Microsoft rolls out its first desktop, W10 3D update
Micro soft unveiled its first-ever desktop computer and a free update to its Windows operating system that allows edits using 3D simulations, in hopes of reinvigorating its computing business. The Windows 10 Creators Update, coming in early 2017, lets mobile devices scan an object on all sides and rotate 360 degrees in a photograph. It also allows for 3D graphics in PowerPoint and a new “Paint 3D” Microsoft is hoping to stand out from the pack. “Microsoft has its work cut out in trying to convince potential customers that its products are more than just the workhorses they've always been for many,” analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research said in a note. “That won't change overnight.” The company's PC Surface Studio has a touch-screen that can lie flat and use a stylus. MS also said it would introduce a new Surface Book laptop whose battery life can last arouns 16 hours.
The upgrade, for W10 only, has limits as well. While more than 400 million devices run on Windows 10, according to data from NetMarketShare. Nonetheless, analysts said the upgrade puts Microsoft at the forefront of mass-market 3D technology, with the potential to please average users and intensive gamers alike.
"Microsoft is getting ahead of the curve," Tigress Financial Partners analyst Ivan Feinseth said. "Their marketing efforts to illustrate the 3D ability seems to be ahead of Apple's." Microsoft's update targets gamers who are keen on using new VR headsets and have been turned on to AR games like Pokemon Go. HP, Lenovo, Dell and others will introduce VR headsets, starting at $299, that work with the new Windows 10, Microsoft said.
"We are building Windows for each of us (and enabling) people to experience computing in new ways," Chief Executive Satya Nadella said at a New York event to launch the products.
Revenue for Windows and computing unit fell 1.8 per cent last quarter to $9.29b, said Microsoft. It forecast division sales of as much as $11.6b for this quarter, well below year-earlier results of $12.7b. Nonetheless, Microsoft is riding high on its fast-growing cloud business, which companies can use to host their websites, apps or data.