Google introduces a 4K digital whiteboard for G Suite

Google is getting into new territories. After launching its Pixel smartphones, the search engine company has now made a move into office hardware with Jamboard, a new 4K digital whiteboard.

The Jamboard works with the G Suite and lets people draw and collaborate on a display that can also be used in meetings. Google's screen supports up to 16 simultaneous touch inputs and includes a stylus, built-in camera, and speakers. The Jamboard will let Google Apps users create "Jam" sessions to collaborate on documents, and draw, type, or modify them with other team members.

Notably, Jamboard is a direct competitor to Microsoft’s Surface Hub built around Google apps and reflects on Google's continued competition with Microsoft in businesses and the enterprise.

The system runs on a highly specialized version of Android that features a built-in browser and Google Maps among other features, along with opening it up to potential third-party apps.

It also has Google Cast built in, so you can also use it as a big video display, complete with speakers that face down into the magnetic tray that holds the stylus and eraser.

Interestingly, the whiteboard has some quirky software tricks too such as sensing when you're using your finger to wipe off things from the whiteboard, instead of drawing. There's also a bunch of tools like sticky notes, stencils, and handwriting/shape recognition.

But the board isn’t releasing this year. The company says Jamboard will be available "under $6,000" in 2017, which is noticeably less than the $8,999 Microsoft charges for its 55-inch Surface Hub.