Cisco launches Android-based 3G tablet for business users

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 30 June 2010 07:13

Business IT - Technology

Cisco has launched an Android-based tablet device for business users designed to provide mobile access to the full range of Cisco's business communications and collaboration applications, including HD video.

According to Cisco, the device, dubbed the 'CIOs' is fully interoperable with Cisco's high end telepresence videoconferencing, offers HD video streaming, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, browsing and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally or centrally in the cloud. It weighs 0.52kg.

Connectivity is via Wi-Fi, 3G cellular services, Bluetooth, a micro USB port and HD display port. A detachable battery is claimed to offer eight hours usage.

The Cius also comes with a docking station incorporating a telephone handset: when inserted into the dock the combined unit effectively becomes a touchscreen business telephone handset.

Like the Apple iPad, an on-board accelerometer orients applications for viewing in portrait or landscape modes as the user rotates the device to their preferred viewing orientation

The Cius features a front-mounted 720p HD camera which refreshes at up to 30 frames per second; a rear-facing 5 megapixel camera; a seven inch (18cm) high-resolution widescreen super VGA touch-screen display; single-button TelePresence interoperability and dual noise-cancelling microphones for audioconferencing.

The Cius is supported by Cisco Unified Communications Manager and, according to Cisco, is easily integrated into existing Cisco customer environments. Communications are secured with Cisco AnyConnect VPN Security, part of the Cisco Borderless Networks architecture.

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