Cisco unveils Cius Android tablet with HD video capabilities (update: video!)
By Laura June 
posted June 29th 2010 2:21PM
posted June 29th 2010 2:21PM
Update: And now we've got video showing off the Cius under the drone of a limp corporate voiceover and synthesized soundtrack. How can you resist clicking through to the embed?
Cisco Simplifies Mobile Collaboration With First-of-Its-Kind HD Video-Capable Business Tablet
New Android-Based Computing Device Uses Cisco Collaboration Architecture and Virtual Desktop Integration to Deliver Mobile Computing, Collaboration and Communication Services
LAS VEGAS, NV, Jun 29, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Cisco /quotes/comstock/15*!csco/quotes/nls/csco (CSCO 21.59, -0.83, -3.70%) today unveiled Cisco Cius, a first-of-its-kind mobile collaboration business tablet that delivers virtual desktop integration with anywhere, anytime access to the full range of Cisco collaboration and communication applications, including HD video.
Cisco Cius is an ultra-portable device weighing just 1.15lbs (0.52kg) that extends the productivity benefits of Cisco collaboration applications to a highly secure mobile platform. In addition to full telepresence interoperability, Cisco Cius offers HD video streaming and real-time video, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, browsing, and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally or centrally in the cloud.
Based on the Android operating system, Cisco Cius is an open platform for communication and collaboration whose form factor and applications are designed to more securely connect employees on-the-go with the right people in real-time, and to provide those workers with the ability to access and share the content they need from any place on the network.
Cisco Cius offers IT professionals new options when it comes to equipping mobile workers with computing devices. Through virtual desktop integration, Cisco Cius offers flexible computing options with cloud-based services, providing dramatically lower capital costs and cost-per-user for desktop maintenance.
Businesses can also tap into the growing Android developer community that is building business-class productivity applications with appropriate IT controls. The combination of applications and flexible computing options provides a compelling alternative to today's PC-on-every-desktop paradigm.
ANNOUNCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Product Features
The Cisco Cius is a lightweight portable business computing tablet offered with an optional HD audio station equipped with a telephone handset speakerphone, HD DisplayPort and USB ports.
The Cisco Cius tablet features a front-mounted 720p HD camera which refreshes at up to 30 frames per second; a seven inch, high-resolution widescreen super VGA touch-target display for real-time and streamed video, and single-button TelePresence interoperability that can be utilized either when the tablet is docked, or being used remotely via Wi-Fi.
The tablet has a 5-megapixel rear facing camera that can transmit streaming VGA quality video and capture still images, and dual noise-cancelling microphones for audio conferencing.
Cisco Cius features an eloquent contacts-driven user experience, designed to enables users to quickly reach their important contacts.
An on-board accelerometer readily orients applications for viewing in portrait or landscape modes as the user rotates the device to their preferred viewing orientation
Cisco Cius supports 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi for enterprise campus mobility and 3G cellular services when off-campus.
4G services will be available at a later date. Bluetooth and Micro-USB means users can work untethered and share data with a PC.
A detachable and serviceable battery offers eight hours life under normal usage.
Integration with Business Applications
Cisco Cius provides support for the comprehensive suite of Cisco collaboration applications including Cisco Quad, Cisco Show and Share, Cisco WebEx Connect, Cisco WebEx Meeting Center, Cisco Presence, and interoperability with Cisco TelePresence.
Cisco Cius is supported by Cisco Unified Communications Manager and is easily integrated into existing Cisco customer environments.
Cisco Cius helps ensure a more secure mobile collaboration experience by leveraging Cisco AnyConnect VPN Security, part of the Cisco Borderless Networks architecture.
Virtual desktop integration provides IT organizations with the ability to host software applications securely in the data center and to utilize the Cisco network to deliver those applications 'as-a-service' anytime, anywhere. Cisco Cius thereby supports data center consolidation and reduced software licensing costs.
Cisco Cius offers businesses the ability to take advantage of the ever-expanding ecosystem of cost-effective, third-party applications, supported by the Android operating system, while controlling user access policy.
Cisco will help expand Android developed applications for business by offering Cisco Collaboration Application Protocol Interfaces (API's) to developers through a Software Developer's Kit (SDK).
Availability
Customer trials of Cisco Cius will begin in the third quarter of calendar year 2010, with general availability in the first quarter of calendar year 2011.
No thanks. I'll stick to my iPad.
@sspirate
Yeah, the Cius has too many buttons. It looks confusing
@Joe Cool i loled +1
@Joe Cool I get it. 2 buttons too many.
@sspirate
Ya this is just a big Android phone. And look at that bezel! ;)
@sspirate
Yes, Thanks. This will replace my iPad.
@Joe Cool I need something with no buttons. I want an Apple gaming system. The only button on the controller would be called "complete". It would complete the game for me.
@sspirate Me too.
@DeFlanko
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/cisco-unveils-cius-android-tablet-with-hd-video-capabilities/1#c28966180
Ooo front mounted 720p camera @ 30 fps.
@DeFlanko
i ment here:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/meet-cisco-cius-android-tablet-for-workers-students-watch-out-ipad/36387
@sspirate That's fine Cisco was planning to sell it to someone who actually would use this for work anyway.
@grahamj it's not really a phone it's a SIP video phone which is quite different. And that bezel is there cause they have to put the conferencing mics somewhere. I bet this thing actually has a speaker phone that works unlike most of the iPhones. Oh and so much for Android not being allowed in the corporate world. Now THIS changes everything!
@Joe Cool
This is quite sexy looking. Nice job Cisco.
@sspirate
The text should be more like:
We're not sure about the size of the device yet, or any of it technical specs, but we do know that it's ugly as fuck.
@Raytem "@sspirate" - lol
@sspirate Yeah, you've never realized that you use Cisco products all day long do you? The internet wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that company. A Cisco tablet? I cannot think of any other company to make that work better than Cisco Systems. But I'm a bit of a Cisco fanboy because "They just work" :)
@sspirate
ATTENTION EVERYONE. This is crap lol. It runs an ATOM PROCESSOR. Plus come on that is some huge bezel lol.
I don't see whats so difficult for manufacture to get. YOU DONT USE ARM PROCESSORS ON AN ANDROID SLATE. Totally ruins the battery life. And yes i know they say you get 8 hours. So what thats like less than 5 hours in real life lol.
@CJisohsocool
K that was a bit of fail typing. YOU DONT USE AN ATOM PROCESSOR WITH ANDROID*
You should definitely use an ARM lol.
@Mike10010100
In all honesty, for what this does and the market that it is for, I think this will be a great product. Think of secure video access linking the troops with command posts, or being able to read your son/daughter a story while you are on a business trip, or remote tutoring connecting struggling students w/ there teachers... There are many applications in which visuals can do more than just voice alone.
I
"The Cius runs on Android and features a 7-inch high-resolution color screen, an Intel Atom 1.6-GHz processor, 32GB of flash memory to store marketplace apps, a detachable/replaceable 8-hour battery, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and 3G/4G data, Cisco collaboration applications, an HD soundstation, HD audio, 720p HD video with Cisco TelePresence for video conferencing and integrated security."
Sounds pretty damn beastly.... but it's geared towards enterprise.... this thing ain't gonna be cheap.
@Plazmic Flame
It looks pretty sweet, but you aren't kidding it isn't cheap. I am an engineer for a Cisco partner and our channel rep is trying to get us one to try when they come out. She said the price is around $2,195 plus $290 for the license for your CUCM. Course it is a heck of a lot cheaper than the 7985, those retail for about $3,000. I will probably get to play with some of these when they come out, will be interesting.
I love playing with the new Cisco toys, so much fun.
@Rugglebum666
I agree on the price issue. Cisco has never been cheap on anything. Sometimes a little over inflated considering the old hardware they use in their new generation routers, and what have you. Over $2000 huh...considering the fact that no one has made a better touch interface than apple, like the iPad, I think I'll save my money
...and get a ASA 5510 -_-; because I am also a cisco fanboy. The only thing that will change my mind on that will be the touch performance.
@djt
I am also a Cisco fanboy and i agree they actually DO work, except if somewhere there is a misconfiguration and you have to start looking long log outputs and debugs..But still Cisco rules by a margin!
@Sor1
I love it when someone doesn't know how to do something properly, so they knock it. Cisco makes products for people who know what they are doing, not for some Windows server jockey (aka glorified help desk) who barely understands the TCP/IP stack, let alone advanced networking.
It is probably a waste of time to go over this considering who I am likely speaking with, but Cisco has some fantastic protocols. EIGRP is hands down the best IGP out there. GLBP makes VRRP look downright worthless.
They are a major contributor to the networking world and they do things right. CLI is the way to go, GUIs are worthless for networking. Apparently going through logs and having live debugs is considered a negative where you are from, whatever fairy tale gumdrop forest that may be.
Looks good?
@Ninetysix Not bad anyway, you really need to see these things in person.
Is there ever a word on pricing or availability for these iPad competitors?
For Business use, this looks pretty cool. And with Cisco backing, it could gain adoption fairly quick
@216
Is it just me or does that look gorgeous??
@dj99
It’s just you.
This would be a nice piece of kit for me to avoid walking down to my boss's office and/or for those WFH days.
@dj99
It is very stylish. Aside from the iPad its definitely one of the best looking ones.
Thats alot of bezel...even if it is speakers.
@Rick Astley
Rest your hands on while typing?
@Rick Astley
Are you ever gonna give it up?
@Rick Astley
It must have let you down so much
@Rick Astley Your 15 minutes are up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6RgSpnb0w
Let me guess, I'll never see it in retail stores, it will be a pain in the ass to find, and will have a disappointingly low frame rate?
@jareth86 I don't think they'd release an HD videoconferencing product that can't do HD or videoconferencing properly. If you've ever sat in on a TelePresence call, you'd have high expectations too.
@jareth86
Stop crushing my dreams. You ... You ... You Cockney nutjob.
@jareth86 I'm sure it will show up on CSI:NY in a week or two, used in a very improbable or impractical way so people who are too inexplicably beautiful and trendy to be cops and lab technicians can "catch the killers!".
No thanks I have to make do with my Dell Streak 16gb..
Who wants a tablet where you can navigate out of an app? That is crazy.
ok, am I the only one that thinks that thing looks awesome? lol
@Mekkakat
I agree it looks better then a large ipod touch.
Nice television set.
Read my lips:
V A P O U R W A R E !
@kyphem
Read my lips:
M O R O N !
@n8equalsd You can hate all you want but iPad is the only true and real tablet.
Get one at the Apple store today (not 3G its sold out)
How many did this thing sell? What? Its not out? Just like the HP TABLET? COURIER TABLET?
Support American Design buy Apple.
@kyphem willing to take some bets on that?