Surface Hub
The Microsoft Surface Hub is an all-in-one digital interactive whiteboard, meetings platform, and collaborative computing device designed for enhancing team productivity in hybrid work environments.[1] It features a large touchscreen display supporting multi-touch and digital inking, integrated high-resolution cameras with AI capabilities, microphone arrays, and speakers, all running on Windows with deep integration into Microsoft Teams and Microsoft 365 applications.[2][3] Introduced on January 22, 2015, as the world's first dedicated team device, the original Surface Hub aimed to transform group collaboration through intuitive touch and pen interactions, wireless content sharing, and built-in tools like OneNote and Skype for Business.[4] Initial models included a 55-inch version priced at $8,999 and an 84-inch 4K model at $21,999, both equipped with 1080p cameras, motion sensors, and support for up to 18 hours of daily use.[5][6] Subsequent iterations evolved the platform for modern hybrid meetings. The Surface Hub 2S, released in 2019, offered 50-inch and 85-inch options with upgraded processors, 4K displays, and compatibility with Windows 10 Team edition, emphasizing security features like BitLocker and enterprise management.[7][8] The latest Surface Hub 3, launched in 2023 and available in 50-inch (3840 x 2560 resolution) and 85-inch (3840 x 2160 resolution) sizes, runs on Windows 11 IoT Enterprise and introduces modular accessories, a 136-degree AI-enabled smart camera, palm rejection for natural input, and one-touch joining for Teams, Zoom, or Webex meetings.[3][9] Both models include 32 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, and options like mobile batteries for portability.[2]History
Development and announcement
Microsoft's development of the Surface Hub began with the acquisition of Perceptive Pixel Inc. (PPI) on July 9, 2012, a company renowned for its expertise in large-scale multi-touch display solutions.[10] This move provided the foundational technology for advanced touch and interactive interfaces, enabling Microsoft to build upon PPI's innovations in multi-user touch interactions for collaborative environments.[10] The integration of Perceptive Pixel's capabilities into Microsoft's portfolio set the stage for devices focused on group productivity, emphasizing intuitive, large-format touch experiences.[11] The original Surface Hub was publicly announced on January 21, 2015, during Microsoft's Windows 10 event in Redmond, Washington, where it was presented as an all-in-one team collaboration device.[12] Designed to facilitate meetings, whiteboarding, and videoconferencing within the Windows ecosystem, the Surface Hub aimed to transform conference rooms into dynamic workspaces by combining touch, ink, and cloud integration.[4] Its core philosophy centered on empowering groups to connect seamlessly, moving beyond individual computing to foster real-time ideation and sharing across Microsoft tools like OneNote and Skype for Business.[4] On May 15, 2018, at the Microsoft Build developer conference, the company unveiled the Surface Hub 2, outlining plans for 50-inch and 85-inch models to enhance flexibility in team settings.[13] This iteration built on the original's design principles, prioritizing agility and affordability while deepening integration with the Microsoft ecosystem for hybrid work scenarios.[13] However, due to development delays and the decision to incorporate upgraded components compatible with existing software, the device was refined and announced as the Surface Hub 2S on April 17, 2019.[14] The 2S maintained the focus on bridging digital and physical collaboration, leveraging Windows 10 Team edition to deliver immediate value without awaiting a new operating system.[14] The Surface Hub 3 was announced on September 21, 2023, as an evolution emphasizing AI-driven features and tight integration with Microsoft Teams Rooms.[2] This generation reinforced the device's foundational philosophy of seamless ecosystem connectivity, incorporating advanced whiteboarding, meeting tools, and videoconferencing to support hybrid teams in diverse workspaces.[2] Throughout its iterations, the Surface Hub has consistently embodied Microsoft's vision of devices that prioritize intuitive group interactions, leveraging cloud services and productivity apps to eliminate barriers in collaborative workflows.[13]Release timeline and updates
Pre-orders for the first-generation Microsoft Surface Hub opened on July 1, 2015, with initial shipping planned for September 2015.[15] However, manufacturing challenges led to multiple delays, pushing availability first to January 2016 and ultimately to March 25, 2016.[16][17] In December 2015, Microsoft announced a $2,000 price increase across models while honoring pre-order pricing for existing customers.[18] The 55-inch model launched at $8,999, and the 84-inch at $21,999.[19][20] The second-generation Surface Hub 2S followed in 2019, serving as an interim release after delays in the original Surface Hub 2 project.[21] The 50-inch model became available in June 2019 for $8,999, with the 85-inch model shipping in January 2021 at $21,999.[22][23] Surface Hub 3 entered availability in December 2023, initially for both 50-inch and 85-inch models.[24] The 50-inch version started at $9,499, while the 85-inch was priced at $22,999.[25] First- and second-generation Surface Hubs run Windows 10 Team edition, which received security and feature updates until October 14, 2025, after which support ended.[26] Microsoft recommends transitioning to Teams Rooms on Windows for continued functionality beyond this date.[27] Surface Hub 3 operates on Windows 11 via the Teams Rooms on Windows experience from launch, with firmware updates in 2024 enhancing AI-powered camera capabilities, including a 136-degree field of view for improved participant framing. In 2025, Surface Hub 3 received further firmware updates, including security enhancements in October, along with support for third-party center-of-table consoles and Microsoft Edge integration.[3][28][29][3]Hardware
First-generation hardware
The first-generation Surface Hub, introduced in 2015, was available in two sizes to accommodate different meeting room configurations: a 55-inch model optimized for smaller spaces and an 84-inch model for larger environments. Both utilized LCD displays with LED backlighting and a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals during collaborative interactions. The displays incorporated advanced touch technology, enabling up to 100 simultaneous touch points via projective capacitive sensing, which supported both finger and active stylus input with subpixel accuracy.[5][6][30][4] At the core of each model was an integrated computing system powered by fourth-generation Intel processors, paired with unified memory and storage configurations to handle real-time collaboration tasks. The 55-inch variant featured an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB SSD storage, while the 84-inch model upgraded to an Intel Core i7 processor with the same RAM and storage for enhanced performance in demanding scenarios. Graphics were handled by integrated Intel HD 4600 on the smaller model and a discrete NVIDIA Quadro K2200 on the larger one, ensuring reliable rendering of shared content and video feeds.[5][6]| Specification | 55-inch Model | 84-inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) | 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Processor | 4th Gen Intel Core i5 | 4th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| Graphics | Intel HD 4600 | NVIDIA Quadro K2200 |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB / 128 GB SSD | 8 GB / 128 GB SSD |
| Cameras | 2 × wide-angle 1080p @ 30 fps | 2 × wide-angle 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Microphones | 4-element array with beamforming | 4-element array with beamforming |
| Speakers | 2 × front-facing stereo | 2 × front-facing stereo |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 31.75 × 59.62 × 3.38 inches | 46.12 × 86.7 × 4.15 inches |
| Weight | 105 lb (47.6 kg) | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| Power Consumption (Operating Max) | 500 W | 900 W |