This week's device news is not just about faster hardware. It is about where AI runs, how meeting spaces are managed and what IT teams can learn from the equipment already installed across an office.
Cisco's WebexOne announcements put that shift into focus. Microsoft is putting high-performance local AI compute on the desk, while Logitech is refreshing the hardware used to run and manage meeting rooms. Together, the updates show workplace devices becoming more capable, but also more closely tied to security, data and management platforms.
Editor's Pick: Cisco Connects AI, Devices and Workplaces
Cisco used WebexOne to introduce a broad set of updates across Webex, collaboration devices and workplace management.
The headline additions include Claude Managed Agents in Webex, alongside new AI agents that can join spaces, meetings and calls. But the more significant Workspace Tech story is Cisco's plan to bring collaboration devices, secure networking, digital-experience assurance and physical-space data together through Cisco Cloud Control.
Its Intelligent Workplace Experiences proposition includes Workplace Designer, which can turn a street address into a tailored workplace blueprint, and Workplace Insights, which compares room bookings with real-world occupancy. Cisco is also adding Experience Metrics, connecting network and device-assurance data with floor plans, Wi-Fi coverage and occupancy.
For meeting-room estates, RoomOS 27 is due in November. Cisco says it will support Webex, Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom and Google Meet. The company also introduced the Cisco Ceiling Speaker Pro, an IP-connected speaker that works alongside Cisco cameras, microphones and room devices through a single Ethernet cable.
"The next era of work isn't about bolting chatbots onto yesterday's tools," said Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco.
"It's about AI agents working alongside people and teams, being deeply embedded in their workspaces, and collaborating on a secure, trusted foundation."
Cisco's pitch is ambitious, but it addresses a real IT challenge. Meeting rooms are now collections of endpoints, network connections, environmental controls and workplace signals that need to be monitored together.
Microsoft Puts Local AI Compute on the Desk
Microsoft has opened pre-orders for the Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, both built around NVIDIA's RTX Spark Superchip.
The 15-inch Surface Laptop Ultra starts at $2,599 and is aimed at creative, technical and AI workloads. Microsoft says it can run models exceeding 120 billion parameters locally, with configurations offering up to 128GB of unified memory. It will be available from 16 October.
