Zoom — now a ubiquitous part of life for anyone who works remotely — wants to make sure you step away from the screen sometimes.
It recently filed a patent application for a “remote management of work-life balance scheduling” tool that would use machine learning to analyze workers’ schedules and remind them to take breaks.
How it works
Users can select what kinds of breaks they desire — journaling, family time, exercise, etc. — and under what circumstances: For example, users might be reminded to take their medication at a specific time, or prompted to take a walk or stretch after a long meeting.
Breaks can incorporate third-party apps, such as music players, fitness apps, or calendars.
Over time, the tool will learn users’ preferences and what activities work best when, offering more personalized recommendations and schedules.
Why it matters
Zoom was king during pandemic lockdowns — people used it not just for remote work, but virtual lessons, performances, and to connect with friends. Now, remote work is still in, but people are doing a lot more IRL.
While Morning Brew reported on Zoom’s recent resurgence through virtual rallies for likely Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, it noted something dire:
- In October 2020, Zoom had a closing stock price of ~$568. On Monday, it was down 89% to ~$60, lower than even 2019.
Zoom must find…
… new ways to remain relevant, especially among competitors like Microsoft Teams, and it seems like it’s leaning on everyone’s favorite hot topic: AI.
Last month, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan discussed the AI-powered Zoom Workplace, designed to boost productivity and reduce busy work. His ultimate vision includes a digital twin that could act as employees in meetings it determines they don’t need to attend.
Paired with this patent, one could imagine a future in which AI decides you don’t need to go to that meeting and, instead, hands you your arm-day workout and a protein shake recipe, then attends in your stead.
That may sound extremely unsettling to anyone who’s unwilling to let the machines take over — but it does sound kind of appealing, doesn’t it?
