SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium: A Game-Changer for Presentations
A new era of presenting has arrived! We’re excited to announce the launch of the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium – a powerful, compact tool designed to transform the way you engage with your audience. Whether you’re delivering a lecture, hosting a business meeting, or leading a hybrid workshop, this innovative podium is packed with features to help you present with confidence and clarity. Designed for Modern Workspaces The SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium is more than just a presentation tool – it’s a game-changer for educators, business leaders and hybrid teams. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces, while its all-in-one functionality means you won’t need a separate camera, microphone, or external speakers. Everything you need is built in, ready to support your presentations from start to finish. Who Will Love the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium? – Educators: Deliver engaging lessons with real-time annotations and seamless hybrid learning capabilities. – Business Leaders: Host professional video conferences and presentations with crystal-clear audio and video. – Hybrid Teams: Collaborate easily with remote participants using powerful built-in conferencing tools. Experience the Future of Presenting The SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium is built to make your presentations more interactive, professional and impactful. Whether you’re in the classroom, the boardroom, or anywhere in between, this innovative tool helps you connect with your audience like never before. 👉 Want to see more? Read more on our dedicated webpage and explore the full product details and find out how the SMART Board® Mini Interactive Podium can transform your presentations.
The Future of Interactive Displays in Corporate Spaces
The way businesses collaborate and communicate is evolving rapidly and interactive displays are at the heart of this transformation. From boardrooms to huddle rooms, these collaborative solutions are redefining engagement, boosting productivity and enhancing collaboration. In this blog we’ll discuss the future of interactive displays in corporate spaces… The Rise of Interactive Technology in Offices In a post-pandemic world, hybrid working and flexible collaboration have become the norm. Interactive displays provide a seamless way for teams, whether in the office or working remotely, to brainstorm, present and collaborate in real time. Key Trends Shaping the Future 1. Touchscreen Innovation & Collaboration Modern interactive displays are moving beyond basic touchscreen functionality. With gesture recognition and AI-powered interfaces, businesses can create more intuitive and engaging user experiences. 2. Seamless Remote Collaboration Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet are integrating directly with interactive displays, which make remote meetings more dynamic and easily accessible. Allow your teams to annotate documents, share ideas and work together in ways that feel as natural as in-person collaboration. 3. 4K & Beyond – Visual Excellence As display resolutions continue to improve, ultra-clear visuals will enhance presentations and brainstorming sessions, so that every detail is seen, whether in a boardroom or a large conference space. 4. AI & Data Integration Smart interactive displays are beginning to integrate with AI and data analytics, enabling companies to gain insights into meeting efficiency, engagement levels and workspace utilisation. 5. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency As businesses prioritise sustainability, interactive display manufacturers are focusing on energy-efficient technology with lower power consumption and eco-friendly materials. How We Can Help At Rapid Technologies, we specialise in integrating the latest interactive display solutions tailored to your corporate needs. Whether you’re upgrading a meeting room, setting up a collaborative workspace, or enhancing hybrid working, we provide expert advice, seamless installation and ongoing support. Explore our range of interactive displays and take your business collaboration to the next level.
Eco-Friendly Audio-Visual Solutions: What You Need to Know
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility that we all share. Businesses and organisations are increasingly seeking eco-friendly solutions that reduce their environmental impact. This is no different in the audio-visual (AV) industry, where innovative technology can help reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and create greener working environments. At Rapid Technologies, we’re proud to deliver AV solutions that not only meet your functional needs but also align with your sustainability goals. Here’s what you need to know about eco-friendly AV solutions and how they can make a difference. Energy-Efficient Technology Modern AV systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. From LED displays that consume significantly less power than traditional screens to motion-activated systems that power down when not in use, there are plenty of ways in which you can lower energy usage through technology. Even smaller innovations, such as smart power strips and eco-modes for projectors, contribute to a greener setup. These technologies don’t just benefit the planet, they can also save your business money in the long run. Recyclable and Sustainable Materials Many manufacturers are now using recyclable and sustainable materials to produce AV equipment. Components such as aluminium, glass and even some plastics can be repurposed, reducing landfill waste. As an AV integrator, we can help you choose products made from environmentally friendly materials and ensure old equipment is responsibly recycled or reused where possible. Remote Management and Cloud Solutions Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t always require hardware changes. Cloud-based AV systems enable remote management, reducing the need for physical intervention and minimising travel-related emissions. Additionally, wireless sharing and video conferencing solutions make it easier to cut down on paper use and unnecessary commuting, contributing to a greener, more efficient workplace. Long-Term Sustainability with Maintenance and Upgrades A key component of eco-friendly AV is focusing on longevity. Proper maintenance, timely upgrades and repair services can significantly extend the life of your AV systems, reducing waste and the demand for new equipment. Why Choose Rapid Technologies as Your AV Integrator? When it comes to implementing eco-friendly AV solutions, experience and expertise matter. At Rapid Technologies, we take pride in being your trusted partner for sustainable technology integration. Tailored Advice: We work closely with you to design AV solutions that meet your environmental and operational goals. Expert Knowledge: Our team stays up-to-date with the latest eco-friendly technologies and industry trends. End-to-End Support: From selecting energy-efficient products to providing ongoing maintenance, we’re with you every step of the way. If you’re ready to embrace eco-friendly AV solutions and reduce your carbon footprint, contact us today.
Inside Tech Connect 24: Highlights from Our Annual Technology Open Day
On Thursday 7th November, we hosted our annual Technology Open Day at the exciting Land Rover Experience Liverpool venue. This year, the event brought together industry experts, clients and technology enthusiasts for a day dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in audio-visual and integrated technology solutions. With immersive demonstrations, interactive discussions and hands-on sessions, our Open Day was designed to spark ideas and showcase how innovative tech can transform spaces, improve communication and streamline workflows. From interactive displays and advanced video conferencing solutions to augmented reality glasses and desk booking systems, we had a full suite of cutting-edge technologies for our guests to explore. Here are some of the highlights from the day. Venue Spotlight: Land Rover Experience Liverpool The choice of venue for this year’s Open Day added a unique, adventurous flair to the event. The Land Rover Experience Liverpool, known for its purpose-built track, where guests had the opportunity to be driven around by a product expert, tackling a variety of obstacles and terrains to showcase the true breadth of capability of the Land Rover Defender. Guests could explore both the latest audio-visual technologies and between sessions, enjoy the impressive surroundings and Land Rover’s renowned vehicles. This setting brought an exciting atmosphere for all. Spotlight on Technology: Hands-On with the Latest Solutions Our Open Day was packed with stations and live demos, allowing guests to get a hands-on feel for our latest offerings. Here are some of the standout technologies from the day: Interactive Displays & Video Conferencing Solutions Interactive displays and video conferencing solutions took centre stage as we demonstrated how these tools can bridge distances, enhance presentations and facilitate collaboration in real-time. Guests were able to see how high-quality video calls and interactive meetings can be done, highlighting the potential for seamless, global connectivity. These solutions are tailored for businesses aiming to elevate communication and team collaboration, whether in the office, remote, or hybrid environments. Augmented Reality (AR) Glasses Our AR glasses showcase was a particular highlight, captivating attendees with their immersive potential. These glasses enable users to overlay digital information onto the physical world, a tool that can revolutionise industries like training, design and manufacturing. By enabling real-time data and visual guidance, AR opens new doors for interactive learning and precise, hands-free instructions in complex workflows. Digital Signage and Wireless Communications Our digital signage and wireless communications solutions demonstrated how modern spaces can be enhanced with minimal cabling, clutter and installation complexity. From interactive lobby signage to personalised messaging systems, our displays showed how visual content can engage, inform and direct audiences with ease. Lean Manufacturing Solutions For businesses looking to streamline processes and optimise productivity, our lean manufacturing solutions were a big hit. These tools enable companies to reduce waste, enhance efficiency and improve workflows, especially in production and logistics. Our experts demonstrated real-world applications of these solutions, illustrating how technology can be a driver for lean, efficient and sustainable manufacturing. Desk & Room Booking Solutions With the rise of flexible working environments, desk & room booking solutions have become essential for modern workplaces. Our system allows employees to reserve workspaces, manage their time and ensure optimal use of office real estate. Guests explored how this user-friendly solution can be seamlessly integrated into existing office setups, fostering a more agile and organised work culture. Furniture, Lighting and Sound Systems We believe that functional, modern office environments combine technology with thoughtfully designed spaces. Our displays of ergonomic furniture, intelligent lighting and advanced sound systems showed how atmosphere can directly impact productivity and employee satisfaction. From adjustable lighting options to ambient sound solutions, we demonstrated how to create office spaces that are not only efficient but also comfortable and inspiring. A Look to the Future: Innovation That Drives Transformation Our Open Day was more than a showcase; it was a celebration of innovation, technology and future-focused thinking. We’d like to thank all of our vendors for supporting us on the day and for showing our guests that latest and greatest of what you have to offer – Until next year!
Rexel’s High-Tech Upgrade: A Meeting Room Makeover
“Rapid are a very good company to work with, they have come on board with Rexel and as a new Partner, they made us feel welcome as a customer, everything was clearly outlined with no surprise costs. The backup service after installation is outstanding. Nothing is an issue for them and they always come back within reasonable timescales of the work requested..” – James Orme, Rexel About Rexel Rexel is a global distributor of electrical products and services, specializing in providing electrical solutions to professionals in the construction, industrial, and residential sectors. They offer a wide range of electrical supplies, including lighting, automation, energy management systems, cables, and other electrical components. The company operates in over 20 countries and serves a broad customer base, from electricians and contractors to industrial and commercial clients. Identifying the challenges Like many large organisations with multiple meeting rooms, Rexel experienced typical problems such as inconsistent user experience across rooms, hardware compatibility issues, complex set ups and poor audio/video quality. Managing these systems on a day-to-day basis would also be a challenge for them due to having staff based at multiple sites. Moving into their new HQ in Aylesbury provided a good opportunity for them to re-assess their meeting room technology and improve their spaces based on feedback they had received from staff over the past 12-24 months post-covid. Delivering a solution Following multiple demonstrations using various systems, it became clear that the best solution out there was to create a Microsoft Teams Room. With its simplistic one-touch to join interface this provided a consistent and simple interface across all rooms so that regardless of room size or equipment, staff knew how to operate the system. More specifically, Yealink’s range of MVC Room Systems were chosen as they ticked all the boxes in terms of functionality whilst coming in at a more cost-effective price compared to other vendors. An important selling point was the Yealink WPP30 wireless sharing device which connects seamlessly to any device, either through USB-A or USB-C. Other brands that were considered required a 3rd party wireless sharing manufacturer to offer this functionality and this involved other drawbacks, as well as increasing costs. The main boardroom in particular needed superior audio quality, and as a result we suggested the Nureva HDL310 audio conferencing system. Using their patented Microphone Mist technology, the HDL310 creates thousands of virtual microphones that cover the entire room, ensuring that voices from any location are picked up clearly. This meant that as people move around the room, they would not see a drop off in audio quality that you would usually see if table microphones were used. The system also came Teams Room certified which was a key requirement, as well as providing additional noise reduction and echo cancellation features. Maintenance of these systems is paramount due to their importance of use, therefore we provided remote management of the AV technology along with onsite escalation if a hardware/software fault is found with no fix. Other key technology implemented included using Clevertouch interactive displays for their R&D/training area. Speak to us to see how we can help with your AV project!
Rapid Technologies partner with CareCube to deliver efficiency improvements throughout the NHS
“Their solution more than met our expectations and Rapids training and advice on best practice usage ensured our clinicians took ownership of the system very quickly.” – Dr. Rob Stables, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist The customers: About CareCube CareCube is a fully integrated digital workflow system. It was designed in collaboration with The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) to simplify and centralise the complex scheduling and tracking of patients undergoing cardiovascular interventional procedures in catheter laboratories (cath labs). CareCube provides a framework for clinical teams with the aims of supporting patient safety, reducing human error, and making the best use of resources. Identifying the challenges A common issue amongst these various hospitals was that they had inefficiencies within their Cath Lab facilities where heart stent and other procedures were being carried out. Staff had various devices generating a large amount of patient data but needed this data from different sources integrating into one platform so that it could be easier for clinicians to access, review, and analyse. With multiple devices and team members, a centralised interface would be required to help improve overall workflow efficiency. Furthermore, real-time data visualisation was proving difficult in the cath labs themselves. Delivering a solution Carecube approached Rapid Technologies as they had heard from other hospitals how Rapid had delivered touch screen systems specifically around patient care. Carecube had developed a dashboard that would be suitable in a Cath Lab setting giving clinician’s access to a patient safety checklist and key patient data that could be updated in real time giving staff a status at a glance. Being able to view and monitor this data in real-time allows for healthcare providers to make faster and more informed decisions during procedures, leading to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. Users can quickly update information by interacting with the board directly, as they would with a phone or iPad. They were not just looking for a panel where they could update and view patient records and history, but the Cath Lab teams held a number of meetings and briefings whereby a patient-specific case discussion in a protected period at the start of each individual case and the panels could be helpful in sharing ideas and collaborating in decision making. They found it useful if they could capture briefing notes and annotations over X-Rays and care documentation. In addition to installation services Rapid have carried out staff training early in deployment to ensure staff feel comfortable with the new technology and to make sure it is fully embraced. “As is best practice, we looked at a number of solution providers, but Rapid Technologies experience in the NHS with their Ward PSAG solution and their consultative approach and all-round attention to detail made them the ideal partner to work with on this project. Rapid’s approach was very professional and helpful, nothing was left to chance and we feel very confident in recommending them for similar projects“ – Dr. Rob Stables, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist Speak to us to see how we can help with your AV project!
EDLA: The new program for Android devices
Many interactive display manufacturers such as Clevertouch, SMART and Newline are now promoting that their devices are EDLA-certified. This is the latest integration between Google and leading technology companies, that offers a new way for devices to access familiar apps that Google offers, as well as providing advanced security measures. So what is EDLA? ‘EDLA’ stands for Enterprise Device License Agreement and is the newest Google program that offers additional security and safety features for Android devices. More and more interactive displays are now equipped with this feature, which provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind for its users. It boasts a number of different features, including a faster computing performance, a variety of Google apps and APIs, suitable for both education and enterprise. Users can launch Google Search, Google Chrome, Google Drive and other Google based apps from one single display. This eliminates the need to use multiple devices for one task, allowing for a streamlined and efficient process. EDLA also offers a number of security options, so that data can be encrypted and kept safe from potential threats or hackers. This is imperative when it comes to protecting your display and gives peace of mind, knowing that your private information is going to be kept safe. In the event of a compromise, remote wiping and locking enables users to erase any personal data without needing to physically be near to the device. EDLA enables quick access to accounts and files, so that Google users will be able to retrieve their documents easily without needing to use an additional device. This also provides an efficient way to edit and modify files, helping boost productivity and collaboration within the workplace or classroom. This program also supports advanced tasks such as browsing the web, video streaming and using multiple apps simultaneously, ensuring that your day is never slowed down by lag or technical issues. Having an EDLA certified display, means that your device is kept up to date with the latest Google updates and features, so no more disrupted meetings or lessons, waiting for your software to update. Many of our interactive displays now feature EDLA software. If this sounds like something you are looking for in your classroom or workspace, then speak to us today!
Rapid assist BAM Nuttall & TRU West on their digital transformation journey
“We would highly recommend Rapid to others based on the positive feedback we have received from site teams and users on the Transpennine Route Upgrade project. The satisfaction and positive experiences of these stakeholders reflect the effectiveness and value of Rapid’s products and services in overcoming workplace challenges and improving collaboration, communication, and productivity. Their solutions have proven to be reliable, user-friendly, and instrumental in enhancing the overall work environment.” – Shervin Yousefzadeh, TRU West About BAM Nuttall BAM Nuttall is a UK-based civil engineering and construction company, part of the BAM Group, which is one of Europe’s largest construction services companies. The company specializes in infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, airports, tunnels, and marine works. BAM Nuttall is known for its focus on sustainable construction practices and innovation in engineering solutions. Identifying the challenges Before engaging with Rapid Technologies, BAM Nuttall faced some common challenges. These challenges included outdated technology, a lack of interactivity amongst staff, inefficient communication and collaboration, and limited flexibility/scalability. This was hindering productivity and collaboration in the workplace, which could potentially impact the companies’ ability in meeting project deadlines, keeping costs on track with budgets, and communication. They also faced challenges in visualising and organising ideas. Delivering a solution Rapid have worked with BAM Nuttall over a number of years to help them with their digitisation and innovation strategy. Clevertouch UX Pro’s were chosen as the display of choice across the organisation due to their versatility in allowing for collaboration, engagement, and video conferencing. Wireless sharing was effortless by utilising CleverCast hardware (dongles) and software. Nureva Span Walls offered a large digital canvas ideal for ideation, planning, and visualisation. They enabled teams to visualise complex concepts and streamline project management processes, facilitating efficient teamwork and enhancing decision-making. Paired with software’s like Miro and Nialli, these received extremely positive feedback across the organisation. In keeping with the Clevertouch eco-system, Clevertouch PICO media players and CM Pro series displays were used for digital signage internally and externally. Internally they were used for communication within the workplace and externally for contractors and visitors. Staff that are onsite can now be alerted very quickly with any safety risks that are apparent and also with general health and safety information. This is all controlled remotely by office staff, and the content being pushed out can be changed at any time. “The buying experience with Rapid is often described as professional, efficient, and customer-centric. Rapid aim to understand the unique challenges and goals of their customers and recommend suitable products and services accordingly. The buying process is often streamlined, and Rapid’s knowledgeable sales team ensures a smooth transition from initial consultation to product delivery and implementation.” Speak to us to see how we can help with your AV project!
The newest Clevertouch display: the UX Pro Edge
Introducing the new UX Pro Edge – the latest addition to the Clevertouch lineup of interactive displays for business. This display offers a new level of collaboration for your workspace. Interact with others in a way that’s more efficient and cooperative. The Clevertouch UX Pro Edge display, boasts a number of revolutionary features in order to elevate your experience in the office. The UX Pro Edge is available in multiple sizes, including 65”, 75” and 86”, each with a 4K resolution to ensure that your picture is always clear and vibrant. Featuring a built-in Sony camera, which has a 90-degree field of view with advanced voice and face tracking features, boosting your Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google meetings to the next level. In addition to this, sound is delivered clearly through an immersive audio design through front-mounted 2x 20W speakers and 2x 10W subwoofers. Complete with an Android 13 operating system, integrated NFC/RFID, and built-in quick launch digital buttons, this interactive display offers a stunning and easy way to collaborate with people both in your workspace and over video. Want to screen share? Not a problem! This display comes with a CleverShare USB-C dongle, which allows you to switch between your device and the display, making it easier than ever to share content from one device to another. You can easily swap between Android and PC mode, or simply turn off Android mode if it’s not needed, making the UX Pro Edge a flexible solution for your workspace, whether you’re a Windows or Android user. The Clevertouch UX Pro Edge, features many interactive options that allow you to level up teamwork in the office. The display is EDLA certified, so all of Google’s leading apps, including Google Drive, Sheets and Chrome can all be accessed directly from the screen. In addition to this, the UX Pro Edge gives you full access to all apps in the Google Play Store, unlocking a number of applications to integrate into your workplace. Not only this, but EDLA ensures that your device is guarded by advanced security, protecting against unauthorised access, cyber-attacks, data loss and much more, for peace of mind and stay focused on collaboration rather than potential security issues. This device also boasts a natural writing experience, making it feel almost like pen-to-paper. The UX Pro Edge comes with a passive pen, which requires no charging, so you to write without running out of battery mid-sentence. The precision eraser easily removes any mistakes or notes using the eraser, palm, or a finger. In addition to this, this device has palm rejection, ensuring that any unwanted touches or interactions do not affect the content on the board, by only picking up deliberate actions such as writing, erasing, or doodling rather than leaning on the board. The UX Pro Edge is also equipped with antibacterial glass, allowing it to be used by multiple users without needing to worry about the spread of germs between people. There is also the option to customise your home page, so you can personalise it as much as you wish. The Clevertouch UX Pro Edge also features a built-in award-winning digital signage platform, enabling you to present a variety of content to colleagues, visitors or other users. The new Clevertouch UX Pro Edge has it all, from customisation options, advanced security protocols and Google accessibility. If this sounds like something you would like to integrate into your workspace, then contact us!
Enhance learning & engagement in the classroom
As technology continues to shape the world, it is no surprise that many educational establishments are investing in interactive displays (or interactive whiteboards as they are commonly known) to further engage and educate students. By using technology within the classroom, children are often able to get involved more in their lessons, as they can collaborate both with teachers and classmates. With that being said, here are a few reasons we think teachers should be using interactive technology as a way of engaging their students: As previously mentioned, by using interactive technology within the classroom, both students and teachers can collaborate with each other with ease, creating an exciting and enriching learning environment. Rather than relying on pen and paper, technology allows everyone to be involved, thanks to the interactive software that comes along with the display. Annotate, write notes, watch videos or play educational games to engage students and enable them to work together. Students are encouraged to learn how to use technology; a skill that will help them going into the workplace. Instead of relying on notebooks and worksheets, interactive displays enable different varieties of teaching using videos, pictures and audio. By providing different ways to learn within the classroom, students are able to comprehend topics and lessons easily, particularly those who may struggle to learn with traditional teaching and learning methods. The ability to use different colours and layouts on an ever-expanding infinity canvas, which never runs out of space, allows for a more exciting experience that will capture the interests of students as opposed to pen and paper. Interactive displays allow teachers to easily create their own lesson plans or use premade ones, that are interesting and accessible. It is easy to change and customise content, making the planning process more efficient, whilst also providing a fun and captivating experience for students. Customisation allows teachers to tailor content to suit the needs of their students, eliminating the need for them to reprint or redo teaching resources. By taking the inconvenience out of creating new learning materials, teachers are able to focus more on the needs of their students. Teachers can see how well their lessons are being perceived by students through real-time feedback that can be accessed via online quizzes, polls and assessments. By using these, teachers are able to adapt and change their lessons efficiently to create the best possible learning environment for their students. To summarise, interactive displays provide endless ways to create enriching learning experiences without the hassle, that will ensure students leave their lessons feeling engaged. By using interactive displays in the classroom, students are encouraged to interact and collaborate, both individually and as a group, using the different tools available, including videos, pictures and quizzes. If this sounds like something that you would like to hear more about, then don’t hesitate to contact us!