At their event earlier today, Microsoft took the stage to unwrap a major update to Windows 10 focusing on creativity, as well as new Surface hardware that looks to compete with Apple’s iMac and MacBook Pro offerings.
Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft’s first announcement of the day was the Windows 10 Creators Update. The update will focus on bringing 3D and creativity tools to Windows 10. A demo showed the scanning of a sandcastle that was later shown as a 3D model on the computer. One of the largest additions in the Creators Update will be an updated Microsoft Paint app, which simplifies the interface and adds the ability to easily create 3D elements. Creators can look forward to experiencing the free update in Spring 2017 on all of their existing Windows 10 devices.
Surface Book i7
Moving onto hardware, the first Surface Microsoft announced is an update to the Surface Book, featuring a 30% larger battery and much faster processors. With the larger battery, the Surface Book i7 should last update 16 hours. Performance should be much improved as well, given the Core i7 processors used, with NVIDIA 965M graphics with 2GB of dedicated RAM. The updated model’s appearance changed a bit, as the keyboard is now set down into the base, similar to the appearance of a MacBook Pro, and is a bit thicker and heavier to accommodate the updated internals. The Surface Book i7 will go on sale in November for $2,399. Preorders are already available on Microsoft’s website. Fortunately, if you’re not quite that rich, the existing Surface Book will be sticking around, starting at $1,499.
Surface Studio
Creators rejoice! Microsoft unveiled the new Surface Studio, a 28″ all-in-one computer, that is ready to compete with Apple’s iMac. The Studio is aimed at creators, giving them a large touchscreen canvas that can be used like a traditional desktop would, or tilted down to be used like a large tablet. The 28″ PixelSense TrueColor display features a resolution of 4500×3000, giving you plenty of pixels to play with. Featuring a Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, a NIVDIA 980 GPU with 2GB of RAM, a 1TB HDD with a 64GB SSD, the base Surface Studio will set you back $2,999 but can be configured all the way up to $4200. Better start saving those pennies! Preorders have started, and the Surface Studio will be available in limited qualities starting in December.
Surface Dial
The Surface Dial is a new accessory for the Surface line that will allow users to easily access shortcuts, controls, and more, adding another level of control while interacting with their Surface devices. The Dial will cost $99 and release on November 10th. Preorders have already begun on Microsoft’s website.
Microsoft’s new lineup should keep creators happy as they continuing creating over the coming months. What was your favorite announcement from Microsoft’s event yesterday?