Google News : Jamboard Digital Whiteboard Launched, Hardware And Software All Company-Made

Google has unveiled at a press event in San Francisco a new gadget called Jamboard, which is a cloud-connected digital whiteboard aimed to compete with Microsoft's Surface Hub. The device is designed as an office tool and is targeted at corporate customers. It will be available in the market by 2017.

The 55-inch digital whiteboard allows users to access documents and presentations on the screen that are saved on Google's productivity tools like Docs and Drive. Collaboration is central to the product's software which enables communication with other Jamboards.

The office product follows the release of Google's other hardware including a virtual reality headset and voice controlled smart speaker, which were launched in early October. Also introduced to the market was the Google Pixel smartphone.

Jamboard has already piqued the interests of several enterprise customers including Netflix, Spotify, and Instrument. Beta tests have been conducted by these companies as part of an early adoption program.

The device features a video-conferencing element, which allows the presentation to a meeting, transmittal of a copy, and broadcast. A full-featured tablet app for iOS and Android operating systems is available. Google also made a simpler version for smartphones.

Priced under $6000, Jamboard has a built-in camera and speakers and looks like a huge high-definition television with its 60-inch width. Microsoft's 55-inch and 85-inch Surface Hub digital touchscreen retails for $9000. Google will sell the device in blue or gray options as well as a bright red version.

According to Google, the device's hardware and software were all developed by the company. Jamboard is marketed as tools for teamwork and collaboration.

Jamboard is part of Google's attempt to diversify its business from web advertising whose share makes up 90 percent the tech company's annual revenue. Google aims to be a player in the software-tools field where they provide corporate versions of email service Gmail and cloud-based infrastructure services for the enterprise market.