Jamboard

Jamboard
Two squares are on top of each other, connected to a circle that gives a crude appearance of a "J".
Also known asGoogle Jamboard
DeveloperGoogle
ManufacturerGoogle
Product familyGoogle Workspace
TypeInteractive whiteboard
Release dateMay 23, 2017 (2017-05-23)
DiscontinuedJanuary 1, 2025 (2025-01-01)
Display55" 4K (60 Hz)
Input
  • Stylus
  • eraser
  • touch
CameraHD camera
Online servicesGoogle Workspace
Website
Jamboard at SWPS University

Jamboard was a digital interactive whiteboard developed by Google to work with Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite. It was officially announced on 25 October 2016. It had a 55" 4K touchscreen physical display and could be used for online collaboration using Google Workspace. The display could also be mounted onto a wall or be configured into a stand. Jamboard was discontinued on January 1, 2025.[1][2]

History

After Google Apps for Work was launched in 2006, the subscription-based service was announced to be re-branded as G Suite on 29 September 2016, alongside announcements of machine learning integration into Drive's programs, a redesign of Hangouts and the announcement of Team Drive.[3]

On 25 October, Product Manager of G Suite TJ Varghese announced Jamboard on Google's official blog.[4] The announcement trailer for the product was released the same day onto YouTube.[5] The website was also launched on the same day simultaneously, as well as a rumored version of an "Early Adopter Program" for the device.[6] Jamboard was officially released in May 2017.[7][8]

On September 28, 2023, Google announced they planned to shut down Jamboard after December 31, 2024; three months before the shutdown, Jamboard became view-only.[1]

Hardware

Technical specifications
Display Size 55"
Display Quality 4K
Display Refresh Rate 60 Hz
Display Touch Capabilities Up to 16 points
Wi-Fi Yes
Clear scanner HD front-facing camera
Microphone Built-In Microphone
Speakers Built-In Speakers
Stylus Dedicated Stylus
Eraser Eraser [Digital]
Main Controller Ability to open a 'Jam'

Operating system

Jamboard had an operating system that coincided with the Google Workspace ecosystem. Any service compatible with Google Workspace could also be performed on the device.[9]

Online service

Jamboard, more commonly known as Google Jamboard in this use case, was also available as a service to anyone with a Google account.

Once on the landing page,[10][third-party source needed] a user was able to create a 'Jam' where they were able to draw, create shapes, add lines, images, and text. The user could also choose between four pen types and six colors. Tools were also provided to erase and move objects, create digital sticky notes, and turn their touchpoint into a digital laser pointer.

Shutdown

Google announced on September 28, 2023, that Jamboard would shut down after December 31, 2024.[1] Google claimed that the reason behind the shutdown is the abundance of better, more capable alternatives.[2] Users had to export Jamboard files they wished to keep before all Jam data was permanently deleted on December 31, 2024.[2] Physical Jamboard devices will still continue to work as a whiteboard without online functionality after October 1, 2024.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c Li, Abner (28 September 2023). "Google shutting down Jamboard, offering transition to other whiteboard apps". 9to5Google.
  2. ^ a b c "Google Jamboard is winding down". Jamboard Help. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  3. ^ Perez, Sarah (29 September 2016). "Google rebrands its business apps as G Suite, upgrades apps & announces Team Drive". TechCrunch. Retrieved 28 October 2016 – via Aol.
  4. ^ Varghese, TJ (25 October 2016). "Jamboard — the whiteboard, reimagined for collaboration in the cloud". Google. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  5. ^ "Introducing Jamboard". YouTube. 25 October 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  6. ^ Vijayan, Jaikumar (27 October 2016). "Google Intros Jamboard Digital Collaboration Device". eweek. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  7. ^ Warren, Tom (25 October 2015). "Google's answer to Microsoft's Surface Hub is an equally giant digital whiteboard". The Verge. Retrieved 28 October 2016 – via Vox Media.
  8. ^ Steven, Overly (12 November 2016). "Google releases Jamboard, a high-tech whiteboard for office meetings". Toronto Star.
  9. ^ Merriman, Chris (28 October 2016). "Google Updates: Jamboard, jammed Vista, jammin' with Assistant". The Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  10. ^ "landing page". accounts.google.com. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  11. ^ "Jamboard device end of life information". Google Workspace Admin Help. Retrieved 24 July 2024.