What Is Google Jamboard (and Do I Need the Hardware to Use It)?

Jamboard by Google is a cloud-based kiosk meant for businesses to use in conference rooms to facilitate collaboration in meetings. Despite a hardware aspect of the product, you don7;t necessarily need the smart display to use it.

What Is Jamboard?

Jamboard is an online interactive whiteboard tool designed for cross-platform collaboration developed by Google as part of the G Suite family. Initially released in May 2017, Jamboard is Google7;s entry into the digital whiteboard market to compete with Microsoft7;s Surface Hub. Jamboard is built on a custom version of Android that harmonizes with all the G Suite services.

The 55-inch 4K touchscreen supports 16 simultaneous touch points, Wi-Fi connectivity, and handwriting and shape recognition. It also includes a Full HD webcam, HDMI, USB-C and micro-USB inputs, and two styluses. You can use the optional rolling stand or mount Jamboard on the wall of your conference room.

Create a Jam2;what Google calls each collaboration session2;in seconds, add up to 20 frames (pages) per Jam, and share it with up to 50 collaborators at once in real time. Search Google, insert images from Drive or web pages, add Sticky Notes and emojis, or use the shape recognition tool to add perfect shapes to the Jam. Jamboard seems to do it all. You can even host video meetings and present your whiteboard to attendees.

How Much Does Jamboard Cost?

Depending on where you live, the price for a Jamboard differs region-by-region. In the U.S., you can purchase the Jamboard (available in Carmine Red, Cobalt Blue, and Graphite Gray), two styluses, one eraser, and one wall mount for $4,999.

Along with the upfront purchase of the hardware, you have to pay an additional $600 per year for management and support fees. To see a more complete list of prices in local currencies, check out the pricing page for Jamboard.

In addition to buying the hardware and the annual support fee, to use a Jamboard device, you7;ll need a G Suite plan. Jamboard is available for G Suite Basic, Business, Enterprise, G Suite for Education, and G Suite Enterprise for Education customers.