Back at the beginning of June, Microsoft announced a new form factor for Windows 10 devices known as Windows Collaboration Displays. These devices are very similar to Microsoft"s own Surface Hub series, which is set to be refreshed next year, except they do not have actual computers inside, and instead serve as displays for other Windows computers.
At this year"s Microsoft Inspire event for partners, which is taking place this week, Avocor is previewing one of the world"s first Windows Collaboration Displays. The display will connect to Windows computers through a single USB Type-C port, and they"re expected to be launched later this summer, though a specific date hasn"t been provided.
Avocor"s yet-unnamed displays being showcased at Inspire feature 4K resolution screens with a 60Hz refresh rate and 20-point multi-touch support, so many people can interact with the display at the same time. It will also support pen and inking capabilities, a feature Microsoft has been implementing all across its OS and services, which should make it easier to use apps such as Whiteboard.
Much like the Surface Hub, Avocor"s offering includes integrated cameras, stereo speakers and far-field microphones for better online collaboration. A pen is also included to make use of the display"s features. The company says it worked with Microsoft to ensure that its collaboration displays "perform flawlessly, maximize the Microsoft 365 experience for teams and integrate seamlessly into every enterprise".
Since we don"t yet know the price of these devices, it remains to be seen how good of an alternative they can be to Microsoft"s Surface Hub line. With that being said, removing the main components of a computer should help bring down the prices significantly compared to an all-in-one device. We should know more later this summer when Avocor"s collaboration displays become publicly available.