Before we get into the merits of the admittedly awkwardly-named USB Back-channel feature, let’s take a moment to describe the function. All KLIK models, and now the HUB, have a USB socket that supports connection of HID devices. “HID device” is just another way of saying devices like a keyboard, mouse or even a touchscreen; anything that is designed to work with the Human Interface Device (HID) communication protocol. But that’s not the exciting part.
Think Presentation Remote.
What’s really exciting about the back-channel feature is that when a PC is streaming its screen contents to the KLIK, any connected HID device streams control data back from the KLIK to the PC. Picture for a moment that the HID device connected to the KLIK is one of those Logitech R400 Remote Presenters. You start the PowerPoint presentation on your PC, start streaming it to the KLIK, and just like that, the Remote Presenter is controlling your presentation.
This feature is included in the HUB, and it allows users to not only share a Wireless Presenter, but any one of a whole range of HID devices. How about placing a wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo at the front of the room, so presenters can leave their laptop on the meeting room table and still have full control over it from the podium?
Think Keyboard & Mouse Combo
That’s exactly what this feature is for; share any HID compatible device between users.
And while the USB Back-channel is a perennial favorite with many of our users, the HUB is about to take the feature to a whole new level. Because when the HUB is connected to a Touch-enabled display, things get very, very interesting. Not only does the touchscreen send control data to a user’s computer, it also controls the HUB itself. Access the Daisy, right from the touchscreen, open the People Panel and select a user’s screen-stream, all from the touch-panel. Then control that content directly from the screen.
Think Future Addition of Touch
Even if you don’t currently own or use a touch-enabled display, the HUB’s USB back-channel feature is a must for busy classrooms and meetings spaces. But when it’s combined with touch, it completely transforms the collaboration experience. Work fluidly with your own content or that of up to 4 people at the same time, effortlessly zooming in for a closer look, and intuitively controlling it all from the touch display.
That's a quick look at the all-new KLIK Boks HUB top-10 features list, with #8, USB Back-channel. Watch this space for more as we roll out all of the top-10 and beyond.
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