Cisco launches umi: Consumer targeted telepresence

When it comes to communication services, the same benefits you might get from your enterprise telepresence at the office can extend to how you stay in contact with your loved ones at home. Video calling programs over the computer and smart phone have been around for a little while now and even Skype has gotten its application on to a few TVs. But now, Telepresence is really coming to the living room. This week Cisco launch its umi product to bring HD video telepresence to consumer living rooms.

The system includes an HD video camera based on Cisco's telepresence systems which adjusts to lighting and room sizes to offer crystal clear life-like video of family and friends. The video quality will dynamically scale based on home broadband speeds from 1080p to 480p. The service features an answering machine type service where callers can leave video messages and users can set up their own custom "We aren't home right now" video messages as well. In addition to calling, users can make videos for easy sharing on social networks like Facebook, YouTube, and over email. 

The service will require consumers to have their own broadband and HD TV. Cisco has been working closely with Verizon to launch the umi for FiOS subscribers as well.

Partnering with Best Buy, Cisco will make the umi system available to consumers the same way they like to buy all their electronics--at the store. The system will retail at $599 which will include the console, HD video camera and remote. After the initial purchase users will have to sign up for a monthly service of $24.99 for unlimited video calls, messages and video storage. It will be available on pre-order during October, and on store shelves November 14.

For more:
- read the release

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