As many of us are now working from home, I’ve noticed how challenging it can be to communicate effectively with family members. Whether it’s trying to vacuum while someone is in a meeting or simply wanting to know if someone is available, the lack of clear communication can lead to frustration.
That’s why I’m excited to share a small tool I’ve developed called OnAirSync. This tool runs on your computer and updates an openHAB item every time you join or leave a video or audio call. It’s designed to help you keep track of who is ‘on air’ in real-time.
The idea came from observing how my family often forgot to update physical ‘do not disturb’ signs, leading to unnecessary interruptions. With OnAirSync, you can eliminate this guesswork. Simply install the tool, and you’ll see in your openHAB dashboard who is currently in a meeting.
One of the best features is that it’s lightweight and doesn’t require any additional hardware. It works seamlessly on Windows 10 and integrates with most video conferencing tools. Plus, it provides a side benefit of showing which programs are accessing your camera or microphone, adding an extra layer of privacy.
I’d love to hear if anyone else has found this tool helpful or if there are ways to improve it further. Let’s make working from home a bit more seamless for everyone! 