Google has announced two new hardware devices that are specifically designed to work with Google Meet. They look and feel like Google hardware. Avocor made the Series One Desk 27 & Series One Board 65. They are part of the Series One program, where Google blesses custom-built devices for Meet. These devices include a customized Google Edge TPU chip as well as a standard Intel Core i5 processor.
The Series One Desk 27 27 inch display is named after its custom mics and speakers. It also has a camera and touchscreen. The Desk 27 can be used to monitor a laptop and as a standalone videoconferencing device. The Desk 27 has a USB connector on the back. When you dock it, your laptop can use its videoconferencing array to make video calls. You also get 45W USB-C power charging.
This sounds great for working from home, but these devices are not intended for consumers. Google imagines them being mounted on walls in conference rooms, or sitting at open desks in offices. The 27-inch model, like all hardware that is enterprise-oriented, costs $1,999.
The Series One Desk 27 feels more like a part of Google's new hardware aesthetic than other enterprise-oriented hardware. The curves have been softened, and the soundbar at the bottom is covered in fabric. This would make it look more natural next to a Google Home Mini.
The Desk 27 uses Chrome OS to power its Google Meet standalone capabilities. However, it can't be used as an all-in-one computer. There is more technology to facilitate videoconferencing than a standard laptop.
The 5-megapixel camera features a 100-degree field view, zoom and pan capabilities to keep subjects in focus and a privacy shutter. Eight microphones use the TPU and Google's AI to eliminate ambient noise.
The touchscreen display can be used as a whiteboard with the included stylus. The display is a 16:9, 1440p resolution and automatically adjusts color and brightness to suit ambient lighting conditions.
The company also announced hardware and other Google Workspace announcements. It said it had a partnership agreement with Cisco, which should mean that hardware for Meet or Webex will work together. The Series One Desk 27 should be able dial into Webex calls, and Webex-specific hardware should dial into Google Meet. Zoom is not announced beyond the USB-C port that turns the Desk 27 into a monitor externally.
It is too expensive for consumers, even with the special mics, speakers, and camera. It might be worth looking at for companies that have Google Meet implemented company-wide.
The Series One Desk 27 should arrive later in the year. Next year, the larger Series One Board is expected to be available.
