Google Jamboard, a whiteboard device and app, will officially retire on October 1, 2024. So what happens next? For users of both Jamboard app and devices, it's time to find an alternative whiteboard service. This article aims to address the need for finding suitable alternatives to Google Jamboard for both its software service and smartboard hardware.
For detailed information about Jamboard shutting down, check out the official document from Jamboard Help.
Why is Google Jamboard Going Away?
Google Jamboard is a collaborative hardware device with a 55-inch 4K display, touch, and pen input capabilities. It allows multiple users to interact simultaneously and integrates with Google's G Suite for easy access to files, real-time collaboration, and cloud storage. The software interface provides tools for drawing, writing, and adding shapes, with support for handwriting and shape recognition.
According to Google’s official announcement, the decision to shut down Jamboard is part of the company's strategy to streamline and integrate its services. This decision aligns with Google's broader efforts to consolidate its collaboration tools within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
Best Alternatives to Jamboard Whiteboard (Software Service)
Even though Jamboard will not be available after September 30, users still have time to choose their preferred alternative whiteboard and backup or migrate Jam data. Google also recommends users some whiteboard parterners to do the migration. Here are some of the brands recommended:
Miro is a popular online collaborative whiteboarding platform used by teams for brainstorming, planning, and project management.
Price：free/starter($8/mon)/business($16/mon)/enterprise(custom price)
Pros:
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Versatility and Flexibility: Miro offers the most extensive range of use cases, from brainstorming and project planning to agile workflows, making it more versatile than FigJam and Lucidspark.
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Integration with Other Tools: Miro integrates with a wider range of third-party applications (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Trello, Jira) compared to FigJam and Lucidspark.
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Scalability: Miro scales better for larger organizations, offering more robust features for enterprise use.
Cons:
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Cost:Miro's advanced features and larger collaboration options can be more expensive compared to FigJam and Lucidspark.
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Learning Curve:The learning curve for new users can be steeper than FigJam's more intuitive interface.
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Performance Issues:Performance slowdowns on large boards can be more pronounced compared to the generally smoother performance of FigJam and Lucidspark.
FigJam is an online whiteboarding tool developed by Figma, designed to facilitate brainstorming, collaboration, and team planning.
Price：free/professional($3/mon)/organization($5/mon)/enterprise($5/mon)
Pros:
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Integration with Figma: FigJam's seamless integration with Figma is a significant advantage for design teams, more so than what Miro or Lucidspark offers.
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Interactive Features: FigJam offers unique interactive features like emotes and reactions that enhance engagement during collaboration sessions.
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User-Friendly Interface: FigJam has a more intuitive and straightforward interface, especially beneficial for users already familiar with Figma, making it easier to learn compared to Miro.
Cons:
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Feature Set: FigJam's feature set is less extensive than Miro's, especially for non-design-related use cases.
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Target Audience: FigJam is more tailored to design teams and might not cater as well to broader business needs as Miro and Lucidspark.
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Limited Offline Capabilities: FigJam, like Miro, primarily requires an internet connection and offers limited offline functionality, which is also a limitation of Lucidspark.
Lucidspark is an online whiteboarding and collaboration tool developed by the creators of Lucidchart, designed to facilitate brainstorming, planning, and team collaboration.
Price: free/individual($7.95/mon)/team($27/mon)/enterprise($36.5/mon)
Pros:
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Integration with Lucidchart: Lucidspark’s seamless integration with Lucidchart offers a unique advantage for teams needing both whiteboarding and diagramming tools, a benefit not matched by Miro or FigJam.
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Facilitation Tools: Features like voting, timers, and breakouts are more developed in Lucidspark, making it more effective for structured workshops and meetings compared to Miro and FigJam.
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Versatile Templates and Widgets: Lucidspark offers a broad range of templates and widgets, making it easier to set up boards for various use cases quickly.
Cons:
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Cost: Similar to Miro, Lucidspark's advanced features are locked behind paid plans, which might be more costly compared to FigJam's pricing structure.
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Feature Set Compared to Miro: While versatile, Lucidspark's feature set is not as extensive or advanced as Miro’s, particularly for large-scale enterprise use.
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Dependency on Lucid Products: The integration with Lucidchart may complicate workflows for users not utilizing the entire Lucid suite, unlike Miro’s broader integrations and FigJam's simpler, standalone approach.
It's important to note that your Jam file may not be 100% editable after migrating to a partner, so check each partners’ website for details.
Best Alternatives to Jamboard Whiteboard (Smartboard Hardware)
According to Google announcement, Starting October 1, 2024, all Jamboards devices will be put into unlicensed mode and users will not be able to save or open a jam or access Meet from the board. You can use the whiteboard offline, but you won't be able to save it to Google Drive or use features that rely on internet access.
Therefore, for users who own a Jamboard 55 device or for those who are interested in Jamboard device, it's better to seek another interactive smartboard. We list some cost-effective options:
Price: Vibe board S1 55″(from $3,199)/Vibe Board S1 75″(from $5,799)
Pros:
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User-Friendly Interface: Vibe offers an intuitive interface that is easy to use, similar to NearHub and generally more straightforward than Promethean’s more advanced settings.
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Built-in Collaboration Tools: Vibe excels in real-time collaboration features, including cloud integration and video conferencing tools, making it competitive with NearHub and Samsung Flip2.
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Cost-Effective: Vibe is often more affordable than Samsung Flip2 and Promethean, providing good value for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cons:
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Feature Set: Vibe may lack some advanced features and software integrations found in Promethean.
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Hardware Robustness: The build quality might not be as high-end as Samsung Flip2, which is designed for durability.
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Camera and Stand Setup: Not like NearHub, Vibe board doesn't combine camera into the board and the pricing plan only includes the smartboard itself. You need to pay another $600 for its stand and external camera.
Price: NearHub Board S55($2,999)/S65($3,599)/S75($4,999)
Pros:
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Third-party Integration: NearHub integrates exceptionally well with Google Workspace,meeting apps like Zoom and Teams, offering a seamless experience for users heavily invested in Google's ecosystem, more so than other brands.
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Affordable Pricing: NearHub is competitively priced with built-in 4K camera and qualified mics, often more affordable than Samsung Flip2 and Promethean.
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Low Latency Digital Whiteboard: Typically designed with low latency in mind, ensuring good performance in real-time interactions, just like Samsung.
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Real-Time Collaboration Function: Provides excellent real-time collaboration tools comparable to Vibe and Samsung Flip2, such as simutaneous annotation, unlimited canvas and dual apps usage.
Cons:
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Limited Canva Templates: When using NearHub online whiteboard canvas, the templates offered are not as many as Vibe library.
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Brand Recognition: Even though NearHub provides reliable products and services, it may not have the same level of brand recognition as Samsung or Promethean.
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Hardware Quality: The build quality may not be as robust as Samsung Flip2, which is designed for heavy use.
To compare NearHub with other brands in detail: NearHub vs. competitors
Price: 55" Samsung Flip 2.0($3,250)/65"($3,999)
Pros:
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Robust Build Quality: Designed for durability, making it ideal for frequent use in professional settings, more so than Vibe and NearHub.
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Brand Trust and Support: Samsung's reputation for quality and extensive customer support networks is a significant advantage over Vibe and NearHub.
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Low Latency Whiteboard: Known for its low latency, providing a smooth and responsive collaboration experience.
Cons:
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Higher Cost: Samsung Flip2 is typically more expensive, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious users.
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Complexity: The extensive feature set might introduce complexity, making it less user-friendly for new users compared to Vibe and NearHub.
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Software Ecosystem: Less integrated with Google Workspace compared to NearHub, and not as education-focused as Promethean.
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Additional Accessories: Just like Vibe, an additional $530 is required for stand and $190 for tray.
Price: ActivPanel 9 65″(from $2346)/75″(from $3817)/86″(from $5636)
Pros:
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Educational Focus: Promethean is specifically designed for educational environments, offering tools and resources tailored for teaching.
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Advanced Features: Provides advanced interactive features, extensive software support, and educational resources, more than others.
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Comprehensive Support: Promethean offers excellent customer support and frequent updates.
Cons:
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Higher Cost: Promethean boards are usually more expensive, which might be overwhelming for small businesses or budget-conscious educational institutions.
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Complexity: The advanced features and educational focus might introduce complexity, making it less user-friendly for business settings compared to Vibe and NearHub.
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Less Versatile for Business Use: While excellent for education, Promethean might lack some business-oriented features present in Samsung Flip2 and Vibe.
Conclusion
To summarize, Miro, FigJam, and Lucidspark serve as excellent alternatives for Jamboard's app, offering a wide range of collaborative whiteboarding features. For whiteboard device, Interactive smartboard providers like Vibe, NearHub, Samsung and Promethean present compelling alternatives for Jamboard's smartboard hardware, providing users with interactive and efficient digital whiteboard experiences.
Anyway, it's time for Jamboard users to embrace the alternatives and continue their productive and collaborative endeavors.
NearHub is an all-in-one solution for meeting rooms and classrooms. NearHub possesses an interactive digital Board with cutting-edge whiteboard software. By combining your favorite programs with mess-free writing canvas and video conferencing, you can improve your interaction and productivity in the online meeting room or classroom. Besides, NearHub also provides MagicPad S13 to improve digital learning and creativity.
sales@nearhub.us
