Google is the next company to take on the interactive whiteboard with the Jamboard-- a massive touchscreen and companion cloud service designed for use in small conference rooms.
While the 55-inch 4K resolution display is perfectly usable as a typical digital whiteboard, Google insists the secret sauce comes through cloud connectivity. Anything drawn on the device (or "Jam", according to the search giant) is automatically uploaded to Google Drive, allowing remote users to check what is going on via iOS or Android devices. Such functionality works both ways, since users can also pull in content stored on Google Drive.
The Jamboard supports handwriting recognition, turning words drawn on screen into text, and can also turn drawn shapes into digital drawings. Interaction comes through either fingers or included styluses, and an eraser accessory allows users to clean the display once done. Built-in camera, speakers and microphone round up the device, providing Hangouts conferencing for up to 50 users.
Will Google manage to take over the world's conference rooms with the Jamboard, or will the interactive whiteboard go the way of Google's previous take on collaboration, the abortive Wave service? The Jamboard is already going through testing at big compenies such as Netflix, Spotify and Instruments, and it will be available for G Suite customers on H1 2017.
