Whether you’re trying to create immersive educational experiences, or you want to upgrade collaborative meetings, the right display makes a difference. The Newline Interactive “Lyra Pro” display, for both the educational and enterprise market, doesn’t just improve knowledge sharing.
This all-in-one interactive display combines integrated applications, touchscreen functionality, and audio-visual excellence to take productivity to the next level. It’s also designed to be one of the most secure displays on the market, with remote device management functionality.
So, is this the ideal display for your classroom or meeting room? We put one of these incredible devices to the test, to help you make the right choice.
Quick Verdict: Pros and Cons
The Newline Interactive Lyra Pro is a highly versatile display, perfect for training rooms, meeting rooms, and classrooms. It offer exceptional connectivity for multiple users, integrated software, and a phenomenally smooth touchscreen experience.
Though it’s missing some cutting-edge features (like the integrated AI you get from something like the Microsoft Surface Hub 3) the Lyra Pro is secure, intuitive, and even has its own upgraded camera module for video collaboration.
Pros:
- Numerous connectivity options (including Wi-Fi 6)
- Exceptional audio clarity and 4K visuals
- Customizable user profiles for device management
- Intuitive touchscreen display
- Upgradable camera module with built-in microphones
- Certified for Google Workspace
- Integrated apps for educators
Cons:
- No advanced AI functionality
- Additional software may cost extra
Newline Interactive Lyra Pro Review: Overview and Specs
The Lyra Pro display from Newline Interactive is a secure, Google-certified touchscreen display that offers broad compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, apps, and connectivity options.
Available in a selection of sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches, this flexible display can be upgraded with cameras and microphones for video conferencing. It also comes with some of the best touchscreen functionality we’ve seen on an interactive display.
Plus, we love that you can combine the hardware with a wide range of software solutions from Newline Interactive, such as whiteboarding tools, casting solutions, and display management tools.
Here’s a quick rundown of the technical specifications you can expect.
- Clear 4K resolution (with a 178-degree viewing angle)
- Embedded Android 13 operating system
- 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage
- Up to 40 touchpoints (on Windows)
- Stellar Touch Technology (IR)
- Multiple physical input and output options (HDMI, USB, etc)
- Integrated Camera slot with support for microphones
- 2 x 20W Speakers
- Google EDLA certification
- Enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Newline Interactive Lyra Pro: Audio and Screen Quality
Let’s start with a closer look at the audio and visual experience you get from the Lyra Pro. As mentioned above, like most interactive displays the Lyra Pro comes in numerous sizes, all of which offer a 4K screen resolution, with exceptional color accuracy and brightness.
Thanks to the anti-glare, anti-fingerprint, and anti-microbial tempered glass, you can expect a fantastic viewing experience. Plus, there’s a brilliant 178-degree viewing angle, which means that regardless of where you’re located in a room, you should see crystal-clear images.
From an audio perspective, the Lyra Pro comes with two 20-watt speakers, which offer fantastic volume and consistency. Plus, there’s always the option to connect the system to additional speakers if you prefer, either through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wired connections.
Speaking of connectivity, there are literally dozens of ports to use, from HDMI in and out ports, to USB 3.0, and USB type-2 options, to Microphone connectors, Audio lines, and more. The placement of these ports (on both the front and back of the screen), makes it easy to get your entire meeting room or classroom integrated and set up for a fantastic experience.
Touchscreen Functionality and Collaboration
One of the things that really stood out to us during this Newline Interactive Lyra Pro review is the quality of the touchscreen experience. That makes a lot of sense when you consider how valuable interactive displays are to classroom settings.
The “points of touch” you can access on the display vary depending on your operating system. Overall, there are up to 40 points of touch for instant recognition and smooth writing experiences. Plus, the device comes with built-in intelligent object recognition. It can tell the difference between your fingers, pens, and palms.
The screen can even tell whether you’re using a thin pen, a marker, or an eraser, when creating content, which is excellent if you want granular control when brainstorming or designing.
When it comes to collaboration, the first big benefit of the Lyra Pro is that it’s “BYOD-ready.” Anyone can connect an external device to the screen using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a wired connection and start sharing content. Specialist software from Newline Interactive simplifies screen sharing and remote device control.
For instance, the Newline Cast+ software allows users to share up to 9 screens simultaneously, access moderator modes, and even use mirror control functionality. There’s even content sharing tools built in, so you can share links and files through the app.
Plus, for video conferencing, there’s a handy “camera” module. This allows you to add the Newline 4K ModCam+ directly to your display, with two built-in microphones and high-quality video streaming. That means you don’t need extra wires or microphone arrays to collaborate with remote team members, students, or other staff members.
Newline Interactive Lyra Pro Review: The Software
Beyond giving you the hardware you need to collaborate and enhance educational experiences, the Lyra Pro also comes with a wide range of built-in software solutions. It’s Newline’s first Google EDLA certified display. This means it seamlessly integrates with all Google applications, from Google Workspace to Google Drive, and Google Classroom.
As standard, the device is powered by Android 13, but you can connect the display to other operating systems too, like Windows, iOS, or Linux. Plus, you’re free to install all of the apps and extra tools you like, including options like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
As mentioned above, Newline also offers a wide range of software options. In addition to the standard “Cast” and “Cast+” options for sharing content, you can access Newline’s whiteboarding software for brainstorming and creative sessions. There’s also VCS digital signage software if you want to use your display for wayfinding and visitor management.
You also get software for broadcasting messages remotely to devices. We were particularly impressed by the “Newline Launch Control” software for meeting management. This gives business users easy access to Microsoft Teams, Zoom calls, and other meeting apps. You even get a QR scan option to launch meeting profiles in seconds.
Plus, there’s a handy Kiosk mode with built-in security options to remove cached data, automatically close applications, and clean up your device before a new meeting begins.
Remote Display and Firmware Management
If you’re looking for more control over your devices, Newline Interactive also offers endpoint management solutions for the Lyra Pro. The Newline Display Management Plus software is intuitive and feature-rich, giving business leaders and IT teams a comprehensive portal where they can remotely organize displays, apply settings, and send alerts to screens.
You can remotely control screens in real-time and apply firmware and software updates from the cloud-based portal. Plus, you can set up automated “maintenance” schedules from your platform to ensure everything continues to run smoothly.
This platform supports unlimited devices and comes with “app management” capabilities, so you can ensure your teams aren’t downloading and using potentially dangerous applications. There’s even the option to set up device policies with specific settings like “limited internet access.”
Plus, business leaders can create specific “profiles” for individual users, giving them immediate access to the apps and tools they need on their display dashboard, based on their role. We would have liked to see some more “health” tracking options, or options for improving device sustainability, such as the ability to set up policies to automatically shut down devices when they’re not in use.
However, overall, the device and firmware management tools are a lot more robust than those you get from some other display vendors.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Finally, one thing that really stood out about the Newline Interactive Lyra Pro display, is how intuitive it really is. Everything is incredibly easy to set up and customize, whether you’re creating the ultimate meeting room setup, or the perfect immersive classroom.
Downloading and accessing apps couldn’t be easier, particularly thanks to the Google certification. Plus, connecting external devices to the system wirelessly is seamless, thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Newline has done an excellent job of making both its hardware and software phenomenally user-friendly and flexible.
They also offer fantastic customer support, with phone, email, and chat options, depending on your specific needs. Plus, there’s a brilliant knowledge base on the Newline website, where you can find tips and advice on how to set up your new tech.
Newline Interactive Lyra Pro Review: The Verdict
Although the Lyra Pro from Newline Interactive doesn’t have some more cutting-edge features, like built-in AI assistants, it’s an excellent all-around display. It offers a phenomenal interactive experience, excellent BYOD functionality, and access to a huge range of valuable software solutions.
If you’re looking for a screen ideal for video conferencing, brainstorming, or teaching, the Lyra Pro combines everything you need into a high-quality package. You can even add on a 4K camera for your video meetings. Just keep in mind that you may need to pay a little extra for that upgrade and any additional Newline software you want to access.
