Microsoft's blatant all-in-one PC, Paint 3D and good news for gamers
Microsoft has unveiled numerous new products at a media event in New York. The undisputed highlight was an iMac copy that outshines the original in every respect - including price. But there was also plenty of other interesting things to see.
Microsoft took around two hours to rave about new software and hardware. While the live event from New York was quite lengthy, we'll skip all the boring stuff for you and get straight to the exciting stuff.
Microsoft's own iMac
The biggest hit of the event was the Surface Studio - Microsoft's answer to Apple's iMac. An all-in-one PC with an ultra-thin 28-inch display. The device is primarily aimed at designers and artists. The touchscreen and the resolution of 4500x3000 pixels with an aspect ratio of 3:2 speak in favour of this. The Surface Studio can be placed in any position so that you can doodle with a pen like on a giant drawing board. The impressive device with its stylish design also has a hefty price tag: 2999 dollars for the entry-level model and 4199 dollars for the top model. The Swiss launch is scheduled for 2017.
Specifications:
- Display: 28-inch LCD with 4500x3000 pixels, 3:2 aspect ratio, multi-touch
- Processor: Core i5 or Core i7
- Storage: 1TB or 2TB hybrid drive
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 32GB
- Graphics card: GeForce GTX 965M 2GB or GTX 980M 4GB
- Ports: 4x USB 3.0, headphone jack, SD card slot, network, mini display port
- Wireless: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
- Camera: 5 megapixel
- Sound: Stereo 2.1 Dolby audio
The ice hockey puck
Another key element of the Surface Studio is the Surface Dial. A new type of input device that looks like an ice hockey puck. As soon as you place the puck on the Studio display, a menu pops up around the puck. This can be operated by clicking and turning. The idea is that designers use the pen in one hand and use the dial for other functions with the other. Different programmes will be able to use the puck in different ways. It can also be used as a normal volume knob or similar on the desk. Apparently it will also be compatible with the Surface Pro 3, 4 and the Surface Book. Price: 99 dollars.
New Surface Book
Microsoft has refreshed its 2-in-1 device. Nothing has changed on the outside - only the inside has been tinkered with. The Surface Book has 30 per cent more battery and is said to be twice as fast as its predecessor. This is made possible by a Geforce GTX 965M graphics card. The device has also become a little heavier. (1.64 kg instead of 1.57 kg). The Surface Book comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB versions.
Price: 2399 dollars to 3299 dollars. According to Microsoft, the device will be available in early 2017.
New Windows 10 Creators Update
The next major update for Windows 10, called Creators Update, will be released next spring. The name says it all. Microsoft is focussing on creatives. Starting with the new Paint 3D, the ability to photograph objects in 3D with your smartphone and then integrate them into the drawing programme, through to room planning options with the Hololens.
Microsoft has presented a new way to share videos, images or documents with friends. Small icons of your closest friends can be found in the taskbar and any data can be shared with them using drag 'n' drop - via Microsoft's own services, of course.
New for gamers
In addition to artists, gamers were the focus of the new Microsoft update. On the one hand, streaming has become much easier. With just a few clicks, you can share games with others via Xbox Live. Not via Twitch or YouTube, however, but via the new Beam.pro service. The option to organise your own tournaments also sounds interesting. Quite simply from Xbox Live, whether with friends or publicly. The whole thing is called Arena. All of this also works on the Xbox One.
As a final nice feature, Microsoft has also announced support for Bitsream Audio Pass-thru and Dolby Atmos.
Windows Insiders can download the update now.
New Paint in 3D
Every Windows user knows the pre-installed drawing programme. With Paint 3D, the biggest update ever for the long-established software has now been released. As the title suggests, the focus is on 3D. Both beginners and advanced users should be able to create sophisticated 3D animations in a simple way. Either freely invented, from existing elements or from imported and previously photographed objects. The 3D images created can be shared on Facebook and also viewed there in 3D.
"Minencraft" players can look forward to being able to import their creations from the game into Paint 3D and then print them in 3D - provided they have a 3D printer. Conversely, you can also integrate your drawn works of art into the game.
More 3D bells and whistles with the Hololens
Microsoft's holo glasses naturally also made a brief appearance again. Firstly, it was shown how you can set up a complete virtual room - including a big screen with a football match, shelves with your own 3D artwork and a sandy beach. Furniture was used as an example to show how to better plan your home furnishings. How does a certain kitchen table look or do the chairs match the rest of the interior - with the Hololens you get the perfect preview.
Favourable VR glasses
If you don't fancy spending 800 francs on a VR headset and Playstation VR is not for you, then Microsoft may have the right solution for you. With partners such as Lenovo, Asus and Dell, various inexpensive virtual reality headsets will soon be coming onto the market - starting at 299 dollars. <p
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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