Windows 10 Devices: a new chapter
It’s been an incredible few months for Microsoft. Since the launch of Windows 10 in July, we now have 110 million devices around the world running our new operating system. At an event in New York on 6th October, we announced the next chapter, unveiling a new era of Windows 10 devices from Microsoft.
We introduced new Surface, Lumia and Band devices, as well as the latest developments from HoloLens and Xbox. We also announced the first ever laptop from Microsoft, the Surface Book.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is off to the fastest start in history – seeing upgrades at three times the rate of Windows 7 in the same period. With over 8 million business PCs already running Windows 10 as well, we’ve been so excited by the response from IT professionals and the public alike.
There have been more than 1.25 billion visits to the Windows Store too, signalling that people are enjoying everything the new store has to offer. With this huge interest, developers are seeing the benefits, meaning we are now attracting more and more universal Windows apps to Windows 10. Today we announced that Facebook will be building universal Windows apps for Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger, and we’re excited to welcome new universal apps for Uber, Box, Candy Crush Soda Saga and many more.
New Windows 10 Devices from Microsoft
With Windows 10 already proving a hit, we’re excited to unveil a range of new devices designed to make the most of the new operating system and unlock new Windows 10 experiences.
Surface Book
Building on our reputation of reinventing new categories in hardware, we are introducing the new, ultimate laptop which brings together a powerful, high-performance laptop with accurate and responsive pen and touch support. Ultrathin, Surface Book comes with up to 12 hours of battery life, an impressive 6th Generation Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors and a 13.5 inch PixelSense Display which makes it not just beautiful to look at but natural and fluid to write on. The screen can also detach, so it can be used like a clipboard to sketch and take notes. UK pricing and availability will be confirmed soon.
Surface Pro 4
Microsoft has also introduced Surface Pro 4, the thinnest, lightest and most powerful tablet that can replace your laptop. Not only is it 30 per cent faster than Surface Pro 3, it’s quieter, runs cooler and is more efficient, with up to nine hours of battery life. At only 8.4mm thin, it also has a five million pixel screen, covering a 12.3 inch display which can be annotated on using a surface pen – complete with an eraser – which allows you to take screenshots and draw. Packed with new features, Surface Pro 4 enables everyone from students to professionals to get more done on the go. Starting at £859.99, the Surface Pro 4 is available in the UK for pre-order from 7th October and available for purchase from 12th November.
Lumia
We’ve also announced three new smartphones: the next generation Lumia 950 and 950 XL, the first Windows 10 Lumia phones, and the Lumia 550. With more people using multiple devices during the day, Windows 10 provides a consistent experience so users can enjoy a seamless transition from one device to the next. With the new Microsoft Display Dock accessory, users can now connect their phone to a monitor and use it like a desktop PC, with a keyboard and mouse. Lumia 950, which has a 5.2 inch screen, and 950 XL, which has a 5.7 inch screen, will also feature 4K video capture, a 20 megapixel camera and Windows Hello log-in. Lumia 550, Microsoft’s most affordable 4G smartphone running Windows 10, is for people who value affordability with uncompromised quality. Lumia 950 and 950 XL will become available in select markets in November, whilst the 550 will begin rolling out in select European markets in December.
Microsoft Band 2
The new Band can help you live healthier and achieve more. It features a new curved screen, a barometer and apps for email, text, running, biking, the gym and golf. It’s more comfortable than ever to wear and comes with a two-day battery life, allowing people to set wellness goals and track their progress. Starting at £199.99, Microsoft Band 2 is available for pre-order 7th October and available for purchase in the UK on 19th November.
HoloLens
The world’s first holographic computer, powered by Windows 10, allowing developers to mix holograms into their world. Whether it’s for education, design, healthcare or entertainment, HoloLens creates innovative experiences that are impossible on any other device or platform. Following an impressive demonstration in New York, we have announced that we are inviting applications for the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition.
Xbox
The upcoming update bringing Windows 10 to Xbox One in November will provide the fastest and most social Xbox experience ever. We will also be launching backward compatibility so you can play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One for free as well as a host of exciting new games, making this Christmas one of the best lineups in Xbox release history.
Partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Panasonic and Toshiba will also be announcing some amazing new Windows 10 devices in the coming months. With such a wide range of devices coming later this year and beyond, from affordable PCs to premium hardware, we are excited to see how the Windows 10 ecosystem will continue to grow and we hope you’ll consider a Windows 10 devices from Microsoft or one our partners.