Cisco has continued its push away from its networking origins with the Cius, a business-oriented tablet, which the firm says offers virtual desktop capabilities and integration with Cisco’s range of collaboration and communication tools.
The HD Android-based Cius weighs 1.15lbs (0.52kg) and offers HD video streaming and real-time video, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging and browsing.
It features a front-mounted 720p HD camera and a rear-mounted 5-megapixel camera that can transmit streaming VGA quality video as well as take photos. The screen is a seven inch, high-resolution widescreen. It currently supports Wi-Fi and 3G with 4G being added at a later date. Cisco adds that under normal usage the battery should last around eight hours. It has has Bluetooth and Micro-USB connectivity.
Cisco is very much aiming this at the enterprise space and along with its video conferencing capabilities the Cius can also integrate with a number of Cisco’s other business applications. These include Cisco Quad, Show and Share, WebEx Connect and Meeting Centre, Presence and TelePresence.
The virtualised nature of the desktop integration means that IT departments can host applications centrally and push them out to the device "as a Service". The open nature of the Android operating system means that users will be able to take advantage of third-party apps.
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"Cisco Cius epitomises how the network is changing the way we live, work, learn and play. This platform can transform how healthcare professionals advance patient care; how retailers deliver service experiences to consumers, or how universities deliver world-class education to their students. Best of all, Cisco Cius offers IT functions a way to dramatically lower the cost-per-user of provisioning those new experiences," said Tony Bates, senior vice president and general manager, enterprise, commercial and small business, Cisco.
Cisco said the device is expected to be available later this year. As well as Apple’s iPad, Dell recently released its Streak device and RIM, maker of the BlackBerry, is rumoured to be developing a tablet.
