Bring Your Own Device or BYOD started out as a great idea: Let people use the tools they’re already comfortable with. But in practice, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. We’ve lived through a few iterations of this now, and today, I want to walk you through what I see as the three generations of BYOD and why the third one finally gets it right.

Airtame has followed the evolution of BYOD

For more than a decade, Airtame has been following the evolution of BYOD. We were at the forefront of wireless sharing just trying to solve the most basic issue with BYOD, collaborating on a display easily. It’s what drew me to join Airtame after having my own frustrations with the typical way of utilizing meeting spaces in the mid-2010’s.

Back when Airtame launched its first product, the world was still running on VGA cables. Meeting rooms were full of dongles. And anyone who dared to connect a MacBook to a projector… well, good luck. We saw that friction. We felt it. And we set out to fix it for anyone who needed to share something on a screen without jumping through hoops.

That was the beginning and more than ten years later, Airtame is one of the few companies that’s been through the full evolution of BYOD. We’ve watched the shift. We’ve been there for all of it. And I’d argue we’ve helped define what the next generation should look like.

Let’s break it down.

BYOD 1.0: Cables, adapters, and setup struggles

The earliest form of BYOD was simple on the surface: plug in your laptop (back when computers still had HDMI ports) and share your documents. For IT admins, it felt like the most straightforward setup – just a cable and you’re good to go. But for users, it often meant juggling HDMI or VGA connectors, hoping the room still had a cable, and fiddling with display settings on both your laptop or the display. It was clunky and prone to awkward breaks at the start of every meeting. Not to mention the mid meeting pauses to pass the cord to someone else or have to designate an attendee as the “sharer”. Still, it marked a real shift. People started expecting to use their own devices (not shared computers) when presenting. It felt empowering, even if it wasn’t exactly elegant.

BYOD 2.0: Video calls and way too much complexity

Then came the hybrid era. Suddenly, screen sharing wasn’t enough. You had to join a call, launch a conferencing platform, and route video and audio through the right device. IT teams now had to be audio visual technicians and users were thrust into learning new workflows for collaborating. That was BYOD 2.0. It added flexibility, sure, but also a TON of complexity. The experience depended on the user knowing which buttons to press, which cables to connect, which input to select. If anything went wrong, the meeting stalled. Frustrating for users and IT teams alike, as I’m sure many of you have experienced firsthand.

BYOD 3.0: The moment everything clicks

Here’s where things get interesting. The newest generation of BYOD setups, what I’d call BYOD 3.0, isn’t more than wireless. It’s wireless that works the way people expect it to.

Skip the cables, cut the hassle. Just walk into a room, and everything works with whatever you bring. You don’t have to know what app the room supports or whether your laptop needs a driver. The system meets you where you are. That’s the promise, and it’s one we’re proud to deliver on.

Most“wireless conferencing” setups still rely on your laptop to do the heavy lifting. The video call runs locally, and your device has to beam both the screen and the camera feed to the room system. That eats up resources, drains battery, and relies heavily on the network and hardware. Others go the opposite route. The room owns the meeting entirely, which means limited flexibility and less control for the user.

We’ve taken a different approach. One that puts the user in control without putting pressure on their device. It’s simpler and more practical for the way people work today. What sets this new wave apart isn’t the tech, it’s more so the lack of tech getting in your way.

What it means for the real world

I’m a big believer that technology should stay out of your way. It should be so easy you don’t know it’s there, and more importantly – it should enhance the collaborative experience. That’s why BYOD 3.0 matters. BYOD 3.0 is not about flashy features or adding a lot of extra gear. It’s about removing friction. It’s also about helping people do their best work, without needing to wear an IT hat just to start a meeting.

And this shift is only accelerating. Our latest partnership with Neat takes things even further, bringing Airtame’s wireless flexibility to Neat’s beautifully engineered video devices. Together, we’re delivering the kind of seamless experience that BYOD was always meant to be.

The post A brief history of BYOD and where it’s going next appeared first on Airtame.

The changing landscape of school safety

Throughout my career in education, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in how we approach school safety. Gone are the days when a simple fire drill was sufficient. In our fast-paced world, where information travels at the speed of light, our safety measures must evolve accordingly. Schools are not just places for learning; they are communities that need to be prepared for any situation.

The power of quick communication

Imagine this scenario: an emergency arises, and within seconds, every screen in the school displays clear, concise instructions. There’s no panic, no confusion—just swift, effective communication. This is the power of modern emergency alert systems, and it’s a game-changer in ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

Shared displays around the school play a pivotal role in this process. By showing the same message across all screens, we ensure that everyone—students, teachers, and staff—receives the same information simultaneously. It’s like having a well-rehearsed orchestra where every member knows their part, creating a harmonious response to any emergency.

Why shared displays?

You might wonder, “Why not just use PA systems or text alerts?” While these methods are useful, shared displays add a visual element that’s hard to ignore. In a noisy classroom or a bustling hallway, a bright, flashing message on a screen can capture attention instantly. Visuals can convey information more quickly and effectively than words alone, making them an essential tool in emergency communication.

The dynamic duo: Airtame and Raptor

Now, let’s talk about a dynamic duo that’s making waves in school safety—Airtame and Raptor. These two platforms work together seamlessly to ensure that emergency alerts are not just sent out but also seen and acted upon.

Raptor, known for its robust emergency management systems, can trigger alerts that are then displayed on Airtame-powered screens. This integration means that when an emergency occurs, the right message reaches the right people at the right time. It’s like having a superhero team-up, where Raptor provides the intelligence and Airtame delivers the strength, ensuring that every screen in the school becomes a beacon of safety.

Wrapping up

As someone deeply committed to education and safety, I believe that leveraging shared displays and integrating systems like Airtame and Raptor is a step forward in improving school safety. We’re not just enhancing our preparedness; we’re fostering a culture of resilience and readiness.

Remember, the goal is not to instill fear but to promote preparedness. With the right tools, we can make our schools safer, one alert at a time.

Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s continue to make our schools the vibrant, secure places they should be.

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Neat App Hub is a groundbreaking development platform that natively brings essential apps users rely on in their daily workflows directly to Neat devices. Neat App Hub currently supports various use cases including workplace experience and shared space collaboration, and has now been expanded to include video calling solutions. The apps within Neat App Hub are easily accessible through Neat Pulse where IT managers can centrally deploy, manage, monitor, and update these applications and their Neat device deployment.

With Virtual Airtame, Neat devices transform into flexible collaboration hubs. The all-in-one platform supports any conferencing provider, enabling seamless video calls, wireless content sharing, digital signage, and emergency messaging from a single, intuitive platform.

This makes it an ideal fit for BYOD environments and organizations modernizing their meeting spaces with minimal setup and maximum flexibility. Together, Airtame’s software platform and Neat’s hardware deliver a smooth, user-friendly experience for today’s hybrid workplaces—empowering teams to connect and collaborate with ease.
The growing Neat App Hub ecosystem currently includes dozens of providers, ranging from global market leaders to specialized companies with a multitude of innovative applications that businesses rely upon daily to address workflows.

“Virtual Airtame brings a whole new level of flexibility to Neat devices—combining video conferencing, screen sharing, digital signage, and even emergency alerts in one platform,” said Jonas Gyalokay, Founder at Airtame. “We’re thrilled to partner with Neat to deliver a solution that truly meets the needs of modern BYOD and hybrid environments.”

“Neat App Hub makes it easy to integrate the daily applications teams rely on into today’s modern workplace. We are excited to expand Neat App Hub to include video calling applications such as Airtame,” said Hellene Garcia, VP of Emerging Technologies for Neat. “As the Neat App Hub ecosystem continues to grow, working with Airtame will enable us to continue to adapt to the diverse ways teams work, and deliver greater value through Neat devices.”

Virtual Airtame will be available on all Gen 2 Neat video devices via Neat App Hub. Beta access will launch this summer for Neat Board 50 and Neat Board Pro, followed by Neat Bar Gen 2 and Neat Bar Pro.

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The integration connects Raptor® Emergency Management with Airtame-powered displays, allowing schools to instantly broadcast safety instructions during critical incidents. Messages appear automatically on screens throughout the campus—classrooms, hallways, and common areas—without the need for manual input or device switching.

Using the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), schools can ensure that emergency messaging is consistent, location-specific, and visible to everyone, exactly when it matters most.

“Safety is paramount in today’s schools,” said Jonas Gyalokay, Co-founder at Airtame. “With this integration, schools gain a reliable, campus-wide communication tool that delivers the right message to the right screen in real time.”

Key benefits of the integration:

“At Raptor, our mission is to protect every child, every school, every day,” said Chris Noell, Chief Product Officer at Raptor Technologies. “By combining Raptor Emergency Management with Airtame’s powerful visual communication platform, schools get a vital new tool for keeping staff and students informed and protected during emergencies.”

The Airtame–Raptor integration is now available to all schools looking to improve emergency response capabilities and streamline campus-wide communication.

For more details, visit airtame.com and raptortech.com.

About Airtame

Airtame delivers powerful screen sharing, digital signage, and device management tools that help schools and businesses communicate clearly and visually. Designed for ease of use and centralized control, Airtame is trusted by thousands of organizations to turn screens into smarter communication hubs.

About Raptor Technologies

Raptor was founded in 2002 with the mission to protect every child, every school, every day. Today, Raptor is a school safety partner for 60,000 schools in 55 countries, providing SaaS and mobile technology as well as comprehensive training and consultation solutions across the entire school safety life cycle, ranging from crisis prevention and preparation to emergency response and recovery. Raptor’s globally integrated product portfolio supports a school’s foundation of safety and wellbeing, including Emergency Management, Campus Movement, Student Wellbeing and Safety Training and Compliance.

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At Airtame, that’s been our north star for the past years: making shared screen experiences better for real-life classrooms, meeting rooms, and everything in between. Now, just in time for InfoComm 2025, we’re ready to show you what that actually looks like.

So, what’s new?

We’ve centered our updates around three key areas where tech for shared displays can make or break the flow of your day: video conferencing, screen sharing, signage, and smart integrations.

1. Screen sharing and video conferencing that works with any device

Whether you’re presenting or joining a video call from your device, it should be effortless.

2. Signage that’s quick to set up and easy to manage

You shouldn’t need a design degree (or ten spare hours) to update your digital signage.

3. Partnerships that expand what’s possible

We’ve joined forces with some amazing tech partners to make the Airtame experience even better.

Catch it all live at InfoComm

If you’re headed to InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, swing by Booth #2269. We’ll be demoing all the updates, plus letting you test out the new mobile apps, signage tools, and partner integrations for yourself.

BYOD is how a lot of people work and teach now. We’re here to make that easier, faster, and way more reliable.

See you at InfoComm 👋 or check out what’s new here.

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At Airtame, we took a different path. We don’t aim to have the most features; instead, we prioritize the features that matter most to the people using our technology day in and day out. From teachers and students sharing information to IT teams managing digital signage and technology readiness across schools, we build for ease, value, and long-term satisfaction. Here’s how we approach design differently—and why it works for education.

1. Feature factory vs. experience factory

Most products in the wireless collaboration industry aim to check off every possible feature, becoming what is commonly referred to as a “feature factory.” The result is often a product loaded with options but not optimized for day-to-day use. At Airtame, we focus on building an “experience factory,” where the emphasis is on how each function can truly enhance the classroom and school environment.

This approach allows us to develop a solution that’s simple to use and quick to learn, even for teachers or staff who aren’t tech-savvy. By focusing on seamless screen sharing, intuitive digital signage, emergency alerts and reliable connectivity, we deliver a product that works—no manual required.

2. Selling points vs. experience points

When products are built solely for “selling points,” they’re often crammed with features meant to appeal to decision-makers. But these bells and whistles don’t always add up to a smooth experience for teachers, students, and staff. At Airtame, we look beyond the sale, designing each feature for practical use and user satisfaction.

For example, our digital signage allows administrators to manage content remotely, ensuring important messages or visuals reach students and staff quickly – no training required. We don’t do this to tick a box for digital signage, but instead to create a tool that genuinely makes life easier for everyone involved.

3. Building for decision-makers vs. building for all

In education, decision-makers often select technology based on specs and features, but the end-users are the ones interacting with it daily. Airtame focuses on building a solution that serves everyone: from decisions-makers, administrators, and IT staff to teachers and students. We understand that while decision-makers may prioritize specs, end-users need something they can rely on and understand immediately.

Our device-agnostic approach — compatible with Chromebooks, PCs, iPads, and more—reflects this philosophy. It ensures every student and teacher can connect effortlessly, regardless of their device, removing the friction that comes with incompatible tech.

4. Every scenario imaginable vs. main use cases

Many products attempt to cover every use case imaginable, which leads to over-engineering and a steep learning curve. Instead, we built Airtame to support the primary needs in school environments: screen sharing for classrooms, digital signage in hallways and lobbies, emergency alerts across spaces, reliable connectivity for hybrid learning environments, and seamless remote management for users and admins.

By narrowing our focus to core scenarios, we deliver a streamlined experience that’s highly effective for the most common situations. Teachers aren’t bogged down by unnecessary settings, and IT teams spend less time troubleshooting complex setups.

5. Passing tenders vs. delighting users

In the tech industry, many products are designed to pass public tenders by meeting as many specs as possible. But at Airtame, we believe technology should do more than just meet requirements on paper; it should exceed expectations in the real world. Our focus is on designing solutions that delight users with their simplicity and functionality, which ultimately leads to better adoption and fewer support requests.

We know that this approach can mean sacrificing certain “tick-box” features. But by choosing the most impactful capabilities, Airtame delivers a solution that teachers, students, and IT staff genuinely enjoy using.

6. Feature density vs. ease of use

Ease of use isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a fundamental requirement in school environments where teachers need to engage students, rather than troubleshoot technology. However, defining ease of use in a requirements specification is often tricky, making it challenging for decision-makers to prioritize it alongside technical features.

Airtame has tackled this by focusing on simplicity: setting up our devices takes minutes, screen sharing requires just a couple of clicks, and digital signage is managed remotely, freeing IT teams from classroom interruptions. This prioritization of ease of use reduces support needs and improves overall user satisfaction.

7. Building not just to be used, but to be loved

Ultimately, we don’t want Airtame to be a tool that’s merely tolerated or used out of necessity. We aim to build something that teachers, students, and administrators actually enjoy using—technology that empowers, rather than frustrates. Building an “experience factory” instead of a “feature factory” means focusing on creating a product that people love because it’s simple, reliable, and genuinely helpful.

Going for experience factory over feature factory

We want to focus on what matters most to users: a straightforward, powerful, and dependable experience. By prioritizing usability and long-term value, we’ve created a solution that’s designed not just to be used, but to be enjoyed. For schools looking to reduce IT complexities and increase classroom engagement, this approach is essential.

With Airtame, it’s not about checking every box. It’s about checking the right ones – with care for and understanding of the user.

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Launching in April 2024 with the release of iQ 4.4, SMART OneLaunch will be available exclusively on SMART Board iQ4+ interactive displays, delivering a simple, consistent, and reliable experience across meeting rooms and classrooms.

One platform, all your meetings—no extra setup needed

SMART OneLaunch consolidates video conferencing into a single, streamlined experience—whether you use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex, or other platforms. Meetings appear in a clear daily list, and with just one touch, users can instantly start or join a call. No need for external computers, extra installations, or manual setup.

“We know that we needed a very simple, One-Touch methodology for people to either join a meeting or bring their meeting to the room and quickly jump onto a call,” says Steven Marinoske, Senior Product Manager at SMART Technologies.

“No need to plug in cords, attach dongles, or worry about whether they’re on the right network. By having an internet connection that allows users to connect directly to the board and transfer their call, we knew we had a winner.”

A smarter way to meet, share, and collaborate

SMART OneLaunch isn’t just about starting meetings—it’s built to make collaboration effortless:

A partnership built on simplicity and innovation

By partnering with Airtame, SMART Technologies is delivering a next-generation hybrid meeting experience that prioritizes ease of use, security, and efficiency. Airtame’s expertise in wireless collaboration, combined with SMART Technologies’ leadership in interactive displays, creates a powerful, user-friendly solution designed for businesses and schools alike.

With SMART OneLaunch, powered by Airtame, meetings are no longer a tech hurdle—they just work.

SMART OneLaunch will be available in April 2024 with the iQ 4.4 update for SMART Board iQ4+ displays.

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Organizations need solutions that work well in the moment and are adaptable to evolving needs. One of the central issues is balancing cost, functionality, and integration into existing systems—without having to rip and replace hardware or burden IT teams with overly complex installations.

But how do you navigate these challenges, ensuring your organization is equipped for seamless communication and collaboration without overspending – or ripping your hair out from tech frustrations?

Adapting to Change: Why Flexibility in Technology Matters

Teams today are working from a wide variety of locations and devices, and having tools that cater to diverse platforms and setups is critical – flexibility is key! In particular, screen-sharing and video conferencing solutions need to be adaptable to a range of environments—from in-person meetings to remote collaboration—and work without unnecessary friction.

Need to purchase new hardware? The cost can be a limiting factor, making it hard to justify replacing perfectly functional equipment just to accommodate new features. Repurposing existing technology and finding ways to integrate new solutions with minimal disruption can provide significant cost savings.

Why Scalability is Key to Long-Term Success

As companies grow, their needs evolve. What might work well for a small office of 20 people can quickly become inefficient as your headcount increases. That’s why scalability is crucial when implementing new systems. A solution that can grow alongside your organization without requiring constant re-investment in new infrastructure provides both immediate benefits and long-term value.

By investing in scalable solutions, organizations can maintain the agility needed to adjust to new requirements, such as hybrid working models or increased video conferencing demands. Ideally, the solution you choose should meet your current needs and future-proof your operations, allowing you to expand without significant additional costs.

Virtual Airtame: A Flexible, Cost-Effective Answer

At Airtame, we understand these common pain points and have created solutions that address the need for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective communication tools. With Virtual Airtame, organizations can transform their existing hardware—whether it’s a Windows or Android device—into an Airtame receiver. This software-based solution eliminates the need for additional hardware purchases and allows teams to make the most of what they already have. It offers a quick and straightforward setup, enabling IT teams to integrate the solution into the company’s infrastructure easily.

Virtual Airtame doesn’t require end-users to download additional apps for essential functions. Its browser-based interface simplifies screen-sharing and video conferencing tasks, reducing friction for users who need to connect on the go.

We invite you to try out Virtual Airtame with a 30-day free trial. You’ll see firsthand how Virtual Airtame can transform your devices into efficient collaboration tools. With no upfront investment, you can quickly test its compatibility with your existing systems, ensuring it meets your organization’s unique needs.

Start your free trial today and take the first step toward a more connected, efficient, and future-proof workspace.

The post Futureproofing the Workplace: The Importance of Scalability and Flexibility appeared first on Airtame.

Addressing the Challenges of Modern Collaboration

In today’s hybrid work environment, organizations face significant hurdles in deploying seamless screen sharing, video conferencing, and digital signage. Tight budgets, complex installations, and the need for a consistent user experience across diverse spaces are constant challenges. Virtual Airtame directly addresses these issues, offering a cost-effective, software-only solution that transforms existing Android and Windows-powered displays into fully functional collaboration and signage screens. By leveraging hardware that organizations already own, Virtual Airtame simplifies the upgrade process and lowers the barriers to adopting this easy-to-use collaboration technology.

Empowering Every Screen for Collaboration

Virtual Airtame allows any screen to become a hub for screen sharing, video conferencing, and digital signage. Users can connect wirelessly and intuitively, without downloading additional software enabling them to share their screen or start a video call easily. The broad range of integrations ensures a smooth experience across all major platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex. This flexibility empowers organizations to unify their collaboration experience across all screens, whether using Virtual Airtame on existing devices or Airtame’s proprietary hardware.

CEO Insights on the New Development

“This is a huge leap for Airtame and our customers,” said Susanne Lund, CEO of Airtame. “With Virtual Airtame, we’re breaking down the barriers to access and enabling more organizations to benefit from our seamless screen sharing and collaboration solutions—using their existing equipment. We can now provide an easy-to-use solution without the need for extra hardware. We are pleased to give even more value to our existing and new customers by offering our solutions cost-effectively and sustainably.”

Simple Deployment and Risk-Free Trial

Virtual Airtame is designed for effortless deployment, transforming existing screens into Airtame-enabled displays in minutes. Organizations can experience the full suite of Airtame features through a 30-day free trial, allowing them to explore the platform without making any upfront purchase or installing new hardware.
For more information about Virtual Airtame, visit Airtame’s official website.

About Airtame

Airtame’s platform for shared screens offers a seamless and unified experience across screen sharing, digital signage, and video conferencing, all effortlessly managed. The user-friendly solution enhances productivity and engagement, in any environment inside your school or business. Founded in 2013, Airtame is trusted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide to facilitate over 2 million monthly meetings in over 125,000 classrooms and meeting spaces.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Name: Benjamin Dahlerup
Email: marketing@airtame.com
Website: https://airtame.com/

The post Airtame Unveils Virtual Airtame: Expanding Accessibility with a Software-Based Platform appeared first on Airtame.

Airtame has embraced this trend by enabling users to interact with their Airtame screens directly through their browsers. This approach offers several key advantages for the dynamic environment of co-working spaces.

Ease of Access

Using Airtame through your browser eliminates the need for downloading, installing, or updating apps. Users can simply visit airtame.com/go, enter a five-character pairing code, and immediately start sharing their screens or joining video calls. This streamlined process saves time and reduces the friction often associated with getting started with new software.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Airtame in the browser supports multiple operating systems simultaneously, ensuring that users on Windows, macOS, or even Chromebooks and Linux can all enjoy a consistent experience. This universal compatibility is particularly beneficial in co-working spaces where members might use a diverse array of devices.

Improved Workflow

For IT administrators, managing a browser-based solution simplifies many aspects of maintenance and support. There’s no need to handle multiple software versions or manage installation permissions across different devices. This simplicity translates to a smoother, more efficient workflow for everyone involved.

Enhanced Security

Browser-based interactions offer enhanced security, as they require minimal system access and operate within the secure environment of the web browser. This reduces the risk of security breaches and ensures that even guest users can safely connect to the network and access the necessary tools.

Perfect for Co-Working

Using your browser to screen share with Airtame in a co-working space simplifies the process for everyone. Guests and tenants can get started in seconds without any need for installs, ensuring anyone can connect quickly. This is especially beneficial for frequently onboarding new users whose IT departments don’t control their equipment. Even when an IT admin cannot pre-install or link to content on devices, users can walk in, look at the screen, and get going within seconds. No worries about device compatibility, ports, or drivers – it just works seamlessly.

Elevates Education

In educational settings, Airtame’s browser-based screen sharing simplifies the process for students with their own laptops. Older students can quickly share their presentations or project work without the hassle of installing software or connecting physical cables. By just accessing the Airtame screen from their browser, they can focus on presenting their content rather than dealing with tech issues. This seamless approach helps maintain the flow of lessons and supports an interactive learning environment where students can easily contribute and share their work.

Airtame in Action

Airtame’s browser interface makes it incredibly easy for users to share screens and join meetings. This flexibility is perfect for co-working spaces, where quick and reliable access to shared screens and video conferencing is essential. By minimizing setup time and maximizing compatibility, Airtame ensures that users can focus on their work rather than on technology.

In conclusion, as co-working spaces continue to evolve, tools like Airtame that leverage the power of the browser will become increasingly valuable. They offer the accessibility, security, and ease of use that modern workplaces demand. Embrace the future of co-working with Airtame in your browser and experience the benefits firsthand.

Click here to learn more about screen sharing and video conferencing with Airtame.

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