Cisco Systems has hopped on the tablet PC bandwagon with a gizmo of its own that makes use of Google Android program and is targeted at business customers.
The company announced designs for the new tablet, called the Cisco Cius, in the coursework of its annual customer conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday. The gizmo, which will only weigh about 1.15 pounds, will sport Cisco’s collaboration program that integrates virtual desktop applications with high-definition video.
Specifically, the new gizmo will have front- and rear-facing cameras that record in high definition for video conferencing and a 7-inch high-resolution screen. The gizmo will be integrated with Cisco’s TelePresence video conferencing method to provide one-click access to video conferences. It will even be integrated with the WebEx meeting products. It can connect to the Net by Wi-Fi or through a 3G cellular network.
Unlike other tablets, such as Apple’s iPad, the Cisco Cius is designed for business users. Cisco didn’t announce specific pricing, but the company said it will retail for less than US$1,000.
Google Android is used in numerous smartphones and a growing number of tablet PCs. Cisco says the advantage of using the operating method is that it will permit the company’s business customers to tap in to the growing Android developer community, which is developing new business-class products.