Lenovo Launches ThinkSmart Hub 500 Running Windows 10 IoT To Enhance Meeting Room Collaboration

Lenovo is making it easy for business users to collaborate with one another using Skype. At the Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference, Lenovo announced its new ThinkSmart Hub 500, an all-in-one (AIO) Skype Room Systems devices that runs Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. It has the ability to connect remote and local collaborators to Skype for Business meetings, without the fuss of sharing a personal laptop display and messing around with cables.

"Workplace transformation begins with collaboration. As workforces are changing, businesses need to provide tools to enable efficiency and teamwork in the office and with colleagues around the world. One obvious need for change is in how meetings are conducted, including the ongoing issue of the wrong technology to get meetings started quickly. This wasted time can cost businesses millions in lost productivity, so we’re thrilled the ThinkSmart Hub 500 can help solve that issue," said Christian Teismann, senior vice president and general manager, Commercial Business Segment, Lenovo PCSD.


The ThinkSmart Hub 500 features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display that can be rotated a full 360 degrees. It also employs 360-degree array microphones to eliminate having to stand in a sweet spot for clear communication, and Dolby Audio Premium sound.

Lenovo's new AIO for business users is one of a growing number of devices intended to make video conferencing easier and more functional. Customers have a wide range of solutions to choose from at a variety of price points—everything from AIOs like the ThinkSmart Hub 500 and Logitiech's MeetUp camera, to more expensive devices like Microsoft's Surface Hub and Google's competing Jamboard.


According to Lenovo, 92 percent of businesses are planning Workplace Transformation Initiatives (WTI) to build smart offices for improved collaboration experiences. The ThinkSmart Hub 500 is one way Lenovo intends to tap into the exponential growth of smart offices.

Lenovo will kick off pilot programs with its ThinkSmart Hub 500 later this year. It will announce product availability and pricing in the first quarter of 2018.