At Microsoft’s Windows 10 event in January, presentations were made on a large touch screen device with a Microsoft moniker that was at first unknown to the audience. Later in the event it was revealed that this screen, which was being used to show off Windows 10, is one of Microsoft’s latest device for collaboration in the workplace, the Surface Hub.
Today, Microsoft revealed that the Surface Hub will be made available for businesses to order in 24 markets starting July 1 with two configurations. There will be a 55 inch model available for $6,999 and an 84-inch Surface Hub for $19,999. Microsoft also detailed more about the device in today’s press release saying:
“The Surface Hub experience is designed around a highly responsive screen built for ink and touch. Both versions of Surface Hub are integrated with optically bonded displays capable of detecting 100 points of multitouch and up to three simultaneous pen inputs, dual 1080p front-facing video cameras, and a four-element microphone array that detects and follows voice to eliminate background noise during videoconferencing sessions. Surface Hub also features built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and a variety of ports for easy wired and wireless connectivity options, allowing devices to share content to the screen.”
It has also been previously reported that the screens will feature a display resolution of 4k with a 120Hz refresh rate and ship with either fourth-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors.
Microsoft is hoping that the Surface Hub will be transformative for collaboration in the workplace, turning any room into a collaboration space that provides a dynamic video conferencing capability once reserved for only the largest of companies willing to make significant investments in IT.
Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president of Microsoft Device Group added in today’s press release:
“There is no doubt in our mind that Surface Hub is going to change the way groups work together. Just as the PC revolutionized productivity for individuals, we see Surface Hub as a transformative tool for group productivity.”
The “OneNote-based Whiteboard” also allows users to work simultaneously not just on the Surface Hub itself, but wirelessly to other devices via Miracast. Allowing 100 touchpoints, simultaneous pen inputs, and powered by Windows 10, this all-in-one system will provide seamless and intuitive way for workers to better collaborate in a group environment or across the globe.
