Cisco unveils desktops for video conferencing

SAN FRANCISCO: Networking solutions giant Cisco today unveiled two special Android-powered desktop computers for video conferencing, and a cloud service that enables users with different devices and services to connect for online meetings.

The touch-enabled desktops, DX80 and DX70, have large screens and combine in a single device Cisco's expertise in HD video, high-end audio and web conferencing as well as integrated business applications and web browsing.

Besides, the DX80 also features what Cisco describes as 'revolutionary' cancelling out of background noise. The person hears the voice of his connector and only those people or objects that he/she can see in the video.

Cisco said the DX80 will be priced under USD 2,000 (Rs 1.17 lakh) and the DX70 will be under USD 1,000 (about Rs 58,000).

The firm also unveiled a new cloud service, Collaboration Meeting Rooms (CMRs), which will provide enterprises with their own personal, private, always-available video collaboration space in the cloud.

Using CMR, firms or individuals can host meetings where attendees can join from the device of their choice, whether they choose a Cisco video endpoint, many other standards-based video endpoints, desktop or mobile clients (like WebEx) or even a client like Microsoft Lync to join.

"These innovations will help customers quickly and simply connect people, conversations, and data in ways that can rapidly accelerate business outcomes--and they are priced to scale to every worker," Cisco Senior VP and GM ( Collaborative Technology Group) Rowan Trollope said here.

The DX series possess a proven architecture with well-documented Application Programming Interface ( APIs) so organisations and third parties can develop applications to address specific needs among a host of other things, he added.

Besides, the desktop devices are equipped with Cisco's recently announced Intelligent Proximity, enabling the user to pair his DX with his mobile phone and have access to personal contacts and call history.

Combined with the CMR service, users can have their own always-on private meeting room to collaborate with anyone on any device at any time, Trollope said.

"Only Cisco can combine this amazing hardware, the incredible software, and the powerful network to provide anyone with their own dedicated collaboration space in the cloud and on their desk that they can call their own," he added.