Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is reaching out to everyone and with everyone, they mean creators. During their two-hour event that took place this week in New York, the company presented an updated version of their Windows 10 called “Creator Update,” as well as multiple creative-minded products which for the most part were about advancing into the future.
The main purpose of the event was to call upon different kinds of creators to bridge the gap between virtual and reality. The overall theme of all of their announcements revolved around mixed reality, virtual world, futuristic hologram, and three-dimensional emoji.
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO called this announcement as the “birth of new medium” but to be able to reach greater heights, they are enlisting everyone’s help.
“We want the artists, the musicians, the architects, the students, the gamers, the builders, the makers — everyone who creates, all of us — to help bring this mixed-reality medium to life,” Nadella said.
Microsoft’s apex on mixed reality is their “Hololens.” This is a device which overlays virtual reality images on top of the real world. However, the company is not ready to launch this augmented reality product just yet.
In the meantime, they presented new products for their hardware and software. One of Microsoft’s biggest reveal during the event was their “Surface Studio” which is a direct hit on Apple’s iMac. Their desktop computer has a touchscreen display that can be transformed to a drafting board. You can use the “Surface Dial” tool which acts like an interactive knob when you place it on the screen.
Microsoft’s “Surface Studio” was designed and built especially for dedicated creators. The company hopes to launch its processing power, which allows 3D creation, mainstream. Their “Surface Studio” is priced at $2,999 which is three times the price tag of the most inexpensive iMac. Meanwhile, the Dial can be purchased for only $100 which can be used to manipulate drawing tools, access shortcuts, adjust volume, and assist in 3D creation.
With other competitors already providing various virtual reality hardwares to customers, Microsoft hopes to attract people to their 3D universe. The challenge for them now relies on how they can get customers to join their ship.
It looks like Microsoft and other tech giants are exploring different approaches to figure out what will be the future of virtual reality/augmented reality market, predicted to grow into a $150 billion industry by fiscal year 2020. Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) have already their hands on both segments, while Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has not yet decided what their strategy will be. Regardless who comes on top in terms of market share, one thing is sure ; the future looks bright with all these companies trying to win your favor as a consumer.
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