Technology Information 20161030

Top, Efficient, Convenient and Holy Intelligent, Novel, Flexible and Objective Microsoft’s Surface event Free talk: 1. what do you think of these new products? strengths? weaknesses? 2. What does it mean to Microsoft? 3.Can Microsoft distinguish itself through this event? Selena: What we expect of the event Microsoft’s Surface event in New York City is expected to yield new Surface hardware and details about the next Windows 10 software update. We’re likely to see a new all-in-one Surface for the desktop as well as new Surface-branded keyboards and a mouse. But most of the event will be focused on the future of Windows 10. Microsoft CEO says mixed reality is the 'ultimate computer' Microsoft unveiled several new products at its event on Wednesday, but that hasn't stopped CEO Nadella from dropping by California this Monday. At a WSJD Live interview with Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker, Nadella delved into topics that concerns the company's future. Jonny: "The ultimate computer for me is the mixed reality world," he said. "Your field of view becomes an infinite display. You see the world and in the world you see virtual objects and holograms." He is of course referring to HoloLens, which is Microsoft's take on augmented reality hardware. A few months ago, the company announced that it's opening up Windows Holographic so that third-party makers could get in on it too, potentially creating VR headsets in addition to AR ones. Right now, Nadella is still excited about the use cases of augmented reality, saying that Case Western Reserve University is already using AR in an anatomy class. He also envisions the technology could be useful in more everyday tasks, like home improvement, offering a solution for those endless trips to the store and back. "Imagine if you could see what your home improvement project would look like and then press order," he said. April: Nadella compares the company's current effort at augmented reality with their attempt at the Surface a few years ago. "Think of what we did," he said. "Back then, people asked 'What is a 2-in-1?' Now, it's a growing category." "Whether it be HoloLens, mixed reality, or Surface, our goal is to invent new computers and new computing," he added. This also includes investing in artificial intelligence, which is now its own group within the company. He also addressed a few questions about Microsoft's sketchy history with acquisitions, notably Nokia and Skype. But he also spoke proudly of Minecraft and how it fits into the company's goal in STEM education, plus how LinkedIn is a good fit because Microsoft is already a compay that works with professionals. Acquisitions, he said, are tricky, because it needs to be a real fit with a sense of identity and purpose. Zoey: Now he wants Microsoft to be more of a "learn-it-all" culture rather than a "know-it-all" culture. "We clearly missed the mobile boom" he said. "Now we have to make sure we grow new categories." "To me the Microsoft brand has always stood for being the company that has got a bit of a utilitarian bent to it," Nadella said, adding that he thinks this is a good thing. "We are the company that stands for builders, makers and creators. That's the brand we want." So what Microsoft brought to us in its event. Surface Book i7 Microsoft didn’t show off a new Surface Book, but instead upgraded last year's model to include Intel’s i7 processor and a bigger battery. The Surface Book i7 will be available in November for $2,399 and is said to reach up to 16 hours of battery life, even with more graphics power and an extra fan to keep everything cool. Selena: Surface Studio Microsoft announced the latest member of its Surface hardware lineup, the Surface Studio, a touchscreen all-in-one desktop computer that’s only 12.5mm thick. Spec-wise, the Studio has a 28-inch PixelSense display, GeForce 980M, an Intel i7 processor, and up to 32GB of memory and 2TB of storage. The Studio also has a "zero-gravity hinge" that allows the screen to tilt down at a sharp angle, allowing it to move from a more traditional computer design to a drafting board form factor for drawing and creative work. Preorders start today for $2,999, with "limited quantities" available for this holiday season. Surface Dial The Surface Dial is a new input device for Microsoft's latest Surface products. The device provides haptic feedback and users twist it to select items from an on-screen menu — for example, a color picker. The Surface Studio takes it one step further, allowing you to place the Dial directly onto the screen for contextual software control. The Dial will be out in November for $99.99, but comes free with Surface Studio preorders Jonny: Windows 10 Creators Update Windows 10 is getting a new major update for early 2017, dubbed the "Creators Update." Highlights of the update include the addition of new 3D creation tools, live-streaming and custom tournaments for the Xbox app, and a focus on communicating with close contacts by putting "people at the center of the Windows experience." Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsoft's Windows and devices group, says he wants Windows 10 to "have the effect of the Gutenberg press on the next wave of computing." 3D Paint Microsoft relaunched and revamped its classic Paint app with a focus on 3D. The new app lets users easily turn photos into 3D "memories," export three-dimensional Minecraft creations, doodle in 3D, and make most anything an interactive object. Microsoft is betting people will want to view their work on the HoloLens or on a multitude of other VR and AR headsets. Users who don't want to buy new hardware for their Paint creations can also just share their work directly to Facebook April: Windows VR headsets In addition to the HoloLens platform, Microsoft announced its first foray into virtual reality with VR headsets for Windows 10. The headsets will start at $299 and run the same Windows Holographic platform as the HoloLens. While no concrete release date has been announced yet, Microsoft did say that HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer will all be making headsets. Xbox live streaming Live broadcasting is built into the Xbox app in the Windows 10 Creators Update. Streaming works as part of Xbox Live, allowing people to follow along with their existing Xbox Live friends. Games can also integrate comments and suggestions from viewers directly in-game. Microsoft is also updating its Arena platform to let players create their own challenges and custom tournaments. The Creators Update adds Dolby Atmos audio support to the Xbox, too Zoey: Windows People Microsoft emphasized its desire to help users interact with the most important people in their life, like spouses, best friends, and family. With the Creators Update, communications with these "key people" can be done directly in the task bar, where users can drag and drop content. Microsoft also showed off a feature akin to the Facebook poke, called "taps," that lets people send each other stickers of 3D objects as a gentle reminder that they're still alive. What’s next Microsoft is pushing a narrative in which everyone is a creator, so we’re likely to continue seeing products around that idea. It doesn't matter whether someone prefers Excel to Paint, Microsoft wants to be a part of the creative process, however a user wants to interpret that. And now what we can do is to wait and see.