Microsoft is finally offering a sneak peak at the Surface Hub 2. According to USA Today, Microsoft recently published a YouTube video showcasing the second generation of its flagship interactive whiteboard. While Microsoft hasn’t divulged the Surface Hub 2’s specs, there are a few things we know about the highly anticipated product based on the video.
First and foremost, the Surface Hub 2 features a 3:1 aspect ratio whereas the original Surface Hub feature a 16:9 aspect ratio. It’s a slimmer, more compact design that should offer a breath of fresh air to the market. With most interactive whiteboards using the standard 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, a 3:1 aspect ratio will help the Surface Hub 2 stand out from its competing products.
In the promotional video, Microsoft demonstrates how multiple Surface Hub 2 units can be arranged and interconnected to create a single, larger interactive whiteboard. The video specifically shows four Surface Hub 2s arranged laterally.
Finally, the Surface Hub 2 features a fingerprint scanner for biometrics verification. Rather than entering a username and password, each user can log in to his or her own account using their fingerprint. The user places his or her finger on the Surface Hub 2’s scanner, at which point the device will capture an image of the user’s fingerprint for identification verification.
The Surface Hub has origins dating back to January 2015, during which Microsoft announced the first-generation Surface Hub. On July 1, 2015, Microsoft began accepting pre-orders for the 55- and 84-inch variants. Shortly thereafter, Microsoft said it was pushing back the Surface Hub’s shipping date because of unexpectedly high demand. Given the anticipation surrounding the company’s upcoming Surface Hub 2, it may experience this same problem. Hopefully, however, Microsoft can keep up demand and fulfill orders for its new interactive whiteboard.
Microsoft is expected to launch the Surface Hub 2 in 2019. Pricing details haven’t been disclosed, but some sources say the Surface Hub 2 will follow a similar pricing format as its predecessor. When the original Surface Hub went on sale, Microsoft charged $8,999 for the 55-inch model and $21,999 for the 84-inch model.
Dil Bole Oberoi
