Surface Hub 2S hands-on: Cutting-edge collaboration

Microsoft today gave the first public preview of its forthcoming Surface Hub 2S, which is now officially launching this June for $8,999. Joining Microsoft Chief Production Officer Panos Panay on stage was Steelcase, who had a pregnant function working with Microsoft to build the Steelcase Roam correspond the behemothic collaborative display.

Microsoft and Steelcase spent a lot of time putting into context the Surface Hub 2S noting why it'south so essential for modern businesses. Specifically, while technology can e'er aid people perform better, it's as well almost the squad working together. Panay remarked about this shift in workplace habits and Microsoft'southward role in making it happen smoothly:

People are spending more time collaborating than ever before. Companies know this, embracing it. Great business organisation run on people connecting. Teamwork is the nigh powerful tool for success. That is the critical tool. At Microsoft, we want to make innovation in a mode that moves people forward.

Looking at the Surface Hub 2S and it is easy to grasp how useful it can be in an open up function environment. The 50-inch display (and an 85-inch one coming in 2022) runs at 4K lets iv simultaneous video-conference calls each run at full HD. Due to the size of the display those callers look life-size making the whole experience that much more than personal.

The hush-hush sauce though for Surface Hub 2S is the massive battery that is nicely hidden in the Steelcase Roam. That battery lets users unplug the display and roll information technology around to other areas in the office where needed. With plenty juice to terminal almost 100 minutes (give or take) and the ability to fully recharge in under ninety minutes, the tech makes Surface Hub 2S a mobile collaborative display. That's vastly different from the original Surface Hub, which was non only more than massive it had to be professionally (and permanently) mounted.

The other hush-hush weapon is the Hub'due south modular computer. While display technology can concluding ten years, there's no reason to assume CPUs should. By just yanking the module from the back – with no tools or even line of sight is necessary – the Hub'southward computer tin be upgraded and replaced without disrupting the rest of the device. That's important for companies plunking down at least $ix,000 for the hardware.

Microsoft Principal Product Officer Panos Panay today in NYC revealing the Surface Hub 2S.

That modularity should be a hint at how Microsoft sees the future of computing going for some scenarios and could very well apply to hereafter iterations of Surface Studio where the concept as well makes sense. That same modularity will later let Surface Hub 2S devices upgrade to the new "2X" experience, presumably powered by the forthcoming Windows Cadre OS.

The 4K photographic camera is no slouch either having a surprisingly skilful low-lite ability due to the large and open lens. The camera connects through USB Type-C with ii guiding pins and a magnetic base of operations. These features let the camera click into identify on the side or acme of Surface Hub 2S with no wires and no attempt.

The Hub'south pen also now uses the same pen protocols as the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book. Latency and parallax have been significantly improved, and the new etched matte screen makes writing on the display feel even more natural.

Running apps adjacent (or fifty-fifty triple stacked) was fast, fluid, with no lag thanks to the Core i5 processor. While at that place are no detached graphics akin to NVIDIA at no point did the Surface Hub 2S suffer from lag. Instead, it was very responsive and behaved equally you lot would expect.

Despite the seemingly high price tag Surface Hub 1 did very well for Microsoft. So much that the visitor decided a year ago to alert businesses that Surface Hub 2 was coming in mid-2019 so that they can better budget themselves and non wait to grab the older version. Surface Hub 2S fixes and advances the overall concept of a collaborative display and then some.

Panay noted that they see Surface Hub 2S doing what laptops did for the desktop PC – giving users a new way artistic, collaborate, and empower users. From what we saw today it looks similar they have achieved that.

Come across Surface Hub 2 at Microsoft

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is non only one of favorite Surface accessories, it'due south one of our favorite mice for whatever PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And information technology'southward rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface possessor needs this Pen. Menses. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure level sensitivity, tilt back up for shading density, and enjoys supremely depression latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is countless. And information technology comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, 4 USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop ability hub. Nosotros highly recommend it.

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Protect your Surface Pro with one of these great cases

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