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Microsoft is the next tech giant to host a live event, and we’re expecting one big new piece of hardware alongside some announcements on what to expect from Windows 10 in 2017.
A new Surface, a smart home competitor for Amazon Echo and perhaps even some talk on HoloLens have all been rumoured on the hardware side, alongside the customisable gestures for the trackpad said to be among the Windows updates that could be discussed.
Here’s everything to look out for.
The biggest announcement of Microsoft’s event is expected to revolve around the Surface. Specifically a Surface PC – a large-screen device for the desktop, but with a twist. One that sees it able to fold flat to the desk and become a large touchscreen device.
Such a device has been heavily rumoured, with leaked sketches appearing to show almost exactly this type of product, where the processing power would be built into a small base unit that doubles as the stand for the screen.
Once flat the Surface PC is said to be touch- and stylus-ready, creating a hybrid out of your desktop. Quite a statement.
According to the rumour mill, Windows 10 will get two big updates in 2017, the first of which will come around March. Among the expected changes are new gesture-customisation controls that will enable desktop users to edit what various three- and four-finger gestures on the keyboard trackpad do.
Perhaps more excitingly, though, the Microsoft Paint app could make a major comeback in the next Windows 10 update. A new version of the app has been supposedly spotted online, complete with the ability to draw in and create 3D images, which would be a significant upgrade.
Microsoft’s own take on the world of virtual and augmented reality, HoloLens could also get some stage time at the event. Given that a lot has been said and released in the world of VR headsets, it would be a surprise if Microsoft did not have something of their own to say.
A word that has been popping up in the forums and supposedly even within code and beta notes within Windows 10 builds, HomeHub is believed to be Microsoft’s plans to create a smart home control point, perhaps to rival the likes of Google Home and Amazon Echo.
With that in mind, it is thought any such system could take advantage of Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-based, artificially intelligent personal assistant to control the various smart devices in your home, with a Windows 10 companion app also at the heart of it to help with this.
