Among the devices expected to be unveiled tomorrow at a Microsoft event that will be streamed live is a new type of Surface device: an all-in-one PC. The new desktop is likely aimed at building on Microsoft’s success with its Surface Pro 2-in-1 and Surface Book laptop.
Set to kick off at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, tomorrow’s Windows 10 event being held in New York could also see Microsoft announcing news about the HoloLens holographic computing technology and new support for 3D design and imaging. In addition, the company might take the wraps off a smart-home device designed to compete with the Amazon Echo.
With its invitation describing the event as an opportunity to “see what’s next for Windows 10,” Microsoft is also likely to provide an update on its future plans for the operating system. Having been refreshed this summer with the Anniversary Update, Windows 10 is expected to see two major updates next year.
Surface Studio Fold-Down Desktop?
First launched in late 2012, Microsoft’s Surface lineup today includes the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 4 2-in-1 tablets and the Surface Book laptop, designed to compete with Apple’s MacBook devices. After a launch delay, Microsoft this year also began shipping its new Surface Hub, a large wall-mounted touchscreen for presentations and video conferencing in the workplace.
Late last year, with fast-growing adoption of Surface devices by a number of different business sectors, Microsoft kicked off a Surface Enterprise Initiative with Dell and HP to expand its service offerings for the device line. Enterprise Surface users include the National Football League, which partnered with Microsoft in 2013.
Tomorrow’s event could herald the arrival of a Surface desktop device possibly called the Surface Studio. While Microsoft hasn’t offered any sneak previews, documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office hint at an all-in-one touchscreen PC mounted on a hinge so the display can be used in either a vertical or horizontal position. Filings also point to new accessories for the PC such as a keyboard and mouse.
3D Design and Smart-Home Capabilities
Microsoft has been promoting tomorrow’s event with the message, “Imagine what you’ll do.” And Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president for the Windows and Devices Group, tweeted about the event earlier this month with the note, “get ready to get creative.” Those messages hint at news about design features such as updates to Paint.
Earlier this month, two YouTube videos emerged showing a preview of a “completely redesigned” Microsoft Paint app. Among the new app’s features is the ability to create, import and export forms in both 2D and 3D.
3D imagery is also critical for Microsoft’s HoloLens, and the company could offer some updates about the device’s development during tomorrow’s event. Several news outlets have also reported that Microsoft has been working on a smart-home device called the Home Hub, possibly with its Cortana intelligent digital assistant built in, which could make its debut tomorrow.
Pictured: Surface Pro 4 2-in-1 tablet.
