Big news from TD Maverick this month, with Microsoft awarding the distributor a share of the pan-European distribution rights for Surface Hub, the software giant’s new large-screen collaboration device. Surface Hub will be available for businesses to order in 24 markets from the 1st July from Tech Data / TD Maverick and one other European distributor.
Surface Hub is available in two main configurations: Surface Hub 55-inch for $6,999, and Surface Hub 84-inch for $19,999. Hardware innovations in touch and ink are said to 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 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. Businesses will be able to draw from a wide variety of Windows apps to put real-time data and business tools at the centre of meetings, helping them gain insights and reach decisions faster.
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.
By connecting the industry-specific Universal Windows apps that organisations 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.”
