Notetaker without bot vs. meeting bots: what to choose and why
Bots that join Zoom or Meet are convenient, but can be visible and sometimes not allowed. Local recording is discreet but needs your computer. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
There are two ways to automatically take notes from an online meeting. First: a bot joins the call as a participant (“Notetaker”), records, and sends the notes. Second: a program on your computer records the sound you hear and your microphone. Zicelo offers both; here’s when to use each.
Meeting bots
Advantages
- They work even if you're not in the meeting or you're on your phone.
- They get each participant's audio directly from the platform.
- They don’t rely on your computer.
Disadvantages
- They’re visible. An extra participant changes the vibe; some people speak more cautiously.
- They can be rejected. The organizer can remove them, and some companies block them entirely.
- Entry delay: the bot has to be admitted from the waiting room.
Local recording (no bot)
Advantages
- Invisible to others: no new participant appears.
- Works in any app: Teams, Zoom, Meet, Webex, Slack huddles, WhatsApp desktop calls, or a webinar.
- Starts automatically when the calendar meeting begins and the calling app opens the microphone.
Disadvantages
- Only works if you participate on that computer.
- Speaker separation is approximate without headphones (“You” vs. “Others”) because the microphone picks up the speakers too.
And what about consent?
Regardless of method, recording a conversation involves informing participants, and often requires their agreement. Invisible doesn’t mean secret: announce at the start of the meeting that you’re automatically taking notes. It’s fair and actually helps make notes better – people articulate decisions more clearly.
Which to choose
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| You’re in the meeting, on your computer | Windows app or Chrome extension (no bot) |
| Meeting with a client sensitive to bots | No bots |
| You can’t attend but want the notes | Bot in meeting |
| In-person meeting | Web app on phone or laptop › Records |
| You already have a recording | Upload the audio/video file |
All options end up in the same account, with the same summary, search, and integrations. Learn more about Notetaker.
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