Microsoft Build Conference 2015: The Wrap-Up
Windows 10, HoloLens, Microsoft Edge and the return of solitaire in one. Here is everything you should know about from this year’s Build Conference.
Thousands of people from around the world gathered last week for the Microsoft Build Conference to hear Microsoft’s plans for the upcoming year. Conference predictions correctly assumed that Windows 10 would be the main attraction, but there were a few other exciting updates…
As competition from Apple, Amazon and Google intensifies, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been searching for the home run the company needs to keep pace with the big names in the tech industry. A major portion was dedicated to Microsoft’s drive to establish connectivity across platforms and devices. Microsoft Edge, Windows 10 Continuum and Surface Hub all have features allowing integration and optimization across multiple points of access.
From holograms to clouds, Microsoft brought some big hitters to this year’s Build Conference. Here are our highlights from the event:
Windows 10:
Microsoft wants to have 1 billion devices running Windows 10. Yes, 1 billion. Microsoft knows how to set its bar high, and it seems to be in the process of a major brand transformation, possibly to try to reverse the negative publicity it has faced over the last few years. Expect to see Windows 10 available for purchase sometime this summer when current Windows 7 and 8.1 users will have access to Windows 10 free for one year.
HoloLens:
At this year’s Build Conference HoloLens was definitely the cool guy at the party. As Microsoft’s first attempt at virtual reality, the demo versions of HoloLens were a hit. Many expected the device to be a work in progress, but were pleasantly surprised at the quality of development shown. Kinect-like cameras use surroundings as a surface for virtual objects as the display “paints” images on the lenses in your eyes. Rumors report that HoloLens will be released around the time of the launch of Windows 10.
Microsoft Edge:
Poor Internet Explorer (IE) is finally on its way out. After being the butt of thousands of jokes and memes, Microsoft has decided to pull the plug on its browser. Build 2015 introduced IE’s replacement: Microsoft Edge (originally named ‘Project Spartan’). While the logo is a throwback to the program’s first generation, Microsoft promises that Edge will not follow in its predecessor’s footsteps.
Windows 10 Continuum:
The Windows 10 Continuum will allow users to plug their phones into a screen through an HDMI port, add a mouse and keyboard, and subsequently transform their phone into a computer. Tech lovers have been doing this for years but the difference will be the automatic optimization of screen size and applications for interface.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_O-LrGL-YQ
Surface Hub:
Phone, tablet, television.. the screen sizes are endless. What if someone made a combination mobile/tablet/tv for all? Well, Microsoft did. Say hello to Surface Hub, a 4K, 84-inch screen that does everything. Who knows what you will use it for or how much it will cost, but this is the ultimate combination of it all, running Windows 10. Surface Hub will hit the shelves sometime later this year.
Visual Studio Code:
Microsoft announced its plan to make the long-enjoyed Visual Studio available free for Mac OS and Ubuntu, and it’s now available. Visual Studio, which is used to code applications and web projects, can now be used by a whole new community of established coders and students looking to learn.
Windows Phone:
Deemed “The Smartphone Reinvented Around You”, this does not have access to iOS and Android apps at the moment, but Microsoft has announced its plans to release a number of tools designed to allow developers to port iOS and Android apps for Windows Phone functionality.
What do you think? Will Build 2015 allow Microsoft to lead this year’s tech? Tell us about your favorite features on Twitter @VPS