Implementing Intel Unite
What is Intel Unite?
Intel released Unite as a replacement for its recently discontinued WiDi technology, as a way for multiple people to wirelessly project at the same time. Â The technology takes a big step from the days of just one person sharing your screen, allowing 4 people to project at once, with annotation capabilities and plugin support. Â Users don’t need to be in the same room or same network, allowing people across the world to join in and collaborate. Â And this is all done with free software and a compatible computer in the conference room as a hub.
Intel provides this video to explain the application:
What is required?
To use Intel Unite, you need to have a compatible Dell, HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu, or Intel computer to serve as the hub. As of August 9, 2016, these devices are supported:
- Dell Optiplex 7040 or 9020 (more information)
- Fujitsu Esprimo Q920/MREÂ or Q956/MRE (more information)
- HP EliteDesk 800 G2 (more information)
- Intel NUC5i5myhe (more information)
- Lenovo ThinkStation M900 (more information)
The hub can run Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, though you cannot use the v3 Client plugin with Windows 10. You’ll also need access to your DNS to add a special autodetect entry – otherwise, hubs will need to be on the same subnet as clients. If you’re going to administer multiple hubs or allow guest access, you will likely want to install the Enterprise server on a VM.
Users can connect to the hub with the client app, which is supported for Windows 7/8.1/10, Mac OS X, and Apple iPad (not iPhone).
Why is information so hard to find?
Good question!  Intel seems keen on keeping Unite as a perk for purchasing certain vPRO model computers, so they provide the software to OEMs to hand out.  OEMs don’t seem to be pushing the technology hard, and my Lenovo rep hadn’t even heard of the tool.  I collected these resources after experiencing a massive amount of frustration trying to find and test the right version.
Does it work?
Not sure yet! Â I’ve installed a test copy of the Enterprise software and am working on a demo hub. Â We’ll try it out with the IT management team and see what they think. Â If it doesn’t meet their needs, we’ll probably go with the proprietary Extron ShareLink 250W.
Software downloads
- Intel MSP Download page – doesn’t require an account, but as of August 8th only has v2 resources
- v3 Enterprise server (courtesy of Fujitsu)
- v3 Hub (One Time Use)
- v3 Plugin: Skype for Business connector (courtesy of Fujitsu)
- v3 Plugin: Guest access (courtesy of Fujitsu)
- v3 Mac client
- v3 iPad client on the Apple App Store
- Lenovo download page – as of August 8, 2016, only v2 resources
- HP download page – as of August 8, 2016, only v2 resources
- Dell download page – as of August 8, 2016, mix of v2 and v1 resources
More information
- Dell’s Unite Wiki
- Unite Enterprise Guide (PDF) – has plenty of troubleshooting steps
- Skype for Business guide – Intel
- Intel Forum for Unite
One Response
Here is Intel’s official download page:
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25280/Intel-Unite-app