Using the “zoom.new” feature
It’s now possible to start a Zoom meeting by simply typing “zoom.new” in the address bar of your web browser. Doing so will launch your desktop app and initiate an ad-hoc meeting in one easy step. Bear in mind this action will result in a new, spontaneously created meeting with its own unique and randomly […]
New Security Policy to Block “Bots”
In an effort to combat unwanted participation in VCU-hosted meetings by unauthorized bots, the Zoom support team will allow access only to authorized SDK applications beginning March 12, 2026. This step is specifically aimed at preventing unapproved applications from using bots to join meetings as “participants” to create AI-powered transcriptions, summaries and recordings for storage […]
New, Simplified Interface with Zoom version 6.7.0
Zoom Workplace sports an updated design with version 6.7.0, released on December 15, 2025. The core features of the application remain unchanged, but with “refreshed interfaces and streamlined navigation” to “deliver a more intuitive experience for every user…without changing core features.” Among other changes, the navigation menu formerly displayed along the top edge of the […]
Using the “Voice Recorder” feature
You can now create Zoom Cloud Recordings and Meeting Summaries even when you’re conducting an in-person meeting, using the “Voice Recorder” feature on the Zoom Mobile app. First, you’ll need to have the mobile app installed on your iOS or Android mobile device. Then, you’ll want to enable Voice Recorder on your Zoom account page […]
Meeting Wallpapers
No doubt you’re already familiar with the virtual background feature in Zoom, but you may not have noticed that you can apply a background to the meeting itself, and not just individual participants. By default, the “gallery view” in your Zoom meeting will display participants in windows that float over an empty, black background. Similarly, […]
Live Streaming Your Zoom Meeting
Any VCU Zoom meeting can be live streamed to reach an audience beyond the standard 300-participant limit. You can stream to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch or VCU’s Kaltura video server. To use this feature in a meeting, click on “More” (the three dots) in your Meeting toolbar and choose “Livestream” from the resulting pop-up menu. Choose […]
Using the “Auto Call” Feature
With so many tasks claiming our attention in the course of a day, it can be easy to miss the start time for a meeting — maybe even one you’re supposed to host! Zoom has addressed this with the “auto call” feature available in client version 6.5.0 and higher. With his feature enabled, you can […]
Secure Your Meetings
Unfortunately, “Zoombombings” and other unwelcome intrusions continue to impact meetings at VCU and worldwide. To summarize the many security options available to you as a meeting host, we’ve created this video guide to help you keep your meetings safe: In brief, consider employing as many options as practical when securing your meetings: Additionally, in our […]
Get To Know AI Companion
We’ve assembled a brief video reviewing the features available to you with Zoom AI Companion. As a reminder, AI Companion is turned off by default for VCU Zoom users, but you can enable it for your account at vcu.zoom.us, under “Settings > AI Companion.” For more information, see the VCU Zoom information page, or contact […]
Using the Zoom Web App
The Zoom Web App provides an alternative method for hosting and joining Zoom meetings when the desktop client may be unavailable. This can be useful if you’re having difficulties with the installed client or if you find yourself using a device where you lack the necessary administrator rights to install Zoom. When you log in […]