TECH THAT...

A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NEWS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD

GO BENEATH THE SURFACE

MICROSOFT is still fighting to be relevant in a time of upheaval, as more people rely on smartphones to do all the computer things they need to do outside of work.

Which is why most of Microsoft’s new suite of Surface-branded devices focuses on work.

The obvious exception is the Surface Headphones, which were among a set of devices revealed this week. The headphones are over-the-ear high-end bulky efforts, and have Microsoft’s own Ai assistant Cortana built in.

Microsoft also released the second version of its Surface laptop – and now offers it in a rather nice-looking matt black colour option. It does all the things a Windows laptop can do, which obviously is quite a lot.

One puzzling omission is the lack of USB-C connectivity but still, it’s a lovely looking machine and starts at £979. There’s also a new Surface Pro (from £879) in the offing, version 6 of the hybrid device that can be a laptop, tablet, or “portable studio” (it lies down almost flat so you can work on it with a stylus).

Upgrades include a better processor, but beyond that it’s pretty underwhelming.

Finally, there’s a new version of the Surface Studio – the giant computer with a 28in touch-screen that you can adjust to work either like a traditional desktop, or almost flat so you can draw on it.

The Surface Studio 2, pictured above, is Us-only at the moment, but it’s by far Microsoft’s most interesting device. See microsoft. com/en-gb

APPLE TV HOPES FOR A BT BOOST

APPLE TV, pictured, is a great device – it runs some fabulous apps and ties into your icloud account so you can view your own photos and videos on the big screen.

But it just seems to be struggling to gain any traction in the market.

That might be why, if the rumours are true, Apple is negotiating with BT and its mobile network EE to bundle the device with its services.

Word is the BT and EE version will come with some new BT apps so you can watch BT Sport action and other BT offerings on your TV.

Sounds good, as long as you’re able to do all the other things you can do with an Apple TV as well.