A 35-year journey of innovation that turned video collaboration into an everyday essential.
In February we introduced the new Cisco Desk Pro G2, a milestone that reflects just how far video collaboration has come over the past 35 years.
There was a time when audio-only wasn’t a choice, but the standard. Video wasn’t yet built into laptops, and working from home wasn’t even part of the conversation.
Today, video is a natural extension of every device—a 4K window into any desk or meeting room in the world. But the journey to this all-in-one simplicity was anything but straightforward.
It took decades of iteration, experimentation, and innovation—all rooted in a single idea: bringing “telepresence” from the boardroom to the desk.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane with the innovation that paved the way for the modern workspace.
Tandberg to Cisco
The story of the modern desk video device begins with Tandberg, long before Cisco brought the vision to scale. This Norwegian pioneer helped bridge the gap between basic audio communication and high-definition video conferencing.
At a time when video was reserved for dedicated rooms, Tandberg challenged the status quo. It started with the Tandberg Vision in 1991. The goal was to create systems like the Tandberg 1000 (2001) and Tandberg T150 (2004) to bring video onto more personal desks, combining integrated displays with H.323 video in a single unit.
They weren’t without quirks and were controlled by infrared remotes. But they proved a critical point: video could be used in smaller spaces.
Back then, the idea of putting a codec on a desk was insane. We were essentially trying to fit a server into a picture frame.
As the concept matured, devices like the Tandberg 1700 (2006) and later the Tandberg E20 (2008) refined the experience. Marketed as a “Video IP Phone,” the E20 brought a more familiar form factor, a 10.6-inch screen, and “DVD-quality” video into everyday workflows, helping normalize video as another way to communicate.
When Cisco acquired Tandberg, it wasn’t just expanding a portfolio, it was building on a vision that would shape the future of video-first collaboration.
The Executive Experience (EX Series)
EX60 and EX90 (2010)
With the introduction of the EX Series, Cisco redefined the desktop video experience by bringing full HD telepresence to workspaces with industry leading audio and camera quality. The 24-inch, high-resolution EX90 was a true game-changer, serving as both a primary PC monitor and a powerful video system that allowed users to share PC content with remote participants seamlessly.
The EX Series replaced bulky remotes and complex setups with the legendary touch controller, (later renamed Touch 8), making video calls as simple as using a smartphone.
The design brought innovative features such as Document Mode allowing the camera to tilt down and capture physical papers on the desk, an early step toward today’s seamless content sharing and digital whiteboarding experiences.
Every detail of the EX Series emphasized clarity and simple integration of video into the workspace, setting a new standard for executive collaboration.
Desk Experience (DX Series)
The All-in-One Shift: DX70 and DX80 (2014)
With the introduction of the DX70 and DX80, Cisco took another major step forward by moving from standalone video devices with a touchscreen or a remote to fully integrated systems.
The DX Series marked a turning point in design. Gone were bulky bezels and separate touch controllers, replaced by a sleek, monitor-first form factor. The DX80 set the tone for modern desk devices— it was clean, all-in-one, and interactive.
Originally powered by Android, the DX devices aimed to merge mobile apps with enterprise video. While that vision saw mixed adoption, the hardware itself stood out—and quickly found its way into some of the most recognizable workplaces in the world, from open-plan tech campuses in Silicon Valley to trading floors in New York City and global offices in London.
Cisco later transitioned the platform to RoomOS, combining the reliability of room systems with the intuitive, touch-first DX design. The result was a dependable, all-in-one device that became a fixture across modern workspaces—and a clear foundation for the Desk Series that followed.
The Modern Era: Cisco Desk Series & Desk Pro G2
Built on the legacy of the EX90 and inspired by the touch-first design and sleek form of the DX80, the original Cisco Desk Pro set a new standard for desktop collaboration. What began as a single device eventually evolved into the comprehensive Desk Series.
When the Desk Pro was created in 2020, the mission was simple…
“At its core, the Desk Pro was conceived as the successor to the EX90,” says Kjell Rune Runde, Hardware Engineering Leader. “We were given a clear, ambitious direction: build the best desktop video system ever. That challenge was incredibly inspiring and motivating for the entire team.”
Today, we have reached a new peak with the Desk Pro G2.
The Desk Pro G2, recently recognized with the 2026 iF Design Award, the G2 reflects a perfect balance of form and functionality. It is no longer just for personal video; with an expanded field of view, it now supports huddle rooms. As a 4K monitor, docking station, and AI-powered collaboration hub, it removes the need for separate peripherals in the personal workspace. With a new dual-camera system and 80W USB-C passthrough, the Desk Pro G2 simplifies the modern environment like never before.
“Desk Pro G2 represents a refined evolution of Cisco’s industrial design language and is developed with the idea of reducing environmental footprint. Our vision has been to create something that blends beautifully into modern office environments yet providing an exceptional user experience.”
— Lisa Muhrbeck, Industrial Designer
Looking back, it is remarkable how far desk collaboration has come—from Tandberg’s early experiments to the DX series, and now to the Desk Pro G2. Throughout this journey, our mission has remained the same: make distance disappear.
Learn more about the new Desk Pro G2 by joining our webinar How IT Teams Are Creating Meeting-Ready Workspaces in Minutes on May 5th.
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