The Rally camera is a Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) camera which uses Logitech’s RightSense technology to automatically frame every participant – this, they say, is preferable to rapidly moving from one speaking participant to the next and lets you see non-verbal cues.
On the downside the device requires an annual software subscription, but it extends the functionality of the Meeting Owl Pro (and only the Pro). The view isn’t even blocked as the board is written on the software applies partial transparency, and even offers a step-by-step playback. If you want to share the discussion points, the optional Whiteboard Owl accessory adds distortion-corrected view of the whiteboard. Camera lock is controlled via a phone app, which is a slightly convoluted solution compared to a remote, but well featured and the device is always popular.
The ‘Pro’ is the newer version, with a more powerful processor, better resolution and louder speakers without too significant a price bump. Along the top (unless disabled in the options) is a thin strip showing a perspective-corrected strip of the whole-room view in both cases the images are considerably more flattering than from a shorter camera thanks to the device's 273mm body height (nearly 11 inches), and the sound is capably handled by the 8 mics which also help locate the subject (and boast a good pick-up range of 5.5m / 18ft). The Meeting Owl was a successful product, picking up several awards for its cute (but not too cute) design, capped with a 360˚ camera and equipped with the software to identify team members who are talking and give them centre stage. Phone app irritating for first time user