With the plethora of new information circling around the hugely Microsoft Surface Hub 2 since their New York event and annoucnment of availability and pricing back on the 17th April. While we are still waiting for UK pricing and availablity, I wanted to try to summarise everything about the new Surface Hub is currently “public” into a blog post.
Release date and pricing
Whilst initially announced as ‘Hub 2’ in May last year, the evolution of the product into Hub 2S and Hub 2X (more on that later) means a staggered release, with the 2S variant becoming available in the North American market in June 2019, and other regions – including UK and other countries to follow “very” shortly after.
Pricing for Surface Hub 2S in North America has been confirmed at $8,999, and as per the offical launch date into other markets, as well as UK pricing is expected to confirmed (expected on 2nd May 2019).
Surface Hub 2S: The key specs
Taking it’s key desgn pricipals from the hugely successful Microsoft Surface “product family”, the Surface Hub 2 model comprises of a lighter (about 40%), thinner device in contrast to Surface Hub V1. The from the ground-up redesign introduces (as it did first time round) a new collaboration product category that I am sure the competition will quickly copy/immitate.
At just 27.9 kg , combined with the big reduction in bezel size, removing of built-in (non upgradable) cameras, inclusion of edge-side connectors and repositioning speakers to the rear, introduces the future option (coming in 2020) of tiling multiple devices together for greater options in both use, agility, and room design. On the subject of audio, the new speaker configuration in Hub 2 includes a subwoofer, and vastly superior quality speakers with ambient noise cancelling and active speaker tracking.
The significantly smaller, more agile and lighter design is where the Surface Hub 2 has yet again created itself new space in the market. Whilst Surface Hub 1 could be used in a mobile environment (when used with the Microsoft Rolling Stand), the recent announcement of the APC Charge Mobile Battery which is designed to slot into the Steelcase Roam Mobile Stand, the Hub 2 takes this flexibilty even further with 2 hours of completely cable-free use.
I personally can’t wait to see this feature in our customers meeting spaces and to see how it creates even greater meeting & collaboration experiences for users in literally any space.
Aside from being massively impressed by the slick Microsoft launch (ok teaser) last year, the Hub 2’s mobility is truely genius – the beautifully engineered rolling stand deserves to win prizes as it really will set Hub 2 free and make collaboration truley possible in any space without the need for cumbersome cables or power one of the biggest blockers in creating agile teaching or collaboration spaces.
Surface Hub 2’s Partner in Crime – Whiteboard
In short, the Microsoft Whiteboard app is not confined (anymore) to Surface Hub. After already making is debut on Hub 1, it is a simple, clean yet vastly powerful and AI driven app that makes it easy to collaborate with multiple other people virtually using images, sticky notes, unlimited canvass, intelligent search and image services and of course …the digital pen. The app works across all Windows 10 devices, Apple Tablets and Android devices (very soon) and of course works seemlessly on all Surface devices including Surface Hub 1 and 2, Surface Studio, Surface Book, Surface Laptop and of course Surface Pro.
Whiteboard app if you havent tried it is simply awesome. I wont say much more on this blog – try it you’ll love it… what ever touch enabled device you use!
What Else is Coming?
Surface Hub 2X– When Hub 2X comes out next year, you’ll be able to easily upgrade a Surface Hub 2S to 2X through removable processor cartridge, unlocking upgraded operating system features, multiple device tiling, and the dynamic tilting screen.
Surface Hub 2S 85″ – The initial announcement/rumour of an 85″ Surface Hub version was made during the April 17 event, with product testing to commence early 2020, and anticipated for late 2020.
Surface Hub 2 Display only – Microsoft continues to build momentum in the Windows Collaboration Device product category with a display-only Hub 2 format that is pen and touch-back enabled, also expected later this calendar year.
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Cisilion is a leading Microsoft Gold Partner and Surface Hub Value Added Reseller and offers everything from supply and ship to complete life-cycle services.
Our offerings include everything from room design, supply and implementation, to change management and user adoption programs to ensure you and your teams achieve the maximum value from your investment.
Register your interest using the link below to reserve priority access to UK Surface hub 2S stock when it becomes available. You’ll also receive all of the latest updates and insights direct from both our team, and the Microsoft Surface Hub Team.
Thanks
Rob