Cisco has unveiled its first entry into the tablet computer space: the Cius, a 7-inch HD business collaboration device running the Google Android operating system.
The Cisco Cius was revealed earlier today by CEO John Chambers at a conference in Las Vegas. Like most Cisco devices, the Cius is designed with the business user in mind. It is a virtual desktop and telecommunication machine, complete with a front facing 720p HD camera and a second, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera. It's smaller than an iPad, with a 7-inch screen and weighing only 1.15 pounds.
The device is designed to be mobile. It runs a modified version of the Google Android operation system, which is becoming more and more popular for use in tablet devices. It also comes with 3G capability, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Micro-USB support. Cisco claims that the device will go for eight hours "under normal usage." As a bonus, the battery is detachable.
The key to this tablet is the suite of Cisco software products that it will run. The list includes Cisco Quad, Show and Share, WebEx, Presence and Cisco TelePresence; it also supports Unified Communications Manager. It looks like these apps will run as modified Android applications.
Any tablet, even an enterprise-focused tablet, inevitably compete with the iPad. However, Cisco's device does sound like it has a lot of business features that the iPad does not, especially its deep integration with Cisco telecommunication products. The inclusion of two cameras for teleconferencing alone could make it a popular buy with enterprise companies.
Customer trials begin in the third quarter, meaning that you could see Cius tablets floating around as early as next month. However, the device won't officially launch until early 2011, right around the time Apple is likely to unveil the next version of the iPad.
Below are some more details regarding the device's specs. Let us know your first impressions of the Cius in the comments.
Cisco Cius: Official Specs
Tablet Capabilities:
802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 3G/4G data and Bluetooth 3.0 help employees stay connected on and off-campus
HD video (720p) with Cisco TelePresence solution interoperability for lifelike video communication with the simplicity of a phone call
Virtual desktop client enables highly secure access to cloud-based business applications
Android operating system, with access Android marketplace applications
Collaboration applications including Cisco Quad, Cisco Show and Share, WebEx, Presence, and IM
Tablet Highlights:
7” diagonal, high-resolution color screen with contact-based touch targets
HD Soundstation supports Bluetooth and USB peripherals, 10/100/1000 wired connectivity and a handset option
Detachable and serviceable 8-hour battery for a full day of work
Highly secure remote connections with Cisco AnyConnect Security VPN Client
HD audio with wideband support (tablet, HD Soundstation)