Smartboards make intelligent learning more accessible and efficient.
In the world of technology, smartboards have come a long way since their inception in 1991 by SMART Technologies. Today, a multitude of companies produce these interactive video displays, commonly known as "smartboards."
Current trends in smartboard design and development focus on enhancing security, ease-of-use, integration with AV equipment, device management, one-touch meeting initiation, AI-powered features, large displays, and user-centered design.
Security
While specific security features may not be the forefront of marketing, enterprise and education smartboards typically include robust firmware update mechanisms for security patches and support device management systems that help enforce security policies and remote control.
Ease-of-Use
Smartboards are increasingly designed with intentional, user-centered design that prioritizes simplicity and flexibility for natural communication without requiring complex proprietary software or subscriptions. Features like ultra-responsive multi-touch screens, gesture controls, and AI-enhanced handwriting recognition greatly reduce user friction during collaboration.
Integration with AV Equipment
Modern smartboards integrate seamlessly with popular conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, supporting wireless casting and cloud syncing to easily share and save content. They also embed high-quality microphones, speakers, and cameras for all-in-one conferencing capabilities without extra peripherals.
Device Management Features
Leading smartboards offer remote firmware upgrades and device management tools, allowing IT to maintain security, push updates, and manage devices across multiple meeting rooms or classrooms.
One-Touch Meetings
Quick-start capabilities with one-touch to launch meetings via integrated conferencing apps are part of the trend to streamline meeting workflows and reduce technical hiccups.
AI-Powered Features
AI integration is seen as a major innovation driver, including live transcription, adaptive learning platforms, intelligent camera tracking, AI-enhanced handwriting recognition, gesture controls, and personalized experiences enhancing collaboration and user engagement.
Large Displays
Smartboards are available in sizes ranging from 55 to 86 inches (4K resolution options common), supporting multi-touch (e.g., 20-point) for dynamic, team-based interactions.
User-Centered Design
There is a strong shift toward designing smartboards that amplify existing communication habits, emphasizing sustainability with energy-efficient displays and recyclable materials, and modular designs adaptable to various room sizes. This approach helps deliver collaborative experiences that are intuitive and aligned with real-user needs.
In summary, today's smartboards aim to be secure, simple, socially connected, AI-enhanced tools offering seamless AV integration, remote management, large and responsive touchscreens, and eco-conscious, user-friendly designs to support hybrid collaboration in education and business environments.
There's also a push toward sustainability in smartboard technology, including energy-efficient displays, recyclable materials, and longer product lifecycles. Built-in microphones and speakers are popular features in modern smartboards. Certification with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom is critical in the corporate world. Smartboards are in high demand in business, educational, and government settings. Displays with AI tracking capability and multiple cameras are trending. Modern interactive displays are being developed with a focus on simplicity, flexibility, and ease of communication.
In the corporate world, certifications with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are crucial for smartboards to maintain their relevance.
Interactive displays with AI tracking capability and multiple cameras are becoming more popular in various settings, including business, education, and government.
Trends in smartboard development also include the integration of eco-friendly features, such as energy-efficient displays and the use of recyclable materials, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.
