14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is holding a new Windows 10 event today, and the company is expected to talk about what’s next for its operating system, but at the same time, to also take the wraps off at least one new device.
First and foremost, the essential bits. The event has the tagline “Imagine what you’ll do” and Microsoft explains that you should “tune in to see what’s next for Windows 10,” suggesting that the company will not only discuss about the operating system but will also unveil new devices that will help unleash your creativity.
The conference kicks off at 10 am EDT and takes place in New York, with Satya Nadella likely to hold the opening keynote before other executives, including Panos Panay, take the stage as well.
Redstone 2
Without a doubt, Microsoft will detail some of the changes it plans to make in Redstone and which have already made their way to preview builds shipped to insiders.
Microsoft is betting big on Windows 10 Redstone 2 and some of the updates released recently provided us with an early look at how the company plans to handle this release, with improvements shipped not only to PCs but also to phones.
What’s important to note is that Microsoft already promised more “cool stuff” for phones next year, so Redstone 2 is expected to be a more substantial release for Windows phones, despite the hard time they’re having these days. But despite this promise, a Surface Phone is not expected to be unveiled today, although some phones might actually see daylight from Alcatel. The IDOL 4S has already been spotted in some leaks and is believed to be making its debut today at the event.
Microsoft is also expected to share new details regarding Windows 10 adoption (number of users across the world), as well as on the Anniversary Update which was rolled in August.
Surface hardware
It goes without saying that the biggest star of the show will be the all-new Surface All-in-One PC that’s expected to be unveiled today.
Previous rumors have indicated that the Surface PC could come in three different versions, but all of them would feature the latest hardware and run Windows 10. Microsoft is unlikely to position the Surface PC as an iMac rival despite the likely resemblance between the two, as the company is aiming to “invent new categories,” just like it did with the original Surface.
Recent speculation also indicated that the Surface PC could launch as Surface Studio. New Surface keyboards and Surface mice are also likely to see daylight today.
Microsoft might also take the wraps off other Surface upgrades for the Pro 4 and the Book, but these won’t be completely new models. Hints of possible hardware upgrades made the round several times, but new generations aren’t expected sooner than spring 2017.
As usual, we’ll be covering everything newsworthy from this event, so stay tuned to find out what’s next for Windows 10 and what’s going to happen in the Microsoft hardware world in the next months or so.