Is it always on?

This is an interesting problem. How to recreate a “frosted glass” that’s introvert friendly (there’s a disorder that affects X% of the population where they can’t work if they’re being watched...the name escapes me) while reducing the friction of adhoc interactions (time, clicks, etc).

Hopefully there’s some interesting solutions soon.

One thing this solution perhaps doesn’t address is portability. Sure you can take the device with you, but will you? So it’s a “home office” solution not a “remote as in Starbucks” (if that ever exists again) solution.

Neat idea!

The frosted glass is a great idea! We'll definitely give it some thought.

Regarding portability, we were actually pleasantly surprised to learn that a lot of our users took Sidekick with them when they found different homes to shelter in place. We're thinking about adding some software companion apps to help with this as well.

edit: yes it's always-on, but you have the capability to turn it off easily with one button click.

Definitely understand the privacy concern - we know that our product won't fit every home office setup depending on the living circumstances. It depends on how close and comfortable a team feels with each other. Our teams are already close-knit and miss the feeling of being in the same room together. We're thinking of adding virtual backgrounds to help with this too.

As Joe walks in wearing underwear... (I'm serious, I code in my unders half the time, esp in the summer (no a/c)). That could get awkward.

That has nothing to do with the product. If you don't want to be on camera in your underwear, don't turn a camera on while in your underwear.

Only if it's mandated by the company.