Let’s recap what happened at the #MicrosoftEvent today: Windows 10 creator update focuses on 3D creation. Esports, custom tournaments, and Dolby Atmos is coming to the Xbox One S, making the Xbox One more powerful for hardcore gamers. Microsoft is working towards wireless. Finally, the Surface updates are going cost you more than most can afford.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jurc3SxztGw&index=1&list=PLFPUGjQjckXHZ-uWqCgvU4ma9yOHBsVnO
Windows 10 Creator
Windows 10 is getting a small update that will shift the focus of the operating system from consuming to creating. Microsoft is bringing us new features for streaming, which include their streaming service called Beam. They’ll be competing against Twitch, but have the upper hand with Xbox and Windows 10 being a large gaming platform. There are also new apps to help you stay connected with friends or the people who matter the most to you.
3D Mapping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itc5ihHDAnY
While 3D mapping is a big part of Windows 10 Creator update, the inclusion of this has more significant implications to Windows and Microsoft. They’re working towards getting their Hololens project out to the world, and with the addition of 3D modeling, tracking, and creation tools they’re building the foundation for future Hololens creators. Microsoft is pitching these tools towards educators, and well, creators, but they’re also making it easy for anyone to create 3D. Ordinary users can easily 3D map an object and drop it into the new paint app.
Wireless VR
Microsoft is now working with vendors to create VR headsets that are as little ass $299. While they’re committed to augmented reality, they have a sense that getting consumers adjusted to these headsets is through VR. They’re working with HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS and Acer to manufacture these accessories.
If you rather spend more money – you can snag the Hololens for $3,000!
Xbox Pro Gamer update
The biggest update for the Xbox will be the support of next generation audio – Dolby Atmos. The Arena will let gamers create custom tournaments, and with Beam, they can stream all their gameplay with a press of a button.
Microsoft also continues to push the Xbox Play anywhere program which enables anyone to buy a digital copy on the Xbox and then be able to download and play it on their Windows PC.
Most expensive Surface devices yet
https://youtu.be/BzMLA8YIgG0
The new Surfacebook will set you back a hefty amount, but if you want to spend even more money, the Surface Studio is a cool $4,000. The Studio is an all-in-one PC with an ultra-thin touchscreen display and comes with a digital dial. The dial lets you zoom in, pick colors, and interact with different apps. It feels like they added the accessory without fully understand what they’re going to use the dial for, much like what they did when they introduced the digital pen.
Both the Studio and Book are high performance, premium devices, but once Windows vendors have a chance to emulate the device will have more affordable options. HP, Dell, and Samsung have introduced Surface and Surfacebook alternatives, which not only cost less but also manage to have a unique spin.
If the Surface devices weren’t so much, I would buy all of them. I am limited in my budget, who would have guessed; writing online isn’t a get rich quickly scheme. I’m looking forward to having a hands-on with these new devices, or getting them in for review. If Microsoft introduced a Surface phone they would complete their hardware line-up, but it’s unlikely they’ll commit more resources to a fail operating system for mobile.
Tell us in the comments below what you think about Mircosoft’s Window event. I see the event as Microsoft’s best one in over a decade. They’ve managed to turn around a sinking ship, introduce innovative hardware and push the industry forward. They also have Hololens, which is a long-term bet that augmented reality will become a mainstay.