Microsoft Re-Surfaces: Big Reveal This Wednesday
By Mariam Shoaib (www.catalystwoman.com) (twitter.com/marsonearth)
Mark your calendars and the set the alarm for this Wednesday as Microsoft makes it’s biggest reveal to date at the Surface Event. Surface’s debut back in 2012 marked Microsoft’s first try at combining it’s Windows operating system with it’s own hardware. The tech giant owned the process from start-to-finish, designing and distributing the PC and tablets itself.
Windows 10 and it’s future will dominate conversations at the event – from software to hardware. With 400 million installs so far, Windows 10 has made an impact despite persistent privacy concerns. The Windows 10 Anniversary Update rolled out in the beginning of August with significant improvements to security, privacy and productivity features. Details about the next two Windows 10 software updates, codenamed Redstone 2 and Redstone 3, are also expected. The first update is rolling out early next year in March. Changes include further customisation to the trackpad feature as well as a native blue-light reduction option similar to F.lux. Smart devices will be controlled via the new ‘Homehub’ feature and device, similar to Amazon’s Echo, complete with Cortana (a voice-activated virtual assistance program similar to Apple’s Siri).
Worry not, dear gamers – there is X-box related news coming your way, with Microsoft to announce cross-platform gaming options for the console and Windows 10.
The invite reads “Imagine what you’ll do”, so the focus appears to be on creativity. This ties in nicely with the leaked images of the new-and-improved Microsoft Paint App which has been designed to work with pen and touch as well as create 3D objects. Twitter chatter indicates that the software giant has major plans for a 3D ecosystem underway. While we will not be hearing much about the HoloLens headset, the company will allow others to create their own headsets.
Rumour has it that Microsoft is set to unveil a completed reworked Surface PC – long-gone is the kickstand! The touchscreen laptop has morphed into an all-in-one desktop Personal computer featuring a brand- new wireless keyboard as well as a new mouse. More of a Modular than a combo PC, the new Surface PC is expected to fit together like Lego pieces. This innovative should eliminate the hassle of upgrading to few clicks of components – from battery, graphics card to external components like speakers or gesture-recognition gadgets. While some have said that all computers are modular, it is a test of one’s tech skills to clean out the fan or upgrade the memory without the help of an expert. Microsoft’s focus on making computer use accessible promises a friendlier computer experience for the casual user.
With a codename like Cardinal, the expected PC is generating hype about it’s real name. Possible names for the device include ‘Surface’, ‘Surface Studio’, ‘Surface Dial’ and ‘Dial’. It has been reported that the device will ‘turn your desk into a studio’
There have been security concerns regarding wireless keyboards, as research by Bastille showed numerous vulnerabilities, including access to keystroke logs. Get a sneak-peek of the Surface-branded keyboard below.
2017 will see the launch of Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. Does Microsoft have chops to deliver what the customers need in 2017? Will the changes be enough to drastically improve the user experience? We will find out soon enough. Tune in for the event as it is being live streamed from New York City this Wednesday on October 26th at 10 a.m. EST / 3pm BST / 2pm GMT.
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