From Change to Challenge
May 11, 2022 - As the world returns to the office, many of us are finding our day-to-day habits and routines have changed considerably since 2020. From the technology we use and interact with, to the ways we meet and collaborate with each other, hybrid work has become the new normal. To some, hybrid means working from home, while for others it means video conferencing requirements for meetings. In the end, there isn’t a one-size-fits all deployment for hybrid, but there are some patterns emerging across the enterprise.
A growing number of offices are shifting to suit hybrid schedules and requirements, repurposing space to hot-desk or hotel-style workstations. Hot-desks aren’t assigned to an individual, and in some cases may be free for anyone within the organization to use. The challenge for those tasked with updating the office is sourcing devices that accommodate and flex to role-specific requirements.
The Pana34
This emerging need for flexible workstations inspired Jupiter to introduce the Pana34, a 21:9 aspect ratio touch-enabled desktop display for collaboration and design. This platform-agnostic display scales a personal computer into a professional workstation through a single USB-C connection. In addition to the USB-C connectivity, the device has pass-through power that concurrently charges the connected device. While a small feature, this functionality is critical in personal workstations and hot-desking environments as a single cable approach keeps spaces clean and reduces confusion.
By building the Pana34 as platform-agnostic and bring your own device (BYOD) centric, Jupiter created a device that spans both the office and the home-desktop. It is not a stretch to think of designers working in the office, disconnecting a device, and heading home only to connect to the same workstation to continue work. Continuity of the interface becomes pivotal in these situations. The same can be said for Network Operations, and Customer Service roles, as dashboards and touch-connectivity improve time-to-resolution.
In addition to the immersive experience of the 34” display, Jupiter has also included Microphones, Speakers and a removeable camera with cover. With this functionality it is clear the device is designed to scale personal devices into professional meeting experiences.
From Display to Design Tool
While leveraging the Pana34 as your video conferencing device is a great experience, it is the combination of display and design tool that really separates the solution from other offerings. The secret to dual-use is the base of the device, which is weighted and crafted to seamlessly glide the display. When pulling the Pana34 towards the user, the display begins to tilt and lower to the desk, transforming from an immersive display to a design tool. For information workers that interact with drawing tools, or touch-centric software, the Pana34 is one of the only devices that seamlessly scales a personal device. The user can also find the right angle anywhere along the glide-path, ensuring a comfortable interaction with the content. In testing it became clear how out of step touch-enabled displays can be, as vertical surfaces are not the most natural writing or drawing experience.
While there are other devices in the market that tout the design applications of a display, all of them include a base operating system and lack the companion capabilities needed across today’s workforce. From first use, the Pana34 builds off what the user is comfortable with, their own device, allowing for a smooth adoption.
First Experience
There is no mistaking the Pana34 for any other device, the form factor and presence at a workstation make a statement. While the device itself is large, the design of the base makes movement simple and easy. This ease of movement encourages users to engage with the content more often, making adoption of both touch-enabled devices and touch-centric software easier. The quality of materials, craftsmanship, fit, and finish convey enterprise-ready durability with consumer-brand design influences.
The design conveys a high-quality, immersive experience that draws you in. While testing the Pana34, a close friend and lead developer of an industry-leading insurance company, Corey, had the chance to work on the device. His reaction was immediate, and within minutes, he was leveraging the Pana34’s wide aspect ratio and touch display to the fullest potential.
“I feel like we’re working on the Starship Enterprise, this is not a normal workstation. The 21:9 aspect ratio is great for anyone in development or Network Operations.” – Corey S., Lead Developer – Market Leading Insurance Company
The real benefit that my friend Corey saw in his brief time working with the Pana34, was how simple it was to connect his device through USB-C and have it scale seamlessly to the workstation. The BYOD approach allowed him to transition at his pace and encouraged him to build trust in the device from the first interaction.
Future of Work
Based on Corey’s reaction, and first-hand testing experiences, the Pana34 is well-suited to address the needs of information workers. The simple USB-C connectivity, seamless scale for enterprise-grade audio / video, and high-quality touch interface suit both the office and home workstations. The unique design of the base encourages touch interactions and immersive experiences, reducing friction across current and future software adoptions. The ability to transition between a traditional display and video conferencing device to a touch-enabled tablet provides the ultimate flexibility to hot-desk applications that must adapt to a different user every day.
As a BYOD centric device, training and friction costs are reduced as the device relies on the workflows already in use by team members. The workstation will scale your personal device to meet the needs of today’s workstation through a wide content format, great touch interaction, and unique ability to convert from your display to your design and development tool with a single movement.
Notices
About the Researchers
Daniel C. Root, Senior Analyst. Located in the Boston, MA area, Dan focuses on workplace communications & collaboration technologies, with an emphasis on the intersection of cloud-based collaboration software and hardware deployments (e.g., whiteboard-style co-authoring) necessary for adoption. He has close to a decade’s worth of experience in enterprise hardware and software with roles in business development, partnerships, product growth, strategic planning, and product development.
By Dan Root
