Microsoft has recently joined the ranks of tech giants releasing new devices this fall. The company unveiled a range of products perfect for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Among the new releases are the Surface Studio 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and the Surface Headphones.
The Surface Studio 2 is the latest version of Microsoft’s desktop computer, designed for creative professionals. It boasts improved graphics performance and is said to be the fastest Surface device ever created. With a 28-inch display and USB-C support, the Surface Studio 2 is available for pre-order starting at $3,499.
Microsoft’s first pair of smart headphones, the Surface Headphones, offer adjustable noise cancellation and automatic pause and play features. The headphones come equipped with Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana, allowing users to control their devices hands-free. Priced at $349, the Surface Headphones will be available later this year.
The Surface Pro 6 is another exciting release, promising to be 67% faster than its predecessor while maintaining the same battery life of up to 13.5 hours. It offers versatility with the ability to switch between laptop, studio, and tablet mode effortlessly. Starting at $899, the Surface Pro 6 comes in black and platinum color options.
The Surface Laptop 2, starting at $999, is an upgrade from its predecessor with faster and quieter typing and up to 14.5 hours of battery life. It is 85% faster than the previous model and now comes in a sleek black color in addition to the existing burgundy, platinum, and blue options.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s corporate VP of modern life and devices, emphasized that these devices are designed to seamlessly integrate into both work and personal life. The company also introduced its latest Windows software, the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, focusing on productivity features such as the Your Phone App, which allows users to access texts and photos from their Android phone on their PC.
Analyst Andrew Hewitt from Forrester highlighted that Microsoft’s target audience for these new devices is enterprise business professionals. He noted that Microsoft has heavily invested in productivity elements like Timeline and Focus Assistant, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce distractions for users.
While Microsoft is making strides in competing with Apple on the creative front, particularly with new capabilities for picture and movie editing, the company remains focused on empowering employees to be more productive in their daily tasks. With these innovative new releases, Microsoft is aiming to provide users with tools that seamlessly integrate into their lives, whether at work or at home.