Luxist Giveaway: Win A Pair of Cisco's Umi Telepresence Units

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Dec 6th 2010 at 10:02AM

It's not hyperbole to call Cisco's new umi telepresence system a revelation. Indications are that it will completely change the way we communicate long distance. We blogged about this new product a few weeks ago but now we get to give away two Cisco umi telepresence units complete with a year of service. If you have loved ones far away you really want to win this.The Cisco umi (pronounced: You-Me) helps family and friends be together in real time and high definition, whether they are around the corner or across the country. It connects to any existing HD television and broadband internet to deliver a real video communications experience through the TV that is so clear, natural and lifelike, users will see and hear their loved ones as if they are in the same room. The system lets you pan the room, zoom in or pull back. Privacy features like call screening and blocking, and a camera shutter that closes, keep users in control of their privacy. Video calls can be placed and received on any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.Cisco umi videos can be created and then shared on Facebook, YouTube, or email and you can check your video messages on-the-go with a laptop (new video message notices arrive via text on a mobile phone).

The product is available to demo and purchase ($599) in all Best Buy/Magnolia Home Theater stores across the country and ūmi is already being used on The Oprah Winfrey show to bring guests into her studio virtually. Within Magnolia Home Theatre stores, consumers will be able to experience Cisco ūmi, get expert advice on the product and required broadband, as well as purchase Cisco umi, with installation and support provided by Best Buy's famous Geek Squad.

Our giveaway includes two Cisco umi telepresence units plus a year of service, a total value of $1798. To enter just tell us who you want on the other end of that call.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below letting us know who you'll be sharing your Cisco umi telepresence with.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before December 13. 2010 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a pair of Cisco umi telepresence units and a year of service, a value of $1798.
* Open to legal residents of the continental United States (no Alaska or Hawaii) and the District of Columbia.

See complete giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: Cisco Umi, Cisco umi Telepresence, luxist giveaway, Telepresence

Filed under: Gadgets

Subscribe to these comments

Reader Comments (Page 5 of 12)

Ismail Ali Dec 6th 2010 5:23PM

Haven't seen my mom for the past 5 years, so will use umi telepresence to connect with my family...

jason Dec 6th 2010 5:24PM

I hope to win this!

Ismail Ali Dec 6th 2010 5:28PM

Haven't seen my mom for the past 5 years, so will use umi telepresence to connect with my family...

Parks Kingery Dec 6th 2010 5:35PM

I would be sharing with my parents who live 12 hours away.

Terry Dec 6th 2010 6:17PM

I will be sharing this with my sister.

Ray Dec 6th 2010 6:23PM

This would be perfect for keeping in touch with my in-laws. Thanks!

tnzoumis Dec 6th 2010 6:27PM

looks great

Tammy Hankins Dec 6th 2010 8:51PM

cool prize

Sophie Dec 6th 2010 7:13PM

My elderly parents are the hardest working people I know. They retired last year and have finally been able to pursue their life long dream of opening a mom and pop jewelry store in Florida--something they were always unable to do before because of their responsibilities to us kids. They opened the doors to their small business last year during what was arguably the worst economy to do so, but somehow through a combination of ingenuity and good old-fashioned elbow grease, they are making their way.
Now, my brother, who is an Iraq vet and the incredible single dad to three beautiful, fantastic, MARVELOUS kids is living in Texas, doing his level best to make a life for himself by pursuing his education while working full-time for the city of Dallas. Unfortunately due to budget cuts, they have reduced his hours and his pay. Times are tight for my family, and my parents miss my brother and the grandkids terribly, but cross-country flights to visit are prohibitively expensive. Every Single Day my mom calls the kids to help them with homework, read to them, and even coach them over a thousand miles in how to prepare a dinner that will be ready for their hard-working dad when he arrives home after a long day of dealing with people who are under-appreciative of his sacrifice, to say the very least. This limited contact helps keep both families afloat and reiterates the love they have for each other. I'm so glad that my brother's kids are growing up knowing how special they are and that they have a support system in place in what could otherwise be a very cold world.
My family are heroes, and they truly deserve to win the Cisco umi units. I can only imagine the depth and color that such technology would add to the interaction between my parents and my brother and kids. They would be able to see each other face to face and that would be one more thing to give them all a fighting chance.
Thank you for considering my entry. My family would truly appreciate your generosity.

RST in NJ Dec 6th 2010 7:23PM

While currently expensive, I'm sure this will eventually come down in price if public interest peaks. If I were to win, I'd share it with my parents who miss my daughter terribly since they moved out of state six years ago. Unfortunately visits to see Grandmom and Grandpop are not frequent enough. Whoever wins though, I hope they do enjoy it!