Cisco couldn’t have timed this announcement any better with the Apple iPad now flying off retailer shelves to the tune of 3 million in 80 days.
Cisco announced their plans to release an Android powered tablet computer that could shake up the iPad’s death grip on portable PC markets:
Cisco Cius is an ultra-portable device weighing just 1.15lbs (0.52kg) that extends the productivity benefits of Cisco collaboration applications to a highly secure mobile platform. In addition to full telepresence interoperability, Cisco Cius offers HD video streaming and real-time video, multi-party conferencing, email, messaging, browsing, and the ability to produce, edit and share content stored locally or centrally in the cloud.
The Cisco Cius includes specs missing on the first gen iPad such as an HD display port, USB ports and front-mounted 720p HD camera.
A couple of already obvious caveats: 1) the Cius’ planned launch date which isn’t until the first part of 2011 and 2) no target price range.
Could this be a machine for the masses, competing head-to-head with the iPad. Or, will Cisco roll out the Cius as an [expensive] business unified communications solution.
