TECH SPECIAL..... Microsoft breaks out the big guns including a slick new workstation, a souped-up laptop, and a big Windows 10 update

Microsoft breaks out the big guns including a slick new workstation, a souped-up laptop, and a big Windows 10 update

In an event held on October 26, Microsoft took the wraps off several high-profile products in the offing. This includes their new high-end workstation, the Surface Studio, their updated laptop, the Surface Book, and a huge Windows 10 update coming up next year called Windows 10 Creators Update. Here are the takeaways: Microsoft also unveiled an updated version of their Surface Book laptop -- the Surface Book i7. It includes features of the previous iteration along with some new improvements--Panos Panay, head of Microsoft devices said, “We have millions and millions of people each day using their Surface and telling us their stories.” The three new Surface Book models feature 6th Generation Intel Core i7 processors and pack more than twice the graphics processing power as the original Surface Book. The company added more battery life (a total of 16 hours) to it. It features a 3.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3000x 2000 resolution and 267 PPI screen density. The device is powered by the 6th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with two RAM variants - 8GB or 16GB. It offers three SSD options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB. The Surface Book i7 comes equipped with a front-facing 5MP camera with 1080p HD video and a rear-facing 8MP autofocus camera with 1080p respectively.

He also claimed that the Surface Book has the highest user satisfaction among any Windows 10 machine or Macbook, adding “This is the most powerful Surface Book ever.” It will be available for pre-order starting October 26 with prices starting $899 (approximately Rs 60,000).

Microsoft announced a brand new desktop PC-Surface Studio-which is touted as having “world's thinnest LCD monitor ever built”. For specifications, the Studio sports a 28-inch PixelSense display with a massive 4500x3000 pixel resolution and a 192 PPI screen density. It also features a wide color gamut TrueColor display that puts out deeper hues and better reproduces the color spectrum.

It is built upon a 3:2 aspect ratio and is forged within an aluminum enclosure that is just 12.5mm, touchscreen included. The Surface Studio packs 13.5 million pixels--roughly 63 percent more than a 4K TV. The ‘Zero Gravity' hinge allows the screen to adjust to virtually any orientation from upright to lie-flat. When the screen transitions from Desktop Mode to Studio Mode, it sits at a 20-degree angle, making it ideal for sketching, writing and designing.

The all-in-one computer is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB of RAM along with a 2TB hybrid hard drive and an Nvidia GPU. Connectivity options include USB 3.0, Ethernet, Audio, SD and Mini DisplayPort. It also comes integrated with a ‘2.1 surround' speaker system. The device is scheduled to be available in limited quantities later this year.

The company unveiled the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update, which aims to bring numerous enhancements around 3D and communication. The company is betting big on mixed reality and 3D for everyone.

The company also introduced the new online community Remix3D.com, which aims to connect creators and creations around the world. Remix 3D will enable all-new scenarios for creators, including the ability for Minecraft players to share their 3D creations across the Remix 3D community.

Microsoft also unveiled an all-new version of the classic built-in drawing tool, now called Paint 3D. The new paint app will include a magic selection tool, and tools to create 3D shapes and objects from 2D sources as well.

Next up, Powerpoint was shown to have native 3D import capabilities as well. Also shown was new 3D models option on the PowerPoint menu, from where users can access 3D models that are community submitted, and insert these directly into slides including the ability to alter the perspective, zoom, rotate and animate them within a presentation.

The company's Edge browser was also shown to incorporate 3D abilities with their HoloLens mixed reality solution. Users will be able to grab objects from Remix 3D and put it into a HoloLens view, basically bringing in models 3D objects such as various types of furniture, and ‘place' them within a view of the real world. This was shown to be working with brands like IKEA, enabling users to audition how furniture would appear within their home, for example. Microsoft Edge was the first browser to bring inking to the web, and will be the first browser to fully embrace 3D as well.

Also unveiled was a range of virtual reality headsets. These headsets will ship with six degree of freedom sensors, with prices starting $299 (approximately Rs 20,000).

The Windows 10 Creators Update will also include Beam system integration on Xbox One and PC, enabling user-generated tournaments via Arena on Xbox Live, where gamers can invite friends and track tournament progress across devices, irrespective of whether it's on Windows 10 or Xbox One.

DNA 28OCT16