SMART adds Touch Recognition to interactive whiteboards

February 11, 2009

Source: Smart Technologies

SMART Technologies announces the addition of Touch Recognition to SMART Board™ 600 series interactive whiteboards. The feature is the first to automatically detect the difference between a pen, finger and palm of the hand. Users can now, for example, use a pen to write or draw on the interactive whiteboard, a finger to manipulate words or pictures and a palm to erase work. Previously, users had to return the pen to the SMART Pen Tray in order to switch modes.

Touch Recognition advances usability because interaction with the interactive whiteboard more closely resembles the way people use traditional whiteboards and chalkboards in classrooms or meeting rooms. When a pen is touched to the board, ink appears. When touched with a finger, the board automatically switches to touch mode and the finger acts like a mouse. When the eraser or a palm is used on the board, ink can be erased.

With its Pen Tray interface and SMART Notebook software, the SMART Board interactive whiteboard has long been considered one of the most user-friendly interactive whiteboards available. SMART has taken ease-of-use a step further with the addition of Touch Recognition.

For users new to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, Touch Recognition will help them produce presentation, brainstorming and collaboration results faster because the feature reduces time spent learning the technology. Users who already use SMART Board interactive whiteboards proficiently will find the new feature saves time and makes presentation and lesson delivery more efficient. Touch Recognition is available for current users of SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboards as a hardware upgrade from SMART resellers.

"SMART Board interactive whiteboards have always been the most widely installed interactive whiteboards in the world, largely because they are the easiest to use," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's CEO. "Touch Recognition builds on that legacy and makes the SMART Board interactive whiteboard even better."

Pricing and availability

Touch Recognition is built into all SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboards. It is available immediately.

The MSRP for the SMART Board interactive whiteboard starts at US$999. The suggested education list pricing starts at US$699. Suggested pricing in all other regions depends on applicable taxes, duties and import costs. The entire product line – ranging from models that are 48 inches (121 cm) on the diagonal to 94 inches (239 cm) on the diagonal – is available from authorized SMART resellers. The service upgrade for SMART Board 600 series interactive whiteboards that do not contain the feature is US$147.

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