Bidirectional Audio

Bidirectional Audio is a new beta feature that allows for two-way audio. A user viewing Spot cameras can now not only hear the audio from the cameras, but can also project audio out to the floor via on-board camera speakers, or intercoms. 

For steps on how to bulk edit AI features, please see this article.
For steps on how to bulk edit Audio, please see this article.

Step 1: Choose Cameras

From the Spot Dashboard, click Maintain along the top menu bar, use the multi-select checkboxes on the left-hand side to select the cameras you need to bulk edit. You can change the settings for multiple cameras at the same or across multiple sites at once.

Step 2: Enable or Disable Features

Once the cameras are selected, on the right-hand side of the screen you’ll see two sections: AI Features and Camera Settings. Bidirectional Audio is under camera settings. You can Enable All or Disable All to suit your needs. Once you’ve chosen, click Apply on the bottom right of the screen. 

Step 3: Using Bidirectional Audio in Live View

Prior to using bidirectional audio in live view, your browser must have access to your computer’s microphone.

1. Once bidirectional audio is enabled on the camera, there will be a microphone indicator on the live view for that camera. Click here to use the feature.
   
2. Once clicked, “Click & Hold to Talk” will appear. While holding this button down, audio will project out from the chosen speaker at the facility.
   
3. When done projecting, close the audio channel. If the audio channel is not closed, bidirectional audio will not be available for any other user for this specific camera.
   

Search Enhancements

You can now search by audio status. On the Maintain page, below your appliance tab, you’ll see a dropdown for Audio. When selected, you’re able to select only cameras that have Audio enabled or disabled. 

Limitations

Bidirectional Audio will only work for cameras that have microphones, and audio enabled through the camera GUI. This article lists the steps necessary to enable audio on Spot cameras. Bidirectional Audio also requires either an on-board camera speaker, or intercom to project through. Additionally, Bidirectional Audio requires the browser to have access to the computer’s microphone. Finally, this feature is currently product gated. If you feel your cameras should be included, please reach out to your CSM to discuss.

Note: the bulk edit process does not change anything within the camera's GUI, that needs to be done manually.

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