Mobile Client Audio and Video

A common misconception when the Lync 2010 mobile clients were released was that users could leverage a data connection for audio and video calls, which led to a feeling of disappointment when the users realized that the client was really geared toward IM and presence. The call via work feature helped bridge the gap by enabling the server to dial out to a user’s mobile number over a cellular connection before placing a second call to the destination number, and the capability to join online meetings through the client without entering conference IDs, extensions, or PINs undoubtedly prevented an incredible number of car accidents. Microsoft even added the capability for iPads to view a PowerPoint presentation through a Cumulative Update package, but the user community still longed for media over the data connection.

Those users will be happy to hear that the new mobile clients will now support audio and video over the data connection. The Windows 8 client, displayed in Figure 2.5, has also been introduced; it uses the updated interface design found in other Windows 8 applications. These changes put the Lync mobile apps on par with products from competitors and provide a compelling way for remote workers to participate in conferences using small tablet devices.

Figure 2.5. Windows 8 mobile client.