Technology & IT | Thursday 11 June, 2015 1:26 pm |

Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced that Microsoft Surface Hub, the company’s new large-screen collaboration device, will be available for businesses to order in 24 markets beginning July 1. Breakthrough hardware innovations in touch and ink allow Surface Hub to harness the power of Windows 10, Skype for Business, Office, OneNote and Universal Windows apps to deliver a new kind of productivity experience optimized for groups. The unique experience is designed to be just as engaging for people working together in the same room as for those connecting remotely. To meet the needs of a variety of rooms and spaces, Surface Hub is available in two main configurations: Surface Hub 55-inch for $6,999, and Surface Hub 84-inch for $19,999.

Surface Hub delivers the power and versatility of a complete, cloud-connected Windows 10 device along with the simplicity and consistency of a custom interface that is built for shared spaces. The device is designed for anyone to walk up and use, providing an engaging way to share ideas and information. Right from the welcome screen it’s easy to start white-boarding, initiate a videoconference or share content, but that’s just the beginning. Businesses will be able to draw from a wide variety of Universal Windows apps to put real-time data and business tools at the center of meetings, helping them gain insights and reach decisions faster. By connecting the industry-specific Universal Windows apps that organizations rely on to manage their business processes with an engaging remote meeting and collaboration solution, Surface Hub brings a new level of innovation and efficiency to the way people work. And as a Windows 10 device, the Surface Hub benefits from Windows Update for Business, providing access to the latest innovation and security updates on an ongoing basis.

“While there are a number of devices designed to improve our productivity as individuals, there has yet to be a device that is truly optimized for a group of people to use together — designed not just for what we need to do, but how we want to work. Until now,” said Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president, Microsoft Devices. “Just as the PC revolutionized productivity for individuals, Surface Hub will transform the way groups of people work together.”

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 voices 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.

Microsoft is working closely with a set of strategic partners to make it easy for businesses to deploy Surface Hub into their organizations in a way that naturally integrates into their existing rooms and IT environments. A variety of companies are embracing Surface Hub, including distributors enabling global reach like ALSO, Ingram Micro Inc., Synnex Corp., Tech Data and TD Maverick, and strategic resellers like Atea, AVI-SPL, Bechtle, CSI Collaboration Solutions, Inmac, Insight, Kelway, Misco, PCM, Red Thread, Telstra and Whitlock, which bring industry expertise in hardware, software and solutions. In addition, through partnerships with global leaders in advanced control, automation and conferencing systems like AMX and Crestron, and working with innovative design thought leaders like Herman Miller, Microsoft is thinking about collaboration spaces holistically and putting Surface Hub at the center of workspace transformation initiatives.

Surface Hub and related accessories will be available to order starting July 1 and will begin shipping worldwide in September in 24 markets: the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Customers interested in Surface Hub should work with an authorized reseller in their region. More information on Surface Hub can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-surface-hub.