Recently, at the Webex One customer conference, Cisco introduced advanced AI-driven tools. All of these geared instruments are for enhancing performance and automating meeting-related tasks. While Cisco has been employing a large language model (LLM), it sought to develop a specialized model tailored explicitly for Webex's unique use cases. Jeetu Patel, EVP & GM for the security and collaboration business units at Cisco, highlighted the need to push the boundaries beyond standard LLMs.
The main task of this announcement is the introduction of a real-time media model (RMM) designed to work alongside the LLM. This model uses generative AI to revolutionize audio and video capabilities within Webex. Additionally, it offers more context and texture to the textual data. The RMM has a range of functions, such as noise removal, gesture recognition, speech and video enhancement, and much more.
Cisco is also unveiling an AI-powered audio codec that leverages AI to significantly improve efficiency and reduce bandwidth usage. With up to 16 times greater efficiency compared to previous codecs, it can transmit audio using just one kilobit, or even less in some cases. Moreover, the AI aspect of the codec helps restore lost packets during transmission, ensuring high-quality audio even in the presence of up to 80-90% packet loss.
Another integral part of this innovation, The Webex AI Assistant, consolidates Cisco's AI offerings into a seamless experience for users. It can assist in message composition, and tone adjustments, and provides meeting and message summaries within Webex. The Webex AI Assistant collaborates with the RMM intending to add extra functionality, such as detecting when users step away and offering summaries, action items, or meeting highlights for those moments of absence.
What about privacy? These concerns often arise with AI tools like these. But Cisco assures users that they are committed to respecting individual privacy and customer data. Employees can choose to disable features like the "away from computer" function if they are concerned about management surveillance. Furthermore, Cisco underlines that customer data is not employed for training its AI models.
So, when will it be available? The Webex Assistant will be available for shipping later this year. But the enhanced version is slated for release in the first part of 2024. Cisco's latest AI offerings are poised to bring new levels of automation and efficiency to meetings and collaboration within the Webex platform.
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