How Surface and Azure are making Microsoft experiences 'best on Windows'

Microsoft'southward iOS and Android cross-platform investments and platform-agnostic dev-box positioning take been at the forefront of contempo news coverage. A ubiquitous computing mission led past Azure equally "the world's computer" has too drawn attention to Microsoft's investments beyond Windows.

In a multi-device, multi-ecosystem personal computing globe dominated past mobile platforms Windows is no longer the dominating strength. To keep Windows relevant Microsoft is making information technology part of the "connective tissue" binding user experiences across ecosystems and devices. Though iOS and Android boss mobile most people use Windows PCs for desktop computing.

Thus, Android, and iOS integration with Windows via Timeline, Sets, Your Phone, Android Launcher, Cortana, Microsoft Graph, Microsoft 365 and more than is vital to Microsoft'southward mission.

However, Windows as a computing platform where Microsoft'south services polish on start-party Surface and HoloLens hardware, and partner Windows devices is Microsoft'southward goal.

Devices and Services

In 2022 quondam Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer shared Microsoft's (pre-cloud and AI) "devices and services" mission:

No engineering company has...delivered a definitive family unit of devices useful all day for work and…play, connected with every chip of a person'southward information bachelor through one cloud. Our family will include a total spectrum of … partner and first-party devices…and other devices to be imagined and adult.

That vision, affected by struggling smartphones and 2 failed Surface attempts, wasn't realized during Ballmer'due south tenure. Not until Surface Pro iii'south 2022 launch did Microsoft's hardware efforts beyond Xbox showtime reflecting that vision.

How Surface changed Microsoft forever

Surface rising

Surface Pro three finally struck the rest between content creation and consumption and context conformity, that exemplified the "device that is useful for work and play" Ballmer expressed as the goal of Microsoft'south device family unit.

Corporate vice president for Surface Panos Panay demonstrated how OneNote, Surface, Surface Pen and cloud worked together from initiating OneNote with the click of the pen, to writing on the screen, to saving to the cloud. Though OneNote is available on other platforms, the experience isn't as complete every bit with Surface and Windows.

Surface Volume, Surface Laptop, Surface Studio and Surface Hub make Microsoft's Office, Whiteboard, Edge, and more shine in a way they tin't on non-Windows hardware. Touchscreens on about modern Windows PCs and all Surface devices, combined with Windows Ink and integrated Cortana allow for a natural, immersive and collaborative experience that can't be had on not-touchscreen devices like MacBooks running Microsoft apps.

Nadella explained Microsoft's hardware investments are to bring all the company'south deject infrastructure, application services, and hardware capabilities to a user's digtal experiences.

Surface collaboration through Azure

In 2022 I wrote about Microsoft's "you are the hub" Windows x devices strategy. Microsoft's device family was introduced as a collaborative hardware platform with user experiences at the centre moving seamlessly across devices via a common platform.

For example, though Azure supports cross-platform collaboration, team members using Microsoft tools via Windows on Surface Hub, Surface Pro, HoloLens and the rumored Andromeda digital journal, would have a richer touch and inking experience, with more options, than someone using an iPhone or MacBook.

Microsoft's hardware initiative is meant to spark involvement in its entire ecosystem. Surface Pro inspired an industry of two-in-1s and expanded access to Microsoft'south ecosystem via what is now the but growing PC segment.

Microsoft is building inking into a collaborative enterprise environment

Innovative PCs

Devices similar Intel's, Lenovo's and Asus' recently introduced dual-screen PCs evidence how versatile Windows is across grade factors. Writing on an electronic paper display (EPD) and uploading the content to OneNote on the connected LCD every bit is possible with Intel'due south Tiger Rapids concept dual-screen PC, also demonstrates the ecosystems investments in a "best on Windows" Microsoft experience OEMs can emulate.

Additionally, Windows Core Os, as seen with Surface Hub 2, enhances user experiences by befitting to context. Windows Core OS is besides reported to ability Microsoft'southward rumored folding Andromeda pocket PC assuasive it to transition between mobile, tablet and desktop scenarios. As a pocketable Windows PC, iOS and Android integration could keep users engaged in Windows as they field smartphone alerts from this device every bit is possible with other Windows 10 PCs with features like Your Phone. iOS and Android integration on present and time to come Windows PCs is another style Microsoft is creating best on Windows Microsoft experiences.

Surface and cloud synergy has begun making good on Nadella'due south best on Windows hope, and though in that location's a long way to go expanding hardware categories and Always Continued PCs, with unique Windows experiences volition likely continue that trend.

Oh Beloved

New report reveals Microsoft'south future AR strategy; HoloLens iii is dead

Business Insider has today published a follow-up study with more details about Microsoft's canceled HoloLens 3 augmented reality headset. The partnership with Samsung is said to include a headset with a ready of screens inside, powered by a Samsung phone in your pocket.

Keeping it affordable

Review: Surface Laptop SE is the new standard for K-8 Windows PCs

Starting at just $250, Microsoft's first foray into affordable laptops for the education market is a winner. With a gorgeous pattern, fantabulous thermals, and a fantastic typing feel, Microsoft would do correct to sell this directly to consumers as well. Allow'southward just hope Intel can brand a better CPU.

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-surface-and-azure-may-support-best-windows-microsoft-experience

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