Otter.ai Introduces Automated Meeting Transcription with Otter Assistant

Otter.ai, a provider of AI-driven voice transcription, has launched a new feature designed to streamline meeting documentation for business users. This new tool, called Otter Assistant, automatically integrates with scheduled Zoom meetings.

Automated Transcription and Collaboration

Otter Assistant joins Zoom meetings directly from a user’s calendar, providing real-time transcription of the discussion. The resulting notes are then shared with all meeting participants. This builds upon the existing Otter.ai and Zoom integration, offering a more seamless experience.

Previously, only the meeting host could directly utilize the Otter.ai integration. This new assistant removes that restriction, making transcription accessible to all attendees.

Addressing the Challenges of Remote Work

The development of Otter Assistant responds to the evolving demands of the remote work landscape. Many individuals now juggle professional responsibilities with personal commitments like childcare and homeschooling.

This often results in divided attention during meetings, leading to missed information. Otter.ai aims to mitigate this issue, alongside assisting with overlapping schedules and large meetings where only specific segments are relevant to individual participants.

How Otter Assistant Works

Users begin by synchronizing their Google Calendar or Microsoft Calendar with the Otter.ai service. The assistant then automatically joins future Zoom meetings as a participant, ensuring transparency.

A link to the live transcription is posted in the Zoom chat, providing easy access for all attendees. It’s important to note that this feature is intended for meetings where transcription has been mutually agreed upon.

Interactive Features During Meetings

During the meeting, participants can interact with the live transcript by highlighting key sections, adding images, and including notes. A commenting feature allows for questions to be posed without interrupting the flow of the conversation, which is particularly useful in noisy environments.

Once activated, Otter Assistant eliminates the need to manually start and stop transcription for each meeting. Users can continue to utilize their headphones for audio, while the assistant records both sides of the discussion.

Control and Customization

Users retain control over the assistant’s functionality. Otter Assistant can be disabled on a per-meeting basis through the “My Agenda” section on the Otter.ai website, utilizing new toggle controls.

Following the meeting’s conclusion, Otter.ai can be configured to automatically distribute the meeting notes to all participants.

Availability and Pricing

The Otter Assistant feature is available to subscribers of Otter.ai Business plans. These plans begin at $20 per month and include additional features such as two-factor authentication, SOC2 compliance, advanced search capabilities, custom vocabulary, and centralized billing.

Growth and Usage Statistics

Otter.ai reports having transcribed over 150 million meetings to date, an increase from 100 million at the start of 2021. While the company hasn’t disclosed its total subscriber numbers, it experienced an eightfold revenue increase in 2020, culminating in a $50 million Series B funding round in February.