Microsoft reveals Surface Hub 2, its all-new interactive whiteboard

Edward Munn May 15, 2018

Microsoft has announced the Surface Hub 2, a brand new interactive whiteboard aimed at helping professionals to work creatively and collaboratively.

Microsoft reveals Surface Hub 2, its all-new interactive whiteboard

The new device runs Windows 10 and features a 4K+ 50.5” touchscreen display that conforms to Microsoft’s standard Surface 3×2 aspect ratio. Unlike its predecessor, this display can be rotated to suit the user’s preference, and although it’s no bigger than its predecessor (it’s considerably smaller than the larger 84in Surface Hub), the Surface Hub 2’s party trick is that up to four of the whiteboards can be tiled horizontally or vertically when more screen real estate is required.

microsoft_surface_hub_3 Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Whiteboard and Office 365 have all been optimised to run on the interactive whiteboard, and the new Surface Hub 2 also comes with 4K cameras that rotate with the device, along with integrated speakers and far-field microphones.

“Tiling is one of my favorite features on Surface Hub 2. Seeing four of the beautiful Surface Hub 2s lined up together has undeniable visual effect and will have a profound impact on what groups can accomplish together, allowing users to display multiple pieces of content side-by-side, said Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer Panos Panay. “Imagine how much your team could get done being able to work simultaneously across Microsoft Whiteboard, PowerBI, PowerPoint, and a full view video call.”

In order to maximise mobility – something that’s more important than ever with this new tiling feature in mind – Microsoft teamed up with workplace expert Steelcase to create a system of rolling stands and easy-to-use mounts.

“Now more than ever teamwork is essential to businesses and the people that power them. Employees spend 50% of their time collaborating and non-group tasks have decreased to around 20% of the working day,” the company said. “That’s why Microsoft today is announcing Surface Hub 2, designed from the ground up to get people engaged – to get out of their seats, create and dynamically collaborate as a team, regardless of location.”

We haven’t got any concrete specs beyond the Microsoft Surface Hub 2’s display size, but we’ll update this page as soon as we know more. Microsoft has announced that it’ll begin testing the device this year with select commercial customers, but that it will not be available for purchase until 2019. Pricing too, is yet been revealed, but Microsoft promises this is coming “soon”.