The Bose VB-S is a compact all-in-one USB conferencing device designed for small conferencing spaces such as video meeting booths, huddle rooms and smaller conference rooms. Like other similar devices in the category, it is meant to be an alternative to expensive and complex conference room systems.
The device features enterprise-grade audio and video, boasting four beam steering microphones that focus on voices in the room and reject unwanted sound, speaker tracking and other features that have defined this category of videoconferencing devices.
The device is packaged with a lot of components that was at first daunting, but I quickly figured out how to attach the mounts and cables. It comes with a standard tabletop/desk mount or a wall mount. It connects via WiFi, Bluetooth and USB.
Testing the Bose VB-S At Home
I first tried this out on my desk at home and recorded a short clip talking to myself (and my dog). The audio only picked up my voice and eliminated the click-clack of my dog walking on the hardwood floors, my other dog barking at the new neighbors moving in next door and noise from trucks driving by my house. Combine this with the noise reduction features built into most conferencing software and users will see just how helpful these features are for hybrid meetings.
Since it’s a Bose device, one of the first things I tested was its audio quality, and this is where the device shined. I have several high-quality Bose Bluetooth speakers around my house, and this is essentially another one. I listen to metal and hard rock, which is made to be listened to loudly. So, I did, and the VB-S was on par or better with those other Bose consumer devices.
Since it handles loud music this well, it also gives crystal-clear audio during video calls.
One feature that made this device stand out from others in its category is its AutoFraming Mode designed to keep in-room participants in view. In my little home office, the camera automatically adjusted to follow me as I rolled my chair around.
Testing the Bose VB-S in the Office
In the office, the VB-S’ automatic framing feature followed me as I walked around a meeting room, and it also captured other in-room meeting participants as they entered the room, framing everyone so remote participants can see everyone in the room. This is designed to enable remote participants to follow conversations while understanding content on whiteboards, flipcharts and other in-room objects. The camera appeared to reframe a tick faster than some other similar products.
The device also comes with a remote that gives users pan, tilt and zoom control along with volume and auto-framing control. The Bose Work app can also be downloaded to function as a remote on mobile devices.
The Bose VB-S works across third-party cloud conferencing services including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet, making it ideal for organizations using multiple conferencing platforms.
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