Microsoft has unveiled its new large-screen collaboration device, Surface Hub, for its UAE and Qatar customers to address the growing need for more collaboration and virtualization solutions, especially among enterprises.

Surface Hub was launched in UAE and Qatar during the Gitex Technology Week, a major IT show that opened yesterday (October 18) in Dubai, UAE. The event runs until October 22.

The 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.

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.

Samer Abu Ltaif, regional general manager, Microsoft Gulf said: “Microsoft is at the forefront of enabling effective collaboration in all settings whether at work or at home.”

“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. There are a number of devices designed to improve our work as individuals, but nothing equals the Surface Hub; that creates a productivity experience to meet the needs of today’s modern workforce and is designed for teams to be able to use together.

“Businesses will also be able to draw from a wide variety of Windows 10 apps to put real-time data and business tools at the center of meetings, helping them gain insights and reach decisions faster,” he added.

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. 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 can now be pre-ordered immediately from UAE and Qatar, a statement said.

In terms of pricing, Surface Hub 55-inch will be priced $7,279, while Surface Hub 84-inch will cost $20,459, the statement added.- TradeArabia News Service