Likelihood to Recommend It's a fantastic tool [Intel Unite] in meeting rooms where staff frequently change and/or bring their own devices to connect. No more wires or dongles, just a wifi connection needed and that's it to stream to the screen. It'll even display on the screen exactly what end-users need to do to connect, which makes getting connected for less tech-savvy users very easy. If you have an IT or AV department that isn't great, this probably isn't a great option to roll-your-own, but they do sell dedicated Intel Unite PCs with everything pre-done on them.
Read full review If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
Read full review Pros No dongles needed any longer for connections, it's all through a local wifi (or the corporate one depending on how you set it up). You can stream from mobile devices too. Simple set-up - laptops connect very easily, mobiles connect quickly with an app. Read full review The audio and video quality can not be matched. For the most part, they are rather simplistic in their use and just work. People don't usually have a hard time operating them They are rather versatile in that we have been able to integrate them with other applications Read full review Cons The initial setup was a bit of a pain - when we started they required specific hardware to make it work (Intel vPro), which wasn't on the PC used for presentations at the time and we had to change hardware out. Software versions are difficult to find on the Intel website - it's a bit of a jumble and not clear as to what needs to be installed and where. Read full review The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens. Read full review Likelihood to Renew We love the product and is totally integrated in our company.
Read full review Usability The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
Read full review Support Rating I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
Read full review Alternatives Considered GoToMeeting and Webex both require either a connection to the display screen or a PC mounted to the display to connect through. [Intel] Unite handles both of those areas, though it doesn't function as a remote meeting platform to bring people together from different locations. It's just for local display.
Read full review Polycom RealPresence Group Series stands head and shoulders above
Microsoft Teams and
Cisco Webex Meetings both for dependability and robust delivery of function. One established the meetings were very hard to break apart but easy to end when so desired. The installation of the devices, the training of technicians, and end-users were both intuitive and easy to manage, where the same interactions with
Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex In my opinion, and experience, were challenging to work through.
Read full review Return on Investment For us, this has been a creature comfort primarily as it has allowed us to simplify connections in meeting rooms for infrequent staff. We had a lot of theft of dongles from meeting rooms due to presenters snatching them when they packed up for the day. [Intel] Unite let us allow presenters to connect wirelessly to the display screens, and no more dongles to hand out in the first place! Read full review Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly. Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win. Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints. Read full review ScreenShots