Cisco throws down the gauntlet to Google and Microsoft: here’s the Spark Board. Photo

Smart boards are not really new anymore. Microsoft and Google have made their own versions and several offices use them for multiple projects, for interaction between colleagues not in the same place and for working in groups on a single idea. Now Cisco, too, has designed its own Spark Board.

The Cisco Spark Board. The smart board signed by Cisco is nothing but a huge display that can be mounted on the wall or used through the special stand. There are two versions, a 50-inch and a 70-inch version. The display has 4K resolution. Like its competitors, the Spark Board's main function is to work on a single screen even when using different devices. Thanks to the 4K camera and speakers, the Cisco whiteboard also allows for quality video conferencing and the screen can be shared by PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone.  Plus, the whiteboard has a secure connection system that recognizes only authorized users.

All managed by the app

(Taken from YouTube)

Cisco Spark Board is dedicated exclusively to the world of work and business. The smart board can be placed in the middle of the office and become the central hub of the company. Every employee will be able to use it to exchange ideas with their colleagues, enhancing interaction and creativity. Using the Cisco Spark Board is quite simple thanks to the application developed for mobile devices that allows you to work, message and perform various actions directly from your smartphone, tablet or PC. Obviously, all work is saved in the cloud storage service and is accessible and editable at any time by all authorized users.

Price and release date

The 50-inch smart board will be released soon on the market for a price just under five thousand dollars (about 4650 euros). While the 70-inch version will have to wait a few more months, and will cost almost ten thousand dollars (about 9300 eruo). This is a lower figure than the proposals of Google and Microsoft, but the monthly subscription to the apps and Cisco packages will cost $200.