14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced the second-generation Surface Hub which comes with some welcome upgrades in terms of hardware and functionality.
While the company has only released a preview of the device in the official announcement, Microsoft did reveal that the Surface Hub 2 would be equipped with a 50.5-inch display that would support 4K resolution and obviously offer multi-touch support.
It boasts a 3:2 aspect ratio and at the same time, it supports rotating, so it can be used in any orientation mode without any impact on usability.
“Surface Hub 2 scales and adapts to your space through tiling up to 4 screens together in portrait or landscape view. Dynamic rotation allows you to use the best orientation for your content to help people work in the way that best suits them and the people they are collaborating with,” Microsoft explains.
Since rotating a gigantic screen is quite a challenge, Microsoft has teamed up with Steelcase to develop a dedicated mount with rolling stands, making it easier for office workers to adjust the Surface Hub 2 position according to the information they want to display.
4K cameras and integrated speakers
The Surface Hub 2 can split its screen in four different displays that can be used for showing different content, like a PowerPoint presentation or a video call.
Additionally, Microsoft will be offering 4K cameras for video calls and meetings, as well as integrated speakers which rotate with the device when changing orientation.
In addition to hardware, Microsoft has also invested in the software side of the Surface Hub, so the second generation comes with multi-user sign support and Windows Hello. There are also updates for the main productivity tools used in the office, like Whiteboard and PowerBI, and obviously full support for Windows 10, which will power the device.
No word has been said on release date and pricing but given that it’s a product aimed at the enterprise, don’t expect it to come cheap.
