Wow! Well… Microsoft might not have elicited excitement during their presentations in the past, but it seems that 2015 might be a turning point for them. The consensus is that their presentation today where they announced more information about Windows 10 and some new things like a digital whiteboard and a Google Glass competitor, was one of the most impressive presentations they’ve ever done! Apple, you better watch out!
Ben Roethig and Gord McLeod have been hard at work getting you all the information you need about Microsoft’s announcements (like gaming in Windows 10, a rundown of Windows 10 features, and a look at the HoloLens), so be sure to check those out. ‘Cause there’s no way I can tell you everything in this video!
Windows 10
First up, Windows 10. It was pretty much a review of all the stuff we expected to see. Like the fact that they’re focused on bridging the experience between multiple devices. ‘Cause, of course, they want you to buy more than one computer, tablet and phone! There will be a full screen start menu option like in Windows 8. It’ll be able to act like Windows 7 or 8 if you want. And Cortana, their version of Siri, will be available now on the desktop instead of just mobile.
They haven’t given us a release date for the full version, but in a couple weeks, we should see Insider preview of the mobile version of Windows 10. And we do know it’ll be a free upgrade from Windows 8.1 and a free upgrade from Windows 7 for a year.
Surface Hub
Now onto the Surface Hub. Microsoft Surface has always been synonymous with interactivity. Well, they’re taking that idea and making it big, bold and beautiful in an attempt to get it in the conference rooms of every office in the world. The Hub is a very large 84” 4K touchscreen. It’s a whiteboard. It’s a computer. It’s a collaborative device.
It’s, of course, running full Windows 10 with a full set of sensors and cameras. Pick up the stylus and OneNote will automatically open so you can begin taking notes. Clip information or artwork from other applications and copy it into OneNote. Then, as you’d expect with OneNote, export to share it with yourself or co-workers.
If you’re going to use it in the conference room, you’ll be able to schedule meetings, and start and stop them with a single tap. Include people remotely using Skype for Business. As you push content to the Surface Hub, all the participants will see it and can see your hand drawn notes as well. Immediately share the notes and the presentation after your meeting is done!
HoloLens
Now… let’s get imaginative! They wowed the audience today with the reveal of the HoloLens. Think Google Glass. Think Minority Report. Think holograms.
They tout that it’s the most advanced holographic computer the world has ever seen! I’m holding my final judgement until I get my hands on it, but it seems as though they might have brought augmented reality to a new level with their partnership with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. You put on the glasses that contain the computer and holographic lenses, and you’ll have holograms displayed on the real world around you. Designing a motorcycle? No worries. See the real thing AND see the potential of what COULD be all at the same time. Instead of doing all your design or game play on a computer, do it on the move.
That’s the idea. Seems almost too good to be true. One way or another, it’ll be a good starting point for kicking AR into the next stage of development.
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Super excited about Hololense. I believe AR will change the world.