Microsoft unveils thinner, lighter, combinable Surface Hub 2

Microsoft has announced plans for Surface Hub 2, a 50.5in Windows 10 tablet for conference rooms which is due to be launched next year. Microsoft has yet to give details of the

pricing but has indicated it will be similar to Google Jamboard which costs around $5,000. Surface Hub 1, which had an 83in screen, cost around $22,000.

Users will be able to switch the device from portrait to landscape orientation, thanks to a hinge on the back. They’ll also be able to take a number of Surface Hubs 2s and turn them into one big screen.

Reporting on the launch, Business Insider UK wrote: “The single biggest change in the new model is with its design. The Surface Hub 2 will be thinner and lighter than the original. More intriguingly, unlike the first model, it will have a special hinge in the back that will allow users to switch its orientation from landscape to portrait. Additionally users will be able to combine several Surface Hub 2 devices into one giant display.”

Microsoft is upgrading the components on the new model also. The Surface Hub 2 has faster processors than the original. Its screen resolution is higher than 4K, according to Microsoft. And its cameras now support 4K resolution.

However, while the original Surface Hub came in 55in and 84in models, Microsoft appears currently to be planning to offer the Surface Hub 2 with only a 50.5in display.

Details of the new device

A 4K+ 50.5in multi-touch PixelSense Display creates an inviting canvas to harness the power of Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Whiteboard, Office 365, Windows 10 and the intelligent cloud
It scales and adapts to spaces through tiling up to 4 screens together in portrait or in landscape
Dynamic rotation allows the best orientation for content to help people work in the way that best suits them and the people they are collaborating with
Partnering with workplace expert Steelcase, Microsoft has created a system of rolling stands and easy-to-use mounts to help Surface Hub 2 customers be truly mobile, gain a new perspective and capture their ideas wherever they do their best work
4K cameras that rotate with the device and integrated speakers and far field mic arrays allow everyone in the meeting to feel as if they are right in the room with the rest of the group

Microsoft will begin testing Surface Hub 2 this year with select commercial customers.