Cisco cuts umi prices, introduces low-bandwidth model

News Broadband United States 8 MAR 2011
Cisco cuts umi prices, introduces low-bandwidth model
Cisco is cutting the price of its consumer videoconferencing product, the umi, and also introducing interoperability of umi with its business telepresence systems. The original umi 1080 now costs USD 499, down from USD 599 previously, and Cisco introduced the new umi 720 with lower bandwidth requirements for USD 399. Cisco umi Connect, a free HD calling client for PC and Macs, is also currently in trials. The umi 720 will launch early this summer, and umi Connect should be available widely this summer. The service fee for the umi 1080 and 720 is now USD 99 a year, or USD 9.95 a month, down from USD 24.99 originally. The umi systems include an HD camera, console and remote, and can connect to any HD TV and broadband connection. The new umi 720 requires less bandwidth, at 1.5 Mbps upload and download speeds which are readily available across most of the US. Cisco also confirmed that Verizon will be launching umi for its Fios network this year, and announced that the umi is in field trials with service providers in Europe, Latin America and Asia.

Categories:

Fixed

Companies:

Cisco UK,  Verizon

Regions:

Global

Countries:

United States

Tags:

Distribution - retail outlets, Launch, Consumer devices, Pricing, Videoconferencing

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