Setting Up Your First Hedy Session

Preparing for Your Hedy Session

A successful Hedy session starts with careful preparation. This guide will walk you through selecting languages, positioning your device, and creating the ideal environment for capturing your conversations.

Choosing Your Languages

Hedy supports two key language settings to personalize your experience:

1. Chat Language

   • The language Hedy will use when communicating with you

   • Determines the language of insights, recaps, and chat interactions

   • Choose from over 25 supported languages

   • Can be different from your meeting language

2. Meeting Language

   • The primary language of the conversation Hedy will transcribe

   • Used for speech recognition and real-time transcription

   • Currently supports multiple languages (with varying levels of accuracy)

Virtual Meeting Audio Setup

How Hedy captures virtual meeting audio depends on which device you use:

Desktop (macOS and Windows)

Hedy captures system audio directly on your computer. This means it can hear everything from Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and any other meeting app, even if you are using headphones, AirPods, or Bluetooth audio. No extra setup is needed.

1. Open the Hedy desktop app on your Mac or PC

2. Start a session

3. Join your virtual meeting as usual

4. Hedy will automatically capture the meeting audio

Pro tip: The desktop app is the easiest way to use Hedy for virtual meetings. It works with any audio output (speakers, headphones, Bluetooth) and captures both sides of the conversation.

Mobile (iOS and Android)

On mobile devices, Hedy uses your device’s microphone. It cannot directly access audio from other apps on the same phone or tablet. This is a restriction enforced by iOS and Android, not a Hedy limitation.

• If you are using headphones on the meeting device: Hedy will not be able to hear the other participants.

• If you are using speakers on the meeting device: Place your phone running Hedy near the speakers.

• Best approach: Use a separate device for Hedy (e.g., your phone) and place it near the speakers of the device hosting the meeting (e.g., your computer).

Phone calls: Hedy cannot listen to phone calls on the same device. iOS and Android prevent any app from accessing call audio. To use Hedy during a phone call, put the call on speaker and use a second device running Hedy placed nearby, or take the call on your computer using the desktop app instead.

Device Positioning: Physical Meetings

Optimal audio capture is crucial for accurate transcription:

• Place your device 3-6 feet from the primary conversation area

• Avoid placing near loud devices or high-traffic areas

• Ensure minimal background noise

• Position device facing the primary speakers

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Placing device too far from speakers

• Covering the microphone

• Putting device near air conditioners or fans

• Leaving device in a pocket or bag

Virtual Meeting Setups

For online meetings, the desktop app (macOS or Windows) is the recommended approach. It captures system audio directly, so it works with any meeting platform and any audio output (speakers, headphones, or Bluetooth).

If using Hedy on a mobile device instead:

• Play meeting audio through speakers (not headphones) on the meeting device

• Place your phone running Hedy near the speakers

• Ensure volume is at a moderate, consistent level

You can also view and interact with your sessions from any browser at web.hedy.ai.

Best Practices for Meeting Environments

1. Quiet Spaces

   • Choose rooms with minimal background noise

   • Close doors and windows during recordings

   • Inform participants about the recording

2. Technology Preparation

   • Fully charge your device

   • Close battery-draining apps

   • Connect to stable Wi-Fi or cellular data

3. Privacy Considerations

   • Inform meeting participants about Hedy

   • Ensure consent for recording

   • Review and delete sensitive sessions as needed

Before Your First Session Checklist:

✓ Choose chat and meeting languages

✓ Test device positioning

✓ Ensure participant consent

✓ Have a backup recording method if needed

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

• Low Audio Quality:

  • Check device microphone permissions

  • Move closer to speakers

  • Reduce background noise

• Language Recognition Problems:

  • Verify language settings

  • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace

  • Consider using English for most accurate results

Need personalized help? Our support team is available to assist you with session setup and optimization. Contact us through the in-app support chat or email support@hedy.bot.

Next Steps

Now that you’re prepared, you’re ready to start your first Hedy session! Remember, practice makes perfect. Your first few sessions will help you understand how to get the most out of Hedy.

Tip for New Users: Start with a short, low-stakes meeting to get comfortable with Hedy’s features and capabilities.