Live from Microsoft’s Surface 2016 event!
After surprising us with the Surface Book last year, what could Microsoft have in store next for its flagship PC lineup? We’ll find out today during its Surface media event in NYC. As we explained in our preview, rumors currently point to an all-in-one PC that can be converted into a large tablet. It could be something like a cross between the iMac and the Surface Hub. We might also catch a glimpse at Microsoft’s Amazon Echo and Google Home competitor, the “Home Hub,” and hear more about how Windows 10 will evolve.
Microsoft’s Surface event will kick off at 10 am Eastern. Check back here for our live coverage as things kick off.
Windows 10 ‘Creator’s Update’ coming for free next spring
Even though the Surface line of convertible PCs has made Microsoft a hardware contender, its world still revolves around Windows 10. At today’s event, the company has revealed a lot of details about the next Windows 10 release, dubbed the “Creator’s Update.” That all starts with the 3D version of Paint it previewed earlier this month that’s far from version you may have created a pixelated doodle with. Instead, it allows you to scan objects from the real world and bring them into a 3D environment.
“If we want to make 3D creation for everyone. It has to be as easy as taking a photo,” Saunders says. The new app lets you scan real objects and get them into Paint as a full 3D object. She showed off the new Capture 3D tool, by walking slowly around a sand castle model with a smartphone and capturing it in full 3D.
There’s also a new Community pane that allows you to find and pull in creations from other users. During the demo, Saunders pulled in a 3D cloud from Community and used it in montage featuring her daughters. She was able to then transform that into a complete 3D object and, naturally, share the whole thing on Facebook. The creations can also be viewed in 360 degrees from Microsoft’s Hololens AR headset, as this is Microsoft, can also be used in PowerPoint.
Talking about the Hololens, Microsoft also showed off a new app called HoloTour, an app that lets you explore and interact with places and cities around the world. Though built for the Hololens, it also works with regular VR headsets.
For gamers, Microsoft has launched a new Twitch-like feature for Windows 10. It lets you broadcast your Xbox games, complete with comments, just by hitting the Windows button and hitting “G” to broadcast. Xbox Live will automatically let your friends know you’re streaming, and allow them to comment in real time. It looks like Microsoft is using technology from Beam, which it acquired in August, so that’s a pretty quick turnaround time.
The Morning After: Tuesday October 25th 2016
While you were sleeping, we found out where you can still buy a Galaxy Note 7 (don’t), Apple added Portrait mode to its flagship iPhone 7 Plus, and we’re thinking about what Microsoft has planned for later this week.
iOS 10.1 is herePortrait mode brings blurry backgrounds to iPhone 7 Plus photos
While it’s a mostly minor update, the iPhone 7 Plus will pick up another way to utilize its duo of rear-facing cameras. Yes, the once-teased portrait mode is now here to blur your backgrounds and make those portraits of loved ones really pop.
Disable in-app purchasesDoctors say your toddler can use your tablet — as long as you’re around to supervise
The American Academy of Pediatrics has softened its guidelines when it comes to screenwatchin’ for the under-twos, stating that they can watch “high-quality programming” (Sesame Workshop, for example) so long as you’re there to help understanding and monitor use. If your wee ones are younger than that, you should limit them to video chat for now. The AAP reiterates that, regardless of your children’s age, it’s important to both set “consistent limits” and ensure that device time doesn’t affect physical activity, play and sleep.
Tune in, turn on … TrumpSocial media isn’t just for apologies and insults
There’s no “Trump TV” yet, but the campaign has launched a daily show for its Facebook followers. So far, it’s not outdrawing Chewbacca Mom, but you all know those viewing counts are rigged anyway.
Scratching the surfaceHere’s what to expect from Microsoft’s ‘Imagine What You’ll Do’ event
New Surface? Sure, but in what shape — maybe an all-in-one? Perhaps, perhaps. While we probably won’t see a Surface Pro 5, we do expect Microsoft to explain what’ll happen in the next Windows 10 update, likely to launch in early 2017.
GastlyPokémon Go’s first global event is Halloween-themed
To celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, Pokémon Go creators Niantic Labs is increasing the encounter rate for its spookier Pocket Monsters. Gastly, Gengar, Golbat (ugh!) and more will appear far more frequently, while each monster caught will net you double the number of candies. In true trick-or-treat style, you’ll also get more candies from your Buddy Pokémon, and even from Professor Willow when you send him your Pokémon.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you shouldIf you want a Galaxy Note 7, they’re still on sale in Hong Kong
Because people like to risk carrying around something in their pocket that might explode in a burst of smoke. Read how Engadget Chinese editor-in-chief Richard Lai fared while trying to buy one — and why they’re still on sale in the first place.
But wait, there’s more…
- Hackers can gain full access in five seconds with this Linux exploit
- Stare at this beautifully detailed map of the Milky Way
- New White House initiative hopes to ensure microsatellites thrive
- A new stylus-toting Samsung Galaxy device that won’t burst into smoke
Microsoft’s Surface business is still booming
Microsoft’s Surface concept has gone from being a joke to becoming a significant part of its business. Sales of Surfaces devices jumped 38 percent during the last quarter (Q1 2017) reaching $926 million, compared to a year ago when they were just $672 million, according to Microsoft’s latest earnings report. The company points to increased sales of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book for the drive. CEO Satya Nadella also noted that enterprise orders of 500 or more Surface devices have increased by 70 percent.
The Surface’s success isn’t too surprising, though. The product line crossed the billion-dollar mark in early 2015, and it’s been steadily growing over the past year. While Patriots coach Bill Belichick might disagree, Microsoft’s most recent Surface devices are perfectly positioned to satiate the increasing desire for convertible laptops and tablets. Heck, Microsoft pretty much started the category (though the initial going was admittedly rough).
Source: Microsoft
Bill Belichick is through with the NFL’s Surface tablets
You’d think Patriots coach Bill Belichick is feeling over the moon right now. After all, his golden boy Tom Brady is finally back from a four-game suspension, handed to him by the NFL for his role in a cheating scheme now widely known as “Deflategate.” But no, Belichick isn’t happy. Instead, the Super Bowl-winning coach is lashing out at tablets. And while he doesn’t mention Microsoft’s Surface by name, that’s the device the league pays $80 million dollars a year for teams to use on the sidelines. It’s also the one he just smashed in a game against the Bills earlier this month.
“As you probably noticed, I’m done with the tablets,” Belichick said at a press conference today, in response to a question about issues he had with the tech during the Patriots’ latest game. “I’ve given them as much time as I can give them. They’re just too undependable for me,” he added. “I’m going to stick with pictures as several of our other coaches do as well because there just isn’t enough consistency in the performance of the tablets.
Belichick says he “just can’t take it anymore,” noting that he’s going back to relying on printed images to view and analyze plays. “It’s a personal decision. “I’ll use the paper pictures from here on because I’ve given it my best shot,” he added. “I’ve tried to work through the process but it just doesn’t work for me and that’s because there’s no consistency to it.”
The NFL gave us the following statement: “Microsoft is an integral, strategic partner of the NFL and implementing their technology on our sidelines has increased the efficiency and speed of collaboration between coaches and players to an all-time high. Within our complex environment, many factors can affect the performance of a particular technology either related to or outside of our partner’s solutions. We continue to work with all of our partners to ensure the best systems are in place to most effectively assist the clubs in the execution of their game plan.”
As for Microsoft, the company told Engadget that it respects Belichick’s decision, but naturally doesn’t agree with his comments about the Sideline Viewing System not being reliable. Unfortunately, the fact is there’s plenty of proof to suggest otherwise.
Here’s the full statement from Microsoft: “We respect coach Belichick’s decision, but stand behind the reliability of Surface. We continue to receive positive feedback on having Surface devices on the sidelines from coaches, players and team personnel across the league. In the instances where sideline issues are reported in NFL games, we work closely with the NFL to quickly address and resolve.”
Here’s Belichick’s full answer as to why he hates the tablets. Lasted five minutes and 25 seconds. pic.twitter.com/wcSqebtQRu
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) October 18, 2016
Source: Patriots
Microsoft could be unveiling its Surface All-in-One in October
Microsoft may very well be introducing its Surface All-in-One device this October during a special fall hardware launch, according to ZDNet.
The device, reportedly codenamed “Cardinal,” is supposedly a product that can “turn your desk into a studio,” reports ZDNet, which is very likely the previously-rumored All-in-One system, which could be coming in various screen sizes vaand offering the Perceptive Pixel screen tech utilized by Surface Hub.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has kept mum on the specifics, despite the fact that reporters have reached out to inquire about the possibility that the upcoming Surface Cardinal exists or that there’s going to be an event this October.
ZDNet’s report notes that existing Surface models may well feature faster processors and other minor updates as well, but larger product reveals probably won’t make an appearance until spring 2017.
If Microsoft is looking to make a hardware push during the fall, it could also coincide with updates about the gaming side of its regime, but right now details are up in the air. We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see what’s going to happen as far as this supposed Cardinal product is concerned.
Via: ZDNet
Microsoft will fix Surface Pro 3 battery issues through software
Microsoft was right about its hunch that Surface Pro 3 battery degradation was a software problem. The company reports that it has ruled out hardware as a cause for the shrinking battery capacity, and that it’s working on a patch that should bring your Windows tablet back to normal. You’ll get the fix as soon as it passes testing, Microsoft says. In the meantime, it’s advising against asking for a hardware replacement.
The news isn’t pleasing everyone. Surface Pro 3 owners have complained of paying steep replacement fees ($450 or more) to get new models that they’re now learning aren’t necessary. Also, some are worried that their slate’s battery will be all but useless before the patch is ready, forcing them to pay for a replacement. Will these users get compensation for their troubles? We’ve asked Microsoft what it will do, and we’ll let you know what it has to say.
Via: Panos Panay (Twitter)
Source: Microsoft Community
Recommended Reading: What happened at Hyperloop One?
How Hyperloop One
went off the rails
Sarah McBride,
Bloomberg
The folks at Hyperloop One are one group trying to make Elon Musk’s seemingly crazy idea of a levitating pod transportation system a reality. That task hasn’t been without its fair share of issues, including infighting and employee lawsuits. What the heck happened? Well, Bloomberg takes a look at the company’s inner workings to provide some context for the recent headlines.
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Who’s afraid of tablet tech? The NFL made the switch to Microsoft Surface tablets for playbooks and in-game imagery already, but as you might expect not everyone is thrilled with the changes. Some coaches and players want to do things the old fashioned way. |
‘The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore:’ an appreciation A number of eulogies for Larry Wilmore’s show hit the internet this week, but I particularly enjoyed MTV’s look back at the end of #tonightly. |
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The internet’s safe harbor just got a little less safe Now that Cox has to pay up for the copyright infringement of its users, other companies might start policing the content that’s posted using their services. |
How Sam Phillips invented the sound of rock and roll Some of the all-time greats recorded at Sun Studio and one man was behind the controls to engineer the sounds that would become iconic. |
Microsoft is leasing Surface tablet and software bundles to businesses
Last month, Microsoft quietly launched a program for individuals to lease its Surface detachable tablets to small businesses so they could use top-line machines without a lot of up-front cost. Today they’re rolling out a more ambitious plan that takes a page out of the SaaS playbook, letting partners rent out the devices alongside the tech giant’s more popular office software.
As part of their Surface as a Service initiative, authorized third parties will offer the tablets along with Microsoft cloud services, Windows 365, Windows 10 and other ISV software. Unlike last month’s small business-focused membership program, the tech giant wants more options to broaden its appeal to both the SMB and enterprise markets. Microsoft has already launched the program with ALSO, a cloud solutions provider in Europe, and will roll out globally as they secure similar partnerships, according to the company’s post.
It will be interesting whether Microsoft expands the concept to its other hardware products. It might suit game consoles’ iterative release schedule: lease an Xbox One now, automatically upgrade to the slimmer Xbox One S as it comes out and then get boosted to the Xbox successor Project Scorpio when it’s expected to launch at the end of 2017. While we may not see the tech giant try to push Windows phones, the company has shown itself willing to sacrifice profits by using bundle sales to get hardware in new hands.
Source: Microsoft blog
Microsoft’s 1TB Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 hit the UK
Microsoft’s best Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 models are now available outside of North America. Both of the laptop-tablet hybrids — the Book being more laptop, the Pro more tablet — can be bought with a 1TB SSD in eight additional markets. These are: Australia, Austria, China, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Switzerland and the UK. Germany and Japan will be joining the list in July; Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands will get the 1TB Surface Pro 4 later this summer.
Both devices come with a Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. In short — they’re utter beasts in the power department. You’ll have to pay for all that extra storage and grunt, however. In the UK, the 1TB Surface Book costs £2,649, while the the 1TB Surface Pro 4 comes in at £2,199. Cheap laptop replacements, these are not. Still, they represent the best of Microsoft hardware, and a glimpse at what the company can achieve when it targets true power users. And in the case of the Surface Pro 4, you could always add the Signature Type Cover, just to make it even more luxurious.
AIVAnet 