Epson Introduces Smart Board-Compatible Projector

Epson today unveiled a new ultra-short-throw projector designed to work with Smart Technologies' Smart Board M680 and 880 interactive whiteboards. The PowerLite 680 for Smart is a 3LCD presentation display offering XGA resolution, 3,500 lumens of color and white brightness and projection of a 77-inch image from a distance of less than 7 inches — all with seamless integration with Smart Extended Control Panel, according to a news release.

Representatives from both companies emphasized the projector as a way to boost display performance for the Smart Boards: "Epson's PowerLite 680 for Smart was designed specifically for use with Smart Board M680 and 880 interactive whiteboards to deliver educators and students with immersive collaborative experiences utilizing the display's superior brightness," explained Veronika Knight, product manager for projectors at Epson America, in a statement.

"The new Epson PowerLite 680 for Smart provides our customers with the option to maintain an integrated Smart interactive whiteboard system with enhanced display performance," added Tom Ferrari, director, channel, for Smart Technologies.

Other features of the PowerLite 680 for Smart include:

  • Wireless functionality, enabling content sharing between the big screen and connected mobile devices;
  • Up to 50 presenters can connect to the projector simultaneously when used in conjunction with Epson Multi-PC projection and Moderator device management software (up to 4 users can display content at the same time);
  • Compatibility with Chromebooks, PC and Mac computers, and iOS and Android devices;
  • Up to 10,000 hours of lamp life in Eco Mode;
  • Built-in 16W speaker and microphone input;
  • Remote management using EasyMP Monitor software or Crestron RoomView; and
  • Available Message Broadcasting plug-in for EasyMP Monitor, which can send updates or announcements remotely to up to 1,024 Epson networked displays.

MSRP for the PowerLite 680 for Smart is $1,160. Special education pricing and extended warranty coverage is available through Epson's Brighter Futures program. For more information, go to the Epson site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Personalize AI

    Microsoft has introduced a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.