Jamboard Explained

Jamboard
Logo Alt:Two squares are on top of each other, connected to a circle that gives a crude appearance of a "J".
Aka:Google Jamboard
Developer:Google
Manufacturer:Google
Family:Google Workspace
Type:Interactive whiteboard
Camera:HD camera
Online Services:Google Workspace

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]

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.[2]

On 25 October 2016, Product Manager of G Suite TJ Varghese announced Jamboard on Google's official blog.[3] The announcement trailer for the product was released the same day onto YouTube.[4] The website was also launched on the same day simultaneously, as well as a rumored version of an "Early Adopter Program" for the device.[5] Jamboard was officially released in May 2017.[6] [7]

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.

Hardware

55"
Display Quality4K
Display Refresh Rate60 Hz
Display Touch CapabilitiesUp to 16 points
Wi-FiYes
Clear scannerHD front-facing camera
MicrophoneBuilt-In Microphone
SpeakersBuilt-In Speakers
StylusDedicated Stylus
EraserEraser [Digital]
Main ControllerAbility 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.[8]

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,[9] 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. Google claimed that the reason behind the shutdown is the abundance of better, more capable alternatives.[10] Users had to export Jamboard files they wished to keep before all Jam data was permanently deleted on December 31, 2024. Physical Jamboard devices would still continue to work as a whiteboard without online functionality after October 1, 2024.[11]

Notes and References

  1. News: Li . Abner . 28 September 2023 . Google shutting down Jamboard, offering transition to other whiteboard apps . . en-US.
  2. News: Perez. Sarah. 29 September 2016. Google rebrands its business apps as G Suite, upgrades apps & announces Team Drive. TechCrunch. 28 October 2016. Aol.
  3. News: Varghese. TJ. 25 October 2016. Jamboard — the whiteboard, reimagined for collaboration in the cloud. Google. 28 October 2016.
  4. Web site: 25 October 2016. Introducing Jamboard. 28 October 2016. YouTube.
  5. News: Vijayan . Jaikumar . 27 October 2016 . Google Intros Jamboard Digital Collaboration Device . 28 October 2016 . eweek.
  6. News: Warren. Tom. 25 October 2015. Google's answer to Microsoft's Surface Hub is an equally giant digital whiteboard. The Verge. 28 October 2016. Vox Media.
  7. Web site: Steven . Overly . 12 November 2016 . Google releases Jamboard, a high-tech whiteboard for office meetings . . en.
  8. News: Merriman . Chris . 28 October 2016 . Google Updates: Jamboard, jammed Vista, jammin' with Assistant . https://web.archive.org/web/20161029112026/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2475661/google-updates-jamboard-jammed-vista-jammin-with-assistant . October 29, 2016 . 28 October 2016 . The Inquirer.
  9. Web site: landing page . 24 March 2021 . accounts.google.com.
  10. Web site: Google Jamboard is winding down . 24 April 2024 . Jamboard Help.
  11. Web site: Jamboard device end of life information . 24 July 2024 . Google Workspace Admin Help.