Microsoft launches its first-ever laptop

Written By Krishna Bahirwani | Updated: Oct 15, 2015, 12:55 AM IST

Krishna Bahirwani takes a look at the software giant's vision and plan to redefine technology

Microsoft. on Tuesday unveiled new Surface, Lumia and Microsoft Band devices, that are built by them and come powered with Windows 10. They come packed with features including a fast and safe login with Windows Hello, new Cortana experiences that turn Windows 10 devices into a personal assistant and improved touch and pen experiences on Surface. A big feature is Continuum for phones, which enables the new Lumia 950 and 950 XL phones to work like PCs. Microsoft also shared new gaming experiences from Xbox and new details on Microsoft HoloLens, the first fully untethered holographic computer.

Now running on 110 million devices around the world, Windows 10 is off to the fastest start in history — seeing upgrades at three times the rate of Windows 7 in the same time period.

Surface redefines the laptop

Microsoft is redefining the laptop with the new Surface Book, a powerful, high-performance laptop with stunning craftsmanship that comes with both, pen and touch support. The Surface Book combines the impressive power of 6th Generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors with up to 12 hours of battery life. The 13.5-inch optically bonded PixelSense display delivers a high-contrast 267 dpi display with improved latency and parallax. The screen also detaches, so it can be used like a clipboard to sketch and take notes. An optional discrete GPU allows Surface Book to harness the full power of hardware-accelerated graphics for video editing, fast rendering or immersive gaming. Surface Book starts at $1,4995 in the US.

Microsoft HoloLens arrives for developers

Microsoft HoloLens is the world’s first fully untethered holographic computer, powered by Windows 10. Whether for education, design, healthcare or entertainment, HoloLens creates innovative experiences that are impossible on any other device — or any other platform. Starting today, Microsoft is inviting applications for the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition and will start shipping in Q1 2016 for $3,000. Developers can visit http://hololens.com to apply for the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition.

Xbox brings new gaming experiences

Powered by Windows 10, the new Xbox One experience will launch around the world in November. This free update is a complete redesign built on the cornerstone of Windows 10 and provides the fastest and most social Xbox experience ever. Also launching in November, Xbox One Backward Compatibility lets you play your Xbox 360 games on Xbox One for free with 100 games at launch and hundreds more in the months ahead. Backward-compatible Xbox 360 games will also be playable on Windows 10 through game streaming from Xbox One to Windows 10.

Lumia phones showcase the power of Windows 10

The company also the premium Windows 10 companions, Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, the first Windows 10 Lumia phones. With more people using multiple devices throughout their day, Windows 10 provides a familiar and consistent experience that enables a seamless and productive transition from one device to another, whether PCs, tablets or the new phones. With Continuum capability for phones enhanced by the new Microsoft Display Dock accessory, connect the phone to a monitor and transform it for larger-screen entertainment, or add a keyboard and mouse to work like a PC with Windows 10 apps like Microsoft Office, while simultaneously taking calls or performing other tasks. With the latest-generation PureView cameras with 20-megapixel sensors, triple LED natural flash and 4K video capture, the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL enable faster focus and crisper images and videos even in challenging conditions. Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL will become available in select markets in November; No India-specific details available at the moment.

Microsoft Band 2

Microsoft Band 2 is fitness wearable designed to help you live healthier and achieve more. The new Microsoft Band features a new curved display, making it comfortable to wear, and Cortana enables you to reply to texts or set reminders with the touch of a button. Alongside a continuous optical heart rate monitor and onboard GPS, the smart band still tracks calories burned, deep exercise and sleep quality and records floors climbed, while maintaining up to two-day battery life. Microsoft Health is available as a universal Windows app, a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices, while enabling people to set wellness goals and receive actionable insights. Starting at $249, Microsoft Band 2 is available for preorder in select markets. No India-specific details available at the moment.

The tablet that can replace your laptop

Microsoft also introduced Surface Pro 4, the tablet aimed at replacing your laptop. At only 8.4 mm thin, it features a stunning 12.3-inch PixelSense Display and 6th Generation Intel Core M, Core i5, and Core i7 processors, enabling everyone from students to professionals to get more done on the go. Starting at $899, Surface Pro 4 is not only 30 percent more powerful than Surface Pro 3 but also quieter, runs cooler, and is even more efficient with up to nine hours of battery life. No India-specific details available at the moment.