Adding More 'Zoom' Video Conferencing Features Amid COVID-19 Boom

Remote Classes and Work-from-Home Demand Soars
Zoom Enhances Convenience with Added Features

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The online video conferencing platform Zoom added new features starting from the 23rd. This move comes as the user base has expanded due to the increase in remote work and online classes amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to foreign media such as CNET on the 24th, Zoom added a video chat platform operation feature. First, the order of video conference participants, which was fixed, can now be rearranged by users. With this feature, for example, hearing-impaired users can set the sign language interpreter's screen closer to the content sharer, making it easier to view.

They also added a function to pin multiple videos during a meeting to better view important content. This is intended to enhance convenience by allowing interpreters and speakers to be on the same screen when conducting video chats in foreign languages. Additionally, hosts and co-hosts can now grant the authority to pin multiple videos to up to nine users.

Meanwhile, Zoom's revenue for the second quarter of fiscal year 2020 surged 355% to $663.5 million (approximately 787.5 billion KRW) compared to $145.8 million in the same period last year. Zoom has greatly benefited from COVID-19 due to the spread of video conferencing for remote work and online classes in schools.

The WSJ stated, "The COVID-19 pandemic overnight transformed Zoom from a niche product used by companies into a tool that many Americans rely on to communicate with colleagues, family, and friends."