Electronic video whiteboards that pack in a full computer aren’t new - Cisco has its Webex Hubs, as does Microsoft with its Surface Hub 2, but Huawei has come in with some very compelling pricing that blows Cisco, Microsoft and other competitors out of the water.
Huawei explains its IdeaHub Pro “allows users to not only enjoy high-quality 4K video-conferencing and interactive real-time collaboration - but to do so at less than half the price of some competing products in the collaboration board market.”
As the launch video embedded below demonstrates, the IdeaHub series is extremely versatile, able to connect to computers, tablets and smartphones via wired or wireless options, along with Windows 10 and Android built-in, meaning the IdeaHub range can operate completely independently of any external device, if desired.
The 65” version of the IdeaHub Pro costs AUD $9,999 and the 86” version is AUD $14,699 with both versions offering integrated camera and microphone and also allowing users to run video conferencing applications including Teams, Zoom, Webex or GoToMeeting.
These prices are much more competitive and affordable than competing solutions, with Huawei 86-inch model an inch larger than Microsoft's 85-inch model and at half the price at time of publication and launch, which again, is impressive.
Here is the Huawei IdeaHub launch video in full:
Huawei says it “understands that for users in the corporate or educational sectors high-quality screen projection and whiteboard writing are key factors in enabling the best possible collaboration with their colleagues.
“To meet these requirements this latest version of the IdeaHub Pro offers new and unique features such as allowing users to project content from a phone to the large screen without installing additional apps.
“Moreover, the IdeaHub Pro uses leading bonding technology, and innovative software capabilities to deliver a smooth whiteboard writing experience with an ultra-low writing latency of 35ms – making writing on the board as easy as using pen and paper and with multiple users able to write on the board simultaneously.
“The built-in Huawei AppGallery now has a dedicated IdeaHub section, where users can freely and securely download the apps they need.”
Huawei actually launched into the Australian market in August 2020, but was unable to hold a public launch because of COVID restrictions.
Theodore Shao, Head of Enterprise Business Group at Huawei Australia said: "We are very proud to finally publicly launch the IdeaHub into the Australian market, we believe this is a fantastic product that delivers outstanding technical performance at a very competitive price point.
“The rapid acceleration of the digital economy has made digital work and education the new normal for every organization and individual and the IdeaHub Pro which delivers brand-new productivity tools designed to help users across various industries adapt to this new normal and achieve device-cloud synergy collaboration.
“There is also a lower spec Huawei IdeaHub Board version comes with no native video conferencing capability but supporting external cameras for VC. However, this lower spec version is more designed to compete in Electric Whiteboard Market."
Here is an official intro video from Huawei’s YouTube page:
