Featured Article from Conferencing

Microsoft Reportedly Readying New Surface Solution

By Paula Bernier
Executive Editor, TMC

Microsoft (News - Alert) is reportedly getting ready to introduce a new version of its Surface solution. The company is expected to unveil the new offering in the first half of this year. However, it’s unclear when the second-generation Surface Hub will be available to customers.

Zdnet’s (News - Alert) Mary Jo Foley writes: “Microsoft has yet to deliver an optimized version of its Microsoft Teams group-chat service on the Surface Hub, but supposedly it's in the works. I'm also hearing an OS refresh for the first-generation Surface Hub is coming, which could provide V1 users with at least some of the new functionality that will be part of Surface Hub V2.

“Microsoft hasn't said anything about specific features likely to be part of the next-generation Surface Hub. However, the company has hinted that Cortana integration, automatic transcription, and advanced scheduling capabilities could all figure in its conference room of the future scenarios.”

The company introduced Microsoft Surface Hub in 2015. It’s a large touch screen designed for videoconferencing and whiteboard sessions. And its pricing begins at $8,999.

“Microsoft Surface Hub is a first-of-its-kind collaboration device designed to unlock the power of the group with the best digital tools to brainstorm and create together. And with Windows 10, Surface Hub provides a platform to build amazing large-screen apps for group productivity, such as the already-builti-n custom Office and Skype (News - Alert) for Business apps. In both 55-inch and 84-inch models, it features advanced technology for the modern workplace and the flexibility to turn any room into a collaboration space, enabling productivity where people come together to get things done, from large conference rooms to informal huddle spaces.”

Cisco (News - Alert) offers a similar whiteboard solution in the form of Cisco Spark Board. It came out with that solution early in 2017.