Microsoft first revealed its giant screen for interactive conferencing back in January at the Windows 10 Preview event, although it seemed to get somewhat overshadowed by the far less prosaic HoloLens. Nonetheless, Microsoft hopes to change the way meetings are held – let’s hope so – with Surface Hub. We said back then that it would likely come at some cost, and we were almost spot-on with the price.

While we guessed around $25,000 for Surface Hub, Redmond has revealed that its 84 inch screen will go for $19,999 and the 55 inch screen for $6,999. The device will be available to order in 24 markets, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and parts of Western Europe, beginning July 1 (shipping will start in September).

While probably not for businesses on a very tight budget the interactive screen will be undeniably useful for any company wanting to put the ‘collaboration’ back in meeting. A number of people can walk up to the 4K resolution, 220 pound large screen (105 pound small screen) and start swiping and pinching on the ultra-responsive surface. Up to three people can write and sketch on the digital whiteboard with battery powered, sub-pixel accuracy pens. When the pens are not being used they stick magnetically to the screen while charging. Any Windows 10 apps work with Surface Hub of course, and its multi-location conferencing features are impressive. Wide-angle cameras can connect remote attendees via video while microphones that dull background noise, as well as front facing speakers, effectively put everyone in the same place at the same time. There is also built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and a number of ports for wired and wireless connectivity that allows multiple devices to share content with the screen.

Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president, Microsoft Devices, explained how Surface Hub will revolutionize productivity, claiming that the screen will change the way businesses collaborate. “While there are a number of devices designed to improve our productivity as individuals, there has yet to be a device that is truly optimized for a group of people to use together — designed not just for what we need to do, but how we want to work. Until now,” said Angiulo in a blog post. It’s hard to argue with that given the evidence; all Microsoft has to do now is develop something that helps improve creativity.

Photo credit: Tim Dorr via Flickr