a review by Tom Piper
While taking part in a video conference such as Zoom, sometimes I need to mute my microphone to cough, suppress background noises, or simply be polite while other people are talking. Whether its the microphone button, or Command-Shift-A, or the space bar, or something else with the keyboard or mouse, muting is often overlooked or misapplied when its most needed.
With the recent pandemic accelerating the remote meeting model, the adoption of video conferencing tools has presented new challenges. Thankfully, there are now some innovative alternatives that are convenient, informative and effective.
At CES 2022, I stumbled onto MuteMe™ which uses proprietary technology in an illuminated peripheral device and companion app on my computer to mute/unmute the default microphone AND sync with popular conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams, WebEx, Skype, Google Meet, GoToMeeting and many more. MuteMe is a safer and more compatible way to ensure that my mic is muted.
Not only does it easily control the mute function, but MuteMe lets me and others around me know when I am in a meeting, and when my computer is muted/unmuted. This is ideal when working from home or when I get numerous interruptions in other locations (like group presentations). It also allows me to customize my color selection for each status with 8 color options (including LED off). The free downloaded app provides many other features like sleep mode, brightness control, pulse control, push-to-talk, push-to-mute, multi-platform sync, and others which make it a great tool in virtual meetings.
MuteMe connects through a USB-C (on device) to a USB-A or USB-C connector (on computer) using a USB-C to USB-A adapter is included in the box. This device is a 2.3” W x 0.9” H light-weight 360° lighted button with Capacitive Touch to work with all types of different microphones as long as they connect to the computer including USB or wired connections, and Bluetooth headsets with built-in microphones, as well as AirPods. It works with macOS, Windows 10, and Linux (with Chrome in the near future, and iOS and Android being studied for potential compatibility).
In order to better communicate how MuteMe works with the various video conferencing applications that I use, the company came up with Sync Levels that explains how it works with Zoom, Teams and others. Level 1 is Microphone Sync which allows the system's default microphone to stay in sync with MuteMe (the mute/unmute button in the conferencing app won't change when my MuteMe status changes). Level 2 is Mute/Unmute Button Sync where the system’s default microphone and the mute/unmute button in the conferencing app stays in sync with MuteMe. Level 3 is Full Sync (my preference for Zoom) when the system’s default microphone and the mute/unmute button in the conferencing app are fully in sync with MuteMe (the device will detect when I change my mute status from the conferencing app). Most settings for other seldom-used apps should be set to Level 1.
Suffice it to say, the MuteMe button and app combination initially looks like a simple on/off switch for the mic, but it is actually a multi-functional audio/visual feedback system that can be adapted to any video conferencing system I want to use. It is amazing how much can be customized so that my online interaction is smooth and professional in appearance and effect. After using it for a number of Zoom calls, I now wonder how I ever did without it.
To learn more about the MuteMe products, go to https://muteme.com/collections/all where the original MuteMe is available for $39.00 (a new MuteMe Mini can also be preordered for $19.99). Their website is a treasure-trove of narrative, videos, Q&As, and detailed explanations about all aspects of this ingenious device. MuteMe™ was founded by a small team of engineers, computer scientists, marketing managers, tinkers, and entrepreneurs in the fall of 2020 who saw first the issues people were having with their on-screen mute buttons. This product is a terrific response to a seldom-appreciated online communication dilemma.
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