UnifiedCommunications
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Polycom's HDX 4000 HD video conferencing system
We weren't exactly enthralled with Polycom's other all-in-one video conferencing machine, but a lot can change in three years. The newly revamped iteration, dubbed the HDX 4000, claims to be the "first executive desktop video system with HD voice, video, and content sharing." Designed to play nice with most standards-based, IP video conferencing systems, this unit sports a 20-inch widescreen display, built-in HD camera with pan-tilt-zoom capability, dual HDX microphones, speakers and subwoofer, an HDX video conferencing codec, and a stand with an integrated keypad that "allows users to dial or answer video calls just like a telephone." Depending on bandwidth, this system enables you to watch and send 720p content at 30fps (or 480p if you snag the HDX 4001), and while you aren't likely to justify this purchase for your home, $7,999 isn't a whole lot to ask when sprucing up the corporate boardroom.[Image courtesy of TechFest]
Microsoft shows off "unified communications" devices
It's been almost a year since Microsoft first unveiled in "unified communications" platform, but it looks like the company now finally has some actual devices to go along with it, and it's using its big Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) this week to show 'em off. Coming from nine different manufactures -- including ASUSTek, NEC, Plantronics, and Samsung, among others -- the products include a variety of VoIP phones, headsets, monitors, and at least one laptop, which all promise to "just work" (sound familiar?). The products being shown off this week are also all geared specifically towards the workplace, with the phones in particular designed to give you constant access to email, instant messaging, and other things not normally associated with phones. While there's unfortunately not a whole lot of details on the products themselves just yet, you can get a quick look at some of them by hitting up the eWeek link below.[Photo courtesy of eWeek]
Microsoft delving into VoIP phone market, RoundTable gets a price
Alright, so the average consumer probably has little need for yet another competitor in the VoIP handset market, but it looks like Microsoft is delving into a slightly different arena as it hopes to create new marketshare to snag. Presumably branching from the firm's unified communications platform, Gates & Co. are looking to try their luck in the "global business telecoms market" by developing and manufacturing several telephony devices. For cube-dwellers, the firm is concocting its own software / hardware kit which connects users via a "discreet wireless earpiece," a USB stick, and call management software that should hit "public trials" soon. Additionally, the $3,000 RoundTable video conferencing machine touts four webcams for a 360-degree view of the room, as well as VoIP connectivity to save on long distance costs. Interestingly, Microsoft is being "forced" to manufacturer said products on its own, as it couldn't seem to find a willing supplier to construct such a "disruptive" product. No word on when these units will hit the corporate pipeline, but if all goes as planned, you could be chatting on a Microsoft-branded handset before too long.
