Eric Yuan, founder and general director of Zoom, intends to introduce revolutionary changes to corporate software. He plans to create AI Avatars that can attend meetings on behalf of users.
Yuan established Zoom after working at Cisco, aiming to simplify video conferencing. Zoom has since become a staple in online communications, especially during the pandemic.
Despite its success, the company now faces several business challenges. Yuan envisions Zoom’s future beyond video chats, focusing on developing new tools for productivity like documents, email, and chats.
The company’s current emphasis is on AI implementation. Yuan envisions a future where “digital doubles” – avatars capable of attending meetings and making decisions for users – could provide more time for important matters, such as family engagements.
“It would be perfect if I could send a digital version of myself to a meeting while I go to the beach,” says Yuan. “AI can handle 90% of the tasks, freeing up time for more creative and vital tasks.”
Yuan acknowledges that developing such technologies will take time, possibly several years. However, he believes achieving this goal is feasible and predicts that AI could eventually reduce the workweek to four or even three days.
“Why work five days a week when you could spend more time with family or pursue creativity?” adds Yuan.
Zoom is actively investing in AI technology and augmented reality, offering AI-based meetings and planning to integrate three-dimensional avatars. Yuan underscores the need to address technological challenges, particularly regarding security and data protection.
The company is also working on personalized AI models for individual users. Yuan envisions a future where everyone will have a unique AI model to assist with daily tasks.
Despite recent layoffs, Zoom has optimized its company structure to pursue these goals, investing in equipment and hiring AI specialists to accelerate new feature development.
In competition with Microsoft and Google, Zoom continues to enhance its product. “We currently provide the best video conferencing solutions, and our customers recognize that,” Yuan states.
Privacy and security remain top priorities for Zoom. The company does not use customer data to train AI models and ensures robust information protection.
Yuan is confident in the future of AI and pledges to introduce innovations to streamline work processes. “We are just starting this journey, but we