Touchscreen manufacturer, CTOUCH, plans to equip its renowned CTOUCH Operating System (COS) with an upgrade to the Android 10 platform in September 2021.

The CTOUCH Riva, a popular and widely-used touchscreen in primary schools, will be the first model to be equipped with this new platform. Even more, CTOUCH will also offer current users of the CTOUCH Riva, as well as owners of the previous generation CTOUCH touchscreens (Laser Sky and Nova), the possibility to upgrade their devices to the new Android 10 environment. This new platform will provide more functionalities and additional security features compared to currently used operating systems such as Android 8 and 9.

We’re excited to be the first touchscreen manufacturer in the world to bring a platform based on Android 10 to the IFPD market, says Anthony van Oijen, Manager Product & Innovation at CTOUCH. “Usability, security, future-proofness and sustainability are four key pillars of our product development strategy. Our new Android 10 solution will offer exactly that to the users of our current and future touchscreens.”

More Functionalities

The Android 10-based OS from CTOUCH (COS) will have many new functionalities, like:

• Multiple user logins, allowing different users to log into their own account with their personal settings on the same screen.
• Multi tasking to make it easy to use multiple apps at the same time.
• Enhanced annotation application to combine real whiteboard functionalities with the ease of annotation tools.
• A self-explanatory user interface that is easier to learn and makes teachers more comfortable using COS. This helps them to get the most out of the screen.

Enhanced Security

In terms of security, Android 10 offers several improvements to raise the level of security and better protect the user from privacy perspective. Features like enhanced encryption, app permission control and the use of biometrics such as fingerprint recognition in apps will become available. The new modular Android 10 component enables easier and faster system upgrades and patches in the future.

Future-Proof & Sustainable

The new features and improved security offered by Android 10 allow users to extend the lifespan of their screen. This saves them money and together we reduce loads of CO2 emissions throughout the whole supply chain. Yes, we’re talking about a real win-win situation here!

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Contact Kathea for more information and pricing on our CTOUCH Solutions!

Get In Touch

info@kathea.co.za

011 844 9900

The post CTOUCH first to introduce touchscreen operating system based on Android 10 in September 2021 appeared first on Technology Blog.

Wireless sharing. With any device.

Leddura 2Share was specially designed to share digital content wirelessly and securely in meeting rooms. It also brings easy access to a digital whiteboard and annotation functionality.

“Our end users told us their number one wish during meetings is to share the contents of their device onto a large screen. So we designed the Leddura 2Share as a straightforward solution that allows for quick and easy wireless sharing. Bring your own device, connect it in no time to the large screen and start your interactive presentation”, said Remmelt van der Woude, CTOUCH CEO.

An interactive sharing system for every meeting room

Leddura 2Share is the easiest way to wirelessly share digital content in meeting rooms. Meeting participants can bring their own device (PC, MAC, smartphone or tablet) and simply start sharing. Leddura 2Share comes with a set of USB guest dongles to get the connection up and running within seconds. There’s no local install needed to share one’s device. Simply enjoy the simultaneous sharing of up to 4 devices on 1 screen.

Integrated whiteboard and annotation functionality

Get instant access to the intuitive digital white board and annotate over every file. The whiteboard and annotation functionality allows users to quickly get the interaction going during their meeting. They can write, highlight and annotate directly on the screen together with colleagues.

Secure and reliable

The screen allows up to 64 users to connect during the meeting. The full enterprise-level encryption and 4-digit access code ensures a secure and reliable environment. Users are always in control of the screen, as the integrated management control function allows them to enable or disable sharing for other meeting participants.

Unparalleled JBL Live Stage (virtual) surround sound for best sound experience

The integrated 80W JBL speakers bring Live Stage (virtual) Surround sound, which widens the sound stage and sharpens the location of sound. The integrated far field microphones is equipped with advanced ambient noise reduction and echo cancellation. This provides a clear voice capture up to 8 metres and removes the unwanted sounds from the microphone signal.

Engaged meeting interaction

• 32 touch points for an accurate and smooth touch experience
• 802.11 AC router with 3x faster transfer speed that gives a better range with less interference
• HDMI-out

Availability

CTOUCH’s Leddura 2Share is available in 65”, 75” and 86” screen size formats in EMEA and will be available from Kathea with immediate effect.

Learn more about CTOUCH and their offerings by contacting Kathea’s Video/AV Team on videoav@kathea.co.za or +27 (0) 11 844 9900

The post CTOUCH reveals Leddura 2Share appeared first on Technology Blog.

Leddura 2Meet is the ideal meeting collaboration system for lean and agile teams. It was specially designed to help all teams that focus on efficiency as a top priority. Based on Skype for Business, this solution enhances effective collaboration, with any device, no matter where you are.

1. Video Conferencing via Skype for Business

Call other Skype for business or consumer Skype users, H323 devices or phone numbers. The advanced ambient noise reduction and echo cancellation captures one’s voice clearly and removes the unwanted sounds from the microphone signal.

2. Share wirelessly

Share documents wirelessly and interact with colleagues. Whether using iPhones, Android, Windows phones, Mac or PC, one can now display up to four devices at a time! All in a secure and reliable environment.

3. Draw – Multi-touch Whiteboard

Meeting participants can launch the multi-touch whiteboard instantly, with one touch, and simply start drawing. All attendees have the ability to write, edit and share documents or add pages simultaneously. Participants can use Office 365 , browse the internet, or even install their own company’s apps.

4.Unique Room booking system

Schedule a meeting in the Outlook calendar, go to the meeting room and touch the screen to start the meeting. If someone does not attend a meeting that they booked, Leddura 2Meet will automatically free the room 15 minutes after the scheduled time.

User-Friendly Meeting Collaboration

Leddura 2Meet focuses on making corporate working life easier. CTOUCH will be adding new features like digital post-its nearly every two months. “The new Leddura 2Meet shows once again our strong commitment to excelling at engaging customers through interactive solutions. We strive continuously to offer everyone a positive experience in the interactive sharing of knowledge in a collaborative meeting environment” said Remmelt van der Woude, CTOUCH CEO.

Maximum Engagement of Meeting Participants

• 32 touch points for an accurate and smooth touch experience
• 802.11 AC router with 3x faster transfer speed that gives a better range with less interference
• HDMI-out

Unparalleled sound and far field microphones brought by JBL

• Integrated 80w JBL speakers bring LiveStage (virtual) surround sound for fuller and richer experience
• Integrated far field microphone with Sonique and Voice Logic technology, which recognizes and clearly captures human voices up to 8 metres

The cost-effective logical choice for IT departments

• Leddura 2Meet works with an open architecture, making it compatible with all commonly used infrastructures.
• Choose and integrate any online Windows and business apps
• Videoconferencing based on Skype for Business technology, but with enhanced functionality like SIP, H.323
• Supports Mobile Device Management
• Controllable via RS232 or IP
• Secure environment (encryption) and reliable
• Updates included
• Smart energy saving and low energy consumption

Availability

CTOUCH’s Leddura 2Meet is available in 65”, 75” and 86” screen size formats in EMEA and will be available from Kathea with immediate effect.

Learn more about CTOUCH and their offerings by contacting Kathea’s Video/AV Team on videoav@kathea.co.za or +27 (0) 11 844 9900.

The post CTOUCH reveals Leddura 2Meet appeared first on Technology Blog.

“We don’t believe in a market where you simply sell interactive screens, what is effectively a big plate of glass with a touch surface, that doesn’t bring you any added value”.  That quote, from CTOUCH CEO Remmelt van der Woude is a very quick summation of his company’s philosophy to the interactive touchscreen market.   

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Eindhoven in The Netherlands, CTOUCH has been manufacturer of large interactive displays during a boom period where touchscreens have risen spectacularly.  Thanks to Apple and the iPad and iPhone touchscreen technology, it is now commonplace in the consumer market, but has also meant those in a professional environment want the technology too. 

The speed with which the interactive displays market took off in the proAV world took many of the established display manufacturers and interactive board manufacturers by surprise, leaving the door open for smaller, more niche providers like CTOUCH, to build a sizable portion of the market for themselves.  CTOUCH has grown substantially over the years, with an average annual growth of 35% in the last five years. 

The interactive displays market was originally dominated by the education sector, screens (and accompanying software) were designed to replace the aging interactive whiteboard/projector systems seen in classrooms and lecture halls. What has changed in the last 2-3 years has been the rise in demand for professional, fast starting, easy to use, presentation and collaboration tools in the corporate market.  Small meeting rooms, huddle rooms and informal meeting spaces are sprouting up all over corporate offices and each one needs a interactive presentation solution, capable of contacting other global branches of the same organisation.  This demand is creating a huge opportunity in the proAV and IT markets right now. Stats from the industry back this up, Gartner predicts that by 2019 there will be a 400% increase in group videoconferencing. Another survey (by ClearCompany) found that 86% of employees cited a lack of collaboration or ineffective communication for workplace failures. 

These trends have not gone unnoticed by CTOUCH, who is about to launch the Leddura 2Meet and 2Share wireless presentation and collaboration systems.  Equipped with Barco, Harman Kardon and Microsoft technology inside, the company is confident the products will make the same impact on corporate organisations as previous models have in education establishments. “The key in the proposition to the corporate market is that big interactives displays enhance collaboration, whilst keeping a two-way functionality, ” says van der Woude. 

“Their primary buying reason is not so much a desire to have a big screen with functionality, they want to share data, annotate and collaborate as easily as possible. We are now aimed at the presentation and collaboration environment.” Van der Woude admits that is a very specific niche to target, but says “we want to excel in a niche, rather than be a player in a mainstream commodity market.”   

So what expertise does van der Woude think CTOUCH can transport across from the education sector into the corporate market? “The products generally sold to the corporate market are still rather complex to use. Display manufacturers often think their products being easy to use, but often it’s not the case and the user is struggling to work with the product’. The corporate user is often a less-frequent user, he/she will give a presentation once or twice a week, whereas a teacher will do this every day, starting at 8am, finishing at 3pm, so they put different requirements to the product.”  

To help simplify presentations CTOUCH is intent on integrating as much of the technology needed for a modern-day collaborative meeting room into one device – a 65-in, 75-in or 86-in screen.  

The desire to integrate as much technology into the screen as possible is the driving message behind the displays says Van der Woude. “We have integrated the collaboration module into the screen itself.  It doesn’t add extra cables or a box, the interface is always the screen.  It’s not buying a screen and buying an add-on, it’s buying a total solution where the performance of the solution is driven by the integrated add-on.”   

Leddura 2Meet and 2Share displays feature a built-in router, the wi-fi settings from the collaboration device (based on Barco connectivity) runs through the AC router in the screen, which improves the bandwidth by a factor of 3 and increases the possible number of participants in the meeting up to 64.   

Leddura 2Share was specially designed to share digital content wirelessly and securely in meeting rooms, it allows up to 64 users to connect during a meeting.  To stop unwanted participants, enterprise-level encryption and a 4-digit access code ensure a secure and reliable environment. Leddura 2Meet features that functionality too but adds Skype for business connectivity, Harman Kardon’s algorithms for noise reduction and echo cancellation for an enhanced videoconference experience. The microphone built in to the screens can also perform voice commands in Microsoft Cortana or Hello Google. The ability to annotate and present but also conduct video meetings sets it apart from specialist video conferencing systems says van der Woude. 

“Video conferencing solutions will still be around, but in many corporates the kind of solution we are building – a presentation that can perform video conferencing – is a way easier and more accessible solution.  You can go from passive to interactive. You can’t use those dedicated video conferencing systems for a presentation. It’s very much for one purpose.  We think you should be combining (as Microsoft is doing too), hardware, software, audio and video in one environment, so its fully compliant to mainstream IT standards and works in a very easy way.”

Another point of difference for Leddura 2Meet and 2Share is in the audio, not something you would naturally associate with an interactive displays manufacturer.  Working with Harman, Leddura 2Meet and 2Share feature integrated 80W JBL speakers with Live Stage (virtual) surround sound.  This technology widens the sound spectrum so the audio isn’t going in a straight line, and ensures voice quality is the same if meeting participants are 1-metre from the screen or 8-metres away.  The screen also features integrated far field microphones equipped with ambient noise reduction and echo cancellation to provide clear voice capture and remove unwanted artefacts.  “Audio is not the primary reason you decide to buy 2Share or 2Meet, but we believe the total solution should be the primary reason,” says van der Woude.  “Part of the total solution is the audio.  It’s great for a dealer to demo to clients if they can show a stunning video with nice audio, rather than showing something with 2x8W speakers attached to it.”   CTOUCH’s innovative approach to the interactive displays product segment also comes to the fore in its licensing model, something van der Woude admits is influenced by the IT market.  “We are selling presentation devices that are 100% IT products.  The lines between AV and IT are narrowing.  In an IT market if you buy a phone you will get a monthly payment for data, if you buy a tablet and connect to Office365 environment, you will pay a monthly fee.  We believe with our product, with all those applications and features to it, that we should have a hybrid model where you pay for the hardware and you pay a little extra per month to have additional features, extended service and support and workshops, and any future upgrades.  So you are not paying for a product at one given time, but one that improves over time.”

So what do the next few years hold in store for CTOUCH? The technology will change, says van der Woude, but also how the industry deals with customers too.  “We believe the customer and manufacturer are getting closer together, one will need the other eventually.  It’s not a one-time transaction.  It’s a continuous relationship where you improve the product you sold to the customer on day one.  We are in the interactive business so we need to interact with our users as well,” says van der Woude.

Article By: Paul Milligan

Contact Us

Learn more about CTOUCH and their offerings by contacting Kathea’s Video/AV Team or +27 (0) 11 844 9900.

The post Adding value with CTOUCH appeared first on Technology Blog.

Kathea Communications has a proud history of making markets for manufacturers, providing products and services in the area of Voice, AV & video and Workspace Management. With a staff of approximately 60 people and a partner community of 600 resellers, Kathea services a broad range of public sector and private companies in South Africa and Africa.

After having lead the way in the video conferencing market and more recently the other audio visual elements of a boardroom, setting foot in the emerging touch screen market of South Africa is a logical next step for Kathea. And the match with CTOUCH is obvious: CTOUCH’s high growth in mature markets like the UK and the Netherlands, and our authentic vision on interactive learning and collaboration are highly complementary to Kathea’s product portfolio and expertise.

“To be in a market today, every company needs to tell a story and CTOUCH products greatly complement Kathea’s brand as a leading technology provider,” says Peter Cowen, Kathea’s CEO.

The main priority in South Africa as an emerging market is to avoid the market being dominated by pricing instead of quality and value.

“To that end, providing the right level of market education will be critical and the combined expertise of both companies will be instrumental for our joint success,” as Paul Nunesdea, regional manager for CTOUCH, explains.

Kathea and CTOUCH have chosen a two-track sales and marketing strategy for the South African market.

“Whilst the education market will be a key underpin to our aspirations with CTouch, we do embrace the idea that the convergence of technologies will means that more and more collaboration can happen from a single device in a room. IFP’s will therefore play an increasingly important role in corporate SA’s boardooms.” Peter Cowen, Kathea’s CEO, concludes.

The post CTOUCH chooses Kathea to expand their International Footprint Into South Africa appeared first on Technology Blog.

CTOUCHABLE

Bring Innovation & Teamwork To Life

Advances in cloud collaboration, tooling and conferencing systems are fast pacing each other. Want to get into flow with your team? The CTOUCH Canvas sets the benchmark as THE touchscreen platform for all-in-one collaboration boards! The Canvas is the ideal interactive business display and meeting space solution for instant screen sharing, whiteboarding and cloud video conferencing.

CTOUCHABLE Design

Canvas’ unique CTOUCHABLE design stands out and invites you to get into flow with your teamwork, through energising meetings where creative ideas are shared and innovation takes form. From the coloured rubber and soft-touch textile frame, to the touchable buttons and intuitive menu. It all works together to foster energising meetings.

Ultra-Fine Writing Experience

Write, sketch and annotate like never before! The optical bonded InGlass touch technology delivers you a high-precision pen-on-paper-like writing experience. Simply use the passive pen or your finger and write or erase as fast as you can. Creating ideas together? No sweat! Write smoothly with up to 4 users simultaneously.\

The Canvas Is Designed For Business Grade Security

This is why is comes without an operating system. No software updates are needed. No data is stored on the display. And no apps can be installed that could leak your data or grant access. Want to double-down on security and lock the ports? No problem! Data, video ports and the settings menu can be disabled or locked.

Business Connectivity & Management

You are in full control! The USB-C port provides easy one-cable presenting for video, touch, charging and internet. For management and local control, the RS232 interface and IP management is available. Want to integrate the Canvas in your enterprise network? Combine it with a CTOUCH BRIX or Windows 10 OPS fitted with standard MDM and security suites.

Easily Upgrade with CTOUCH BRIX

The CTOUCH Canvas is a modular touchscreen. It can be upgraded over time with our collaboration solutions. We call them BRIX. Ready to dive into Microsoft Teams meetings? Or want to bring Zoom Rooms into your meeting space? Simply fit the CTOUCH Canvas with a BRIX module and you’re set to go. With the CTOUCH Canvas you are prepared for the workplace of the future!

Energy Efficient & Sustainable

We’re on a mission to minimise the CO2 footprint of our products. So, the Canvas comes with an A/A+ energy label and a circularity passport showing minimal material usage and energy usage. The CTOUCH Canvas also complies to ISO 9001 & 14001 standards. And that’s not all. With the built-in human presence detection function the CTOUCH Canvas automatically turns on and off when you enter or leave the room. Saving money and our planet!

Amazing Sound

Amaze your audience and immerse them with the JBL® speakers. They deliver Live-stage (virtual) Surround sound. Even in the back of the room the sound is impressive. Want to collaborate with video conferencing? You are already set to talk with the built-in far field microphone array.

Resources

• CTOUCH Canvas Brochure
• CTOUCH 55″ Datasheet
• CTOUCH 65″ Datasheet
• CTOUCH 75″ Datasheet
• CTOUCH 86″ Datasheet

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Jacques Conradie, Executive Head of Video & AV

Jacques.Conradie@kathea.co.za

011 844 9952 / 076 791 3896

Quoting Desk

quotes@kathea.co.za

011 844 9900

The post The New CTOUCH Canvas is Available Now! appeared first on Technology Blog.

That’s why we’ve listed the biggest do’s and don’ts in the ultimate Teams Cheat Sheet in order to make your video calls run as smooth as possible. Print it, cut it, frame it for yourself. Or pass it on to your colleagues in case they can use some tips as well. And don’t worry, cheating is allowed

No matter your room size, platform or budget, you can find the right video conference solution for you using our solution builder.

Download Teams Cheat Sheet

Article by: CTOUCH

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Jacques Conradie, Executive Head of Video & AV

Jacques.Conradie@kathea.co.za

011 844 9952 / 076 791 3896

Quoting Desk

quotes@kathea.co.za

011 844 9900

The post The Ultimate Video Conferencing Cheat Sheet appeared first on Technology Blog.

Launch an Instant Zoom Rooms Meeting

Already like how Zoom works on your personal devices? Then you’ll love our CTOUCH For Zoom Rooms solution for large touchscreens. Easily run or join video meetings with a tap of a button straight from the meeting room touchscreen itself. Complete with flawless HD video and audio quality. Brainstorm with your team utilising the latest touch technology options. Share and collaborate on content with wireless screen sharing and interactive whiteboarding.

Optimised For Every Room Size

Create collaborative, easy-to-use and modern meeting spaces with CTOUCH For Zoom, combined with a wide array of touchscreen sizes. It works for every room size: from small huddle spaces, to medium and large training and conference rooms. Bringing you a consistent, cloud-based Zoom experience across all your meeting rooms.

Add a Touch of Writing & Annotation

Bring interactive whiteboarding into your Zoom meetings with Zoom Rooms for Touch. Participants can view your creations and co-annotate on a blank whiteboard or over shared content. You can annotate across desktop, mobile and Zoom Rooms. All within the same session and up to 12 whiteboards at a time. When you are done, simply save the whiteboarding sessions in the Zoom Rooms application menu.

Simplify Room Deployment & Management

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, group messaging, and a software-defined conference room solution into one easy-to-use platform with multi-layer security. You can monitor and manage rooms at scale with centralised conference room management. Push Zoom Rooms software updates and manage all deployed Zoom Rooms from a single admin portal.

* Pro, Business or Enterprise Zoom licence required. Not included by default in CTOUCH For Zoom solution.

Delivering a Complete Room Experience

Leverage room displays when they are not in use. Project compelling content on your touchscreens to your employees and guests using Digital Signage. It gives you the power to manage corporate communications, internal marketing and more across multiple offices and departments from the Zoom Admin Portal. Easily manage displays at scale or individually.

Article by: CTOUCH

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Jacques Conradie, Executive Head of Video & AV

Jacques.Conradie@kathea.co.za

011 844 9952 / 076 791 3896

Quoting Desk

quotes@kathea.co.za

011 844 9900

The post CTOUCH For Zoom: Tap In With Your Own Eyes appeared first on Technology Blog.