop, click on the audio icon that will appear in the app panel once you’ve starting presenting.
7. To present to more than one Airtame at a time, you can:
   1. Click “Share screen” next to multiple devices in the app, or
   2. Click “Share window”, select your desired window, and then go back to app to click “+ Add screen” (and repeat this for any additional Airtames).

What’s next?

Now that you’ve set up an Airtame 2 and tested out streaming, you can begin to show others how it’s done. Click here for our guides to helping colleagues use Airtame.

In addition to using Airtame for presentations, you can also use it as a digital signage solution. Click here to find out how to set a custom background to be shown on your Airtame-equipped display when idle.

You can also watch this short video and find out how Airtame works:

Need help with Airtame 2 setup?

Are you about to introduce Airtame to your end-users but aren’t sure about the best way to get them started? You are always welcome to book an onboarding call with our Customer Success team!

You can reach out to our support team via our live chat at airtame.com, or send an email to support@airtame.com. We are always happy to assist!

The post How to set up your first Airtame 2 appeared first on Airtame.

• Questions related to Airtame 1
• Questions on functionality
• viQuestions on accessories
• Questions around purchasing
• Questions about everything else

Questions related to Airtame 1

Why is Airtame 2 more expensive than the first generation device?

We are creating a new, more powerful and better product. The improvements are based on experience from the first generation, feedback from customers and the development of technology in general, which requires more parts, which are often more expensive too.

The product is more expensive to produce, with superior components to the previous generation, and is thus more expensive to purchase.

What are the main differences between Airtame 1  and Airtame 2?

• • Hardware: Aside from shape – more RAM, more memory, which means a faster device, faster updates, and a product better equipped for future apps. There’s also a new SOC (System On a Chip), which has 2x more graphics processing power (meaning the device can handle “heavier” content more effectively).
  • Improved streaming: Full HD 1080p @ 60 FPS (Frames Per Second) – the first generation Airtame was @ 30 FPS
  • Kensington Lock Slot – so you can protect the device in your surroundings – a feature that has been in demand for our first generation Airtame.
  • Improved stability: Better, more stable WiFi connection (of course dependent on the network setup at your workspace)
  • A longer custom cable is included in the Airtame 2 (Aircord) than the first generation Airtame.
  • Committed power: Airtame 2 needs to be powered by AC/DC supply or PoE adapter – not by the USB port behind your screen.
  • PoE adapter – not supplied with the device, but will soon be available

When can I expect my device to be delivered?

We will keep this article updated with expected shipping times and status.

How does Airtame 2 improve on latency and lag issues of the first generation device?

There are many factors affecting the latency and lag when streaming – including the network connection, Computer hardware, and Airtame.

Because of the hardware upgrades mentioned earlier in this post, Airtame 2 will be able to provide an improved streaming experience.

The upgraded network components will help improve the network connection and provide better stability during streaming.
Other upgrades including the total RAM and newer CPU will help improve the streaming experience with a more smooth image with more FPS (frames per second).
Additionally, it is worth mentioning the increased RAM to 2gb will provide better performance when Airtame 2 is running dashboards.

Questions on functionality

Will Airtame 2 handle 4K streaming?

Airtame 2 will, like Airtame 1, support 4K streaming, but will downscale to 1080p (Full HD). The Airtame 2 is not going to support streaming in 4K resolution.

From our years of obtaining customer feedback, it became clear that full HD 1080p streaming @ 60 frames per second would be the most effective and necessary output for most business and education environments. Furthermore, the decision to down-prioritize 4K streaming allows us to keep the price of Airtame 2 lower than our B2B competitors.

How does Airtame 2 compare to Chromecast?

It does not compare. Chromecast is an entertainment device for streaming Video/TV. Airtame 2 is a B2B solution, incorporating functionalities applicable to mass business and education rollouts, such as WPA2 encrypted network access, cloud management, and digital signage. For more info, read our Chromecast comparison article.

How does Airtame 2 compare to Apple TV?

It does not compare. Apple TV is an entertainment device for streaming Video/TV, solely for Apple products. Airtame 2 is a B2B solution, incorporating functionalities applicable to mass business and education rollout, such as WPA2 encrypted network access, cloud management and digital signage. For more info, read our Apple TV comparison article.

How does Airtame 2 compare to other B2B wireless screen sharing solutions?

You can see a full comparison overview here.

Can this new and improved Airtame be used for home use?

It is not a replacement for Chromecast when it comes to TV/Movie-streaming. It is a product for Business and Education use: presentations, digital signage, etc.

Questions on accessories

Airtame 2 comes with a non-removable adhesive to mount the device. What if I need to move my TV?

The non-removable adhesive is one-time use only, and therefore should only be used for a permanent Airtame placement. You do not need to drill into a wall – the adhesive sticks to a surface and the magnet attaches to the Airtame device securely.

If a user is trying the Airtame 2 device, is likely to move it or the screen they need to connect it to, then we recommend not using the adhesive, and instead using the magnetic wall mount. Many TVs and projectors have magnetic areas on the frame, on to which the customer can attach the magnet. This allows for a more flexible AV solution, while still keeping your Airtame 2 mounted and in good wireless range.

Why does the Aircord have an adhesive?

This is to ensure better, cleaner cable management. The Aircord adhesive is not essential for a successful setup.

Can I get replacement adhesives for the Aircord and magnetic wall mount? How about magnetic wall mounts?

Yes, to both. Please contact support@airtame.com or your Airtame rep if you need to purchase replacements.

Will the magnetic wall mount damage my TV screen?

No. This is only the case for rear projection, CRT TVs. Airtame 2 has been user tested with multiple modern TVs and no magnet issue has occurred.

Questions around purchasing

Will Airtame 2 work as an add-on to my first-gen Airtame set-up?

It is not an add-on device. However, if a customer has a first generation Airtame, they will be able to work alongside each other in the Cloud.

I installed the first-gen solution in my workplace only a few months ago. What are my buy-back or discounting options?

We have no buy-back scheme for pre-existing customers. If you are a mass deployment customer looking to upgrade your system, please contact your sales representative or reach us directly at sales@airtame.com.

Can I use your 30-day free trial and returns policy to send the first-gen product back, and pay extra for Airtame 2?

You are entitled to return your Airtame first-gen devices within 30 days of receiving them (returns shipment is at the customer’s expense). You will be fully refunded for the initial purchase, at which point you can buy a new batch of Airtame 2.

Questions about everything else

Will you continue to support first-gen devices with new firmware/software?

Answer here: Airtame 1 future – Support article

Where is Airtame 2 manufactured?

Airtame 2 was designed in Denmark; the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is assembled in Sweden; the packaging in Poland; and, the rest of the production is in China, and final assembly across Europe.

Is Airtame 2 energy efficient?

The Airtame 2 consumes more energy than first gen, as it is a more powerful system.

I powered my Airtame first-gen device through the TV before (via the USB cable). Why can’t I do this with Airtame 2?

Airtame 2 is a more powerful device and thus needs a committed power output. It cannot get enough power from the TV-USB -Output.

When does the Airtame 2 start shipping?

Shipment for the first batch of Airtame 2 rolls out in early to mid-November.

Is the packaging recyclable?

The current packaging for Airtame 2 is mostly recyclable (minus the supplied foam fitting). We are currently investigating a more sustainable packaging solution.

Still got more questions? Watch this short video and find out how Airtame works:

Once again, feel free to shout out if you have another question. We are happy to help!

The post All the questions you could possibly have about Airtame 2 appeared first on Airtame.

Take a peek at the reasons behind Airtame 2 …

Components

Airtame 2 is better, stronger, and more reliable than the first generation device, simply because its components are better. Better components bring more memory and improved wireless range.

Did you ever want the latest and greatest Airtame software, but didn’t think you had enough time to update before the start of a meeting?  Fear no more, because, with a high speed onboard memory chip and cutting edge WiFi chip, the Airtame 2 performs firmware and software updates in just a few minutes.

And there’s more! The first generation Airtame was able to load animations, but could only load very few frames per second. Airtame 2 is much better in the sense that it runs more smoothly and takes less time to load.

In both the first-gen Airtame and the Airtame 2, there’s a WiFi chip. Airtame 2 has a brand-new WiFi chip though, about five times faster than its precursor, which provides the user with even more smooth and reliable screen sharing and faster load time for website backgrounds.

Airtame 2 is upgraded in many ways, but the improved performance in better latency deserves a mention too. Now, our users can enjoy an even more instant feeling when streaming plus a more solid AirPlay playback.

Hardware

Components are one thing, but they need to be cased in something with a strong form factor to be noticed. While we were happy with the dongle-shaped first-gen Airtame, we realized we could give our users so much more by upgrading the hardware itself too. We’re happy to introduce not just a new product, but a bold new look too!

Another thing our users have requested is more flexibility in terms of setup. Our previous dongle-like Airtame fit right into the HDMI port of a TV or projector, which came with a few disadvantages such as potentially blocking the WiFi signal.

That’s why we took a good look at the installation and made some amazing upgrades there too. Setup with Airtame 2 includes a magnetic wall mount that makes it easy to place the device next to the screen. It’s designed so that optimal mounting with the magnetic wall mount provides the best possible WiFi connection. Besides that, Airtame 2 has a modern, sleek design that adds elegance to any environment – we don’t think you want to hide it, but we’ll get to that later.

It’s clear why many of our users have made the suggestion of incorporating a Kensington Lock option. The Kensington Lock secures the device in areas that are accessible to many people, for example in semi-public places like a lounge, waiting area or classroom. While the first-gen Airtame didn’t have this feature, Airtame 2 does.

Airtame 2 is much more powerful than the first gen device, and therefore needs to be plugged into a power outlet. The new custom cable called Aircord removes the trouble of reaching both the HDMI input on the display and the power source by giving it more corded range.

There’s even the option of using Airtame 2 with our very own Power over Ethernet (coming soon to our online store), which connects Airtame 2 directly with the LAN cable for both power and stable internet without having to compromise on the simple setup.

Design

The first-gen Airtame is not meant to be on display. It looks great but is a little modest, and we knew there were some upgrades to be made here. Some of our partners have called the new Airtame 2 “sexy”, and while we probably won’t go that far, it’s safe to say the new design wins more hearts.

The surface of Airtame 2 is smooth to the touch without any disturbing elements. There’s only one attention-grabbing feature on the otherwise completely black device, and that’s the LED on the front.

The LED’s standard setting is a steady white glow, to indicate that your Airtame 2 is working just fine. This light is less obtrusive than that of the first-gen Airtame and will serve as a guide to users and inform them when a software update is imminent if a connection is lost – and many more things, some of which we’ll be constantly developing.

With many other of our competitors, you’ll have to connect something to your laptop or mobile device, drill a mounting plate or the device itself into the wall. It’s laborious and takes a lot of time. Airtame 2 comes with a magnetic wall mount. Yes, magnetic, no drilling required!

We recommend removing the adhesive from the magnetic wall mount and Aircord and find a good place beside your screen to set it up, but you could also just mount the device itself straight to the frame of the TV.

If mounted visibly, the Airtame 2 will receive better signal, but also make it easy for everyone to eventually recognize that the given screen is powered by Airtame – an easy, reliable solution.

Future advancements

It wasn’t that long ago we released our Homescreen apps in beta. We have an increasingly bigger focus on app integrations – building apps that connect to your pre-existing business or education services, allowing for more dynamic digital signage on your screens when they are not being used.

Airtame 2 is better equipped to show and run more advanced digital signage and dashboard solutions. We think the future will call for many more of these solutions, and that’s why we’ve provided our users with a future-proof device that grows with our users’ needs.

Price – still competitive

What about the price tag, you might ask? With all these state of the art components, the price must be sure to sky-rocket, right? We’re delighted to inform you that Airtame 2 is still a cheaper solution than most.

Airtame 2 costs €/$ 499 (ex. VAT), which is a bit more expensive than its predecessor. Airtame 2 is also an upgraded, future-proof solution that runs faster, has more memory, twice the wireless WiFi range and a more flexible setup. It’s a bargain when put under this context. Check out how we compare to our biggest competitors here.

Bottom line

Our first product is a fine device that we’re very proud of. And right now, it can suit most of the demands our users are requesting. But a year from now, we think that this device will have a hard time catching up to the features that we and our users want it to run.

And that’s why we’ve built a device with better components, a smarter design and room for all the improvements we will offer in the future to help you use screens better. We crammed all the learnings from our first-gen device into a new and improved form factor with kick-ass electronics.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Airtame 2s work perfectly well with the first-gen Airtame. So if you want, you could have these new, more powerful devices in rooms or environments where you need to impress more or need it to run faster and keep the first gen devices running like clockwork in the down-prioritized environments.

All in all, we’re launching a next-generation product that will be more prominent in the room, better performing and still as stable as the current platform that we’ve been continuously developing for four years.

Airtame 2 isn’t just a new chapter that continues a tale – it’s a whole new book that our users will be able to co-write with us.

Watch this short video to discover how Airtame works:

Find out more about Airtame 2 and buy yours today

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