New era with
devices from Microsoft
Source: http://az648995.vo.msecnd.net/win/2015/01/Windows-10_Product-Family.jpg
Until
October 6th Microsoft was considered as company that only provides
software.
For
sure many of you use Microsoft Office for instance to write some documents in
Word or a very popular operating system – Windows.
Yes,
definitely Microsoft was not associated with devices.
However,
this year during the “Windows10 devices” conference Microsoft presented many
new devices that will be available on the market soon.
Let’s
glance on some of them a little bit closer!
Microsoft
Band 2
Source: http://images.vcpost.com/data/images/full/82993/microsoft-band-2.jpg?w=590
Microsoft
Band 2 is a device that every person with an active lifestyle should have.
When
you put it on your hand you gain access to many parameters.
For
instance, you can track your heart rate,
calorie burn, splits, average pace, and personal bests.
You
can also analyze your light and restful sleep, your sleep restoration and sleep
efficiency, and a number of wake-ups each night. If you like riding a bike or
running, this device is created for you. Put away your smartphone. With
Microsoft Band you will be able to track your position via GPS and, after all,
you can see your track on the mobile application or on the web dashboard.
But
that is not all!
For
the Band2 there is dedicated a mobile application available for Windows Phone,
Android and iOS. With it, you have access to the whole data that you have
collected recently.
Great
but what about mobility here? You do not have to worry. With Microsoft Band you
can read your text messages, e-mails and even posts from Twitter.
Microsoft Lumia 950
Source: http://i-1.prod-cdn.webapps.microsoft.com/r/image/view/-/5956206/extraHighRes/5/-/Lumia-950-hero-jpg.jpg
I
am not sure if you heard that Microsoft has bought Nokia company and to be more
precise – Nokia’s Mobile department. As a result of this, Microsoft has started
the production of smartphones. The newest model was also presented during
“Windows10 devices” event.
It
is not a secret that nowadays people live very fast and the Internet is
accessible from a lot of places. Imagine your life without a smartphone. It is
hard, isn’t it?
I
think that Microsoft Lumia 950 is the smartphone created for many kinds of
people.
It
depends on how you use your phone and what for. A businessman, for instance, will
read and write e-mails and also would like to have access to news. A young
person can use this phone to check social media news (like Facebook or
Twitter).
There
is also wide access to many different applications that can help you in
everyday life.
Yes…
I know what you think… This is only smartphone like others…
But
did you hear about Microsoft Continuum?
Continuum
enables you to connect Lumia 950 to the monitor and use it as a normal
computer. How? – you can ask. There is a small box – Microsoft Display Dock
that enables to connect the phone with the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Still don’t
you believe? Check a short film below:
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG1LsR82d6w
Microsoft HoloLens
Source:
http://images.vcpost.com/data/images/full/36761/microsoft-hololens-release-price.jpg
I
have had a pleasure to test this device during my visit in Redmond.
Before
I tell you about my experience, I would like to say a little bit about it.
Microsoft
HoloLens is an advanced holographic computer that enables you to interact with
holograms in your world.
It
is a helmet that you can put on your head to see displayed holograms.
Besides
visual effects, there are also sound effects because the device has speakers on
two sides. I know that @Klaudia wrote about it before so I will not duplicate
the information.
I
would like only to say about my experience with this device.
The
Helmet is comfortable and does not cause any headache. Displayed holograms are
quite realistic but what was the most exciting for me: you can interact with
them.
I
was shown a demo where using my finger I was able to control a remote car.
One
gesture and the car was moving in many directions. When it hit the wall it
crashed itself!
Besides
visual effects, I heard also many sounds produced by the holograms. It was
amazing when I approached the hologram, the sound was louder and when I left
the sound disappeared.
Please
check below a video to see HoloLens in action:
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rNIxMlKmI
What
do you think about presented devices?
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
Are you a geek of new technologies?
I’m very, very disappointed with this presentation. Unless you were preparing it earlier than 2 weeks ago, I don’t see the point of doing it. As you mentioned in third part– Klaudia already wrote article about Hololens (http://konwersatorium3.blogspot.com/2015/11/week-3-911-15112015-microsoft-hololens.html), but even though you added video from the same Microsoft’s presentation (!!!). Last week there was a presentation called “Lifelogging” (http://konwersatorium3.blogspot.com/2015/11/week-4-2311-29112015-lifelogging.html) and there Xiaomi Mi Band was mentioned, which has pretty much the same functions (maybe less advanced) as Microsoft Band 2. Last year there was a presentation about Microsoft OS and it’s phone (http://konwersatorium3.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-6-1-7062015-windows-phone-vs-rest.html). I’m aware that you could not check presentation from previous years, but still two out of three topics are pretty similar(not to say the same) to what already has been written. And questions at the end... Deja vu? So just tell me… Should I copy and paste my previous answers? Because they would more or less fit. I only need to add something about Microsoft.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been a part of this internet course for three years now and there were better and worse presentations. Many with very basic topics, some I consider as masterpieces. And I get it - some wants to put more effort, some doesn’t give a crap, but right now? Presentation looks really, really nice - fine formatting, only one mistake at the end (“Are you a geek of new technologies?” was copied and you didn’t change font for bigger), so I don’t get it why you didn’t write about something new? It’s Friday! l just feel cheated, so sorry I won’t answer those questions once again.
Hello Jakub,
DeleteThank you for your answer and time that you have found to check my post.
What I can say... Presentation is written by my own, it is not copied from anywhere.
What is more - I have no problem with your statement that you will not answer the questions.
Last but not least. I am keen on technologies from Microsoft. I had some other ideas but I was worried about the level of the article - not everyone must be interested in programming or deep technologies from Ms.
I suppose that you could also write the answers if you put so much effort in writing such great content - tomorrow will be Monday maybe then? :)
What do you think about presented devices?
ReplyDeleteGreat presentation :) As we can see, the windows are very developed . Windows is no longer just software, but also new technology gadgets . I wonder how they will cope with the biggest competitors - Apple . Everything looks great, Microsoft Band 2 , Microsoft Lumia 950 ... but can Windows win the market with the iPhone and Apple Watch? It will be tough , although Microsoft has more features , Apple wins in appearance and simple software , which does not disappointed.
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
I had no experience
Sorry, I mean Microsoft :)
DeleteI think stereotypically :0
Sylwia, thank you for your comment. I suppose that Windows must be your favourite system and that's why you called "Microsoft" Windows :)
DeleteWith reference to your comparsion between Microsoft's devices and those from Apple. Of course it is huge challenge for Microsoft to catch up Apple and Google in "Mobile" world but I think that everything can happen. Recently Microsoft Surface Pro 4 was solved in the bigger amount that Ipad do we will see!
I think that presented devices are great. Microsoft definitely worked very hard on the new hardware.
ReplyDeleteI had an opportunity to test Microsoft Band, but the first version and I was delighted with it. That what I liked the most is sleep monitor. The new band is prittier than ten first one. What is new about it is that the new band is waterproof so we can wear it for monitor our activity even during swimming.
About HoloLens I prepared presentation so I can only say that this device is impressive. I would like to test HoloLens and I wait for the day when it will be available in Europe.
For a long time I was also using smartphone produced by Microsoft. I had 3 models. The last model was Lumia 925. That what impressed me the most was high quality of night shots. It was a very nice model, slim and lightweight. Generally I was pleased but then, with any subsequent system updates, I noticed mistakes and “bad” improvements, so I decided to change my Lumia and I bought smartphone another brand
But, with regard to the Continuum – it is very cool solution. Finally, we will not need to have 3 devices, but only one. This function can determine the success of Windows 10 in the segment of tablets and phones.
Klaudia, thank you for joining our discussion.
DeleteNice number of Lumia devices which you had!
I think that people who didn't even try to use Lumia phones should do it before commenting that iOS and Android is better system. Of course there is some lack of applications but the phone generally speaking is very convenient for user, especially if we talk about notifications - great life tiles inform user about news.
I also admire your presentation about HoloLens, great content!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pity that you presented the same subject which was described already in previous weeks. There are a lot of interesting topics around us. However you represented Microsoft technologies in an interesting way and the presentation is very good :).
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think about presented devices?
I especially like the Hololens. I think this is a breakthrough in many ways. It has both recreational and scientific usages.
Unfortunately I think that Microsoft makes unrefined products and software(I had too many annoying situations with Windows in my life). Due to that they loose the good opinion on the market.
It's the reason I prefer Apple technologies. I appreciate them for high product's quality.
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
I haven't had too much experience with Microsoft's devices but I would like to try the Hololens. I could step in into The Sims world as I've mentioned in the earlier posts. This was my favourite game when I was young and that experience could let me feel like a child.
Are you a geek of new technologies?
I'm a little bit of a geek for new technologies, but I prefer reliable solutions to wonky gadgets :)
Hi Karolina,
DeleteThank you for not being hater in such hard time for the Internet! :)
You have written about bad experience with Microsoft technologies and that you have choosen Apple.
That is fine - everyone has own choice.
I had also some inconvenient situations for example with Windows operating system but to be honest - I tried Mac and it is not for me for sure, I just felt lost.
With reference to the HoloLens. You should definitely try that one - experience is unforgettable and there is no device like this on the market.
Rational approach - "I prefer reliable solutions to wonky gadgets".
So... What can I write... Couple of years ago I was an Android user and firstly I was very pleased with this OS. After some time when it started lagging and crashing I've decided to search for something new. I'm not a fan of Apple so was left with only one other solution - switch to windows phone. I've also chosen it because I was satisfied with using and like the flat design of win 8 metro design. I was not disappointed by my Lumia which is very stable. Since that I've started to follow Microsoft and I'm familiar with all of their devices. I am also very closely watching newest Lumia and keep track of new smartphone - Surface Phone which you didn't mention in your presentation (and there are many premises this phone will actually come into being).
ReplyDeleteMaciej,
DeleteI think that we have common statement in this case.
I really enjoy using my Lumia device and I did not encountered any problems with it. What's more I can say - Windows Phone system is really stable as iOS. Of course Android is exception here because this system is open sourced and everyone can do some minor or major modifications.
You have mentioned about Microsoft Surface Pro 4 - I will be testing it soon so I can write my opinion if you catch me in the private message and of course if you are still interested.
Thank you!
What do you think about presented devices?
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft Band 2 and Microsoft Lumia 950 don't bring anything new compared to the competition.
Microsoft HoloLens - more or less similar arrangements of competition also exist, although they are not yet very popular products, so maybe Microsoft will succeed in winning market.
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
I had the opportunity to enjoy a moment with Microsoft Lumia 950 and I do not judge it positively. The quality of used materials is poor and the price of the device is high. In particular, if we compare it with the competition, for example Apple iPhone or some Android devices.
Are you a geek of new technologies?
Yes, I like the technical innovations. I am happy when I have the opportunity to enjoy with the latest and interesting gadgets with unique capabilities.
Maciej thank you for joining the discussion.
ReplyDeleteYou said that Microsoft Lumia 950 did not birng anything new compared to the competition. Do you mean phone only?
What about Continuum? Don't you think that it is new technology that enabled you to change your smartphone into computer?
With reference to the quality of materials - I totally agree it would be great if their quality was the same (or even better) like Iphone's. But there is a new question - would you buy it then? Because price would be higher for sure.
We have something in common I also like technical innovations. :)
In my opinion also a Continuum isn't nothing absolutely new.
DeleteYou can buy actually many 2 in 1 devices - of course all of them are tablets, but they allows you to connect external devices like keyboard, mouse or a monitor. And naturally this set is much bigger then Lumia with Display Dock. But idea is almost the same.
In phones it's a bit bigger innovation, but also nothing surprising. From few years we can connect external devices to our smartphones by OTG cable.
We should wait for 2016 and rising popularity of USB Type-C. It may be a big step in devices connectivity. You can use it like a classical usb port, but also you can connect monitor, ethernet etc. But it depends on phone/tablet manufacturer. If they have a willingness to implement this in their drivers...
I think it will become more popular from month to month. Naturally at the beginning only on top devices...
I hope that they will make something like Intel Wigig for smartphones. Wireless docking - it will be great.
About higher price - it is high already. You can buy iPhone 6 in similar price (about 2500zł) or a little pricier iPhone 6s (about 3000zł). But if someone pays on the phone 2500zł then he would probably spend a few hundred zł more for a higher quality.
I also think that Lumia 950 price will quickly drop.
I’m quite familiar with all the devices you’ve presented. I was comparing the Microsoft Band 2 with other similar wearable devices and I still don’t know if Cortana is better than Google Now. Maybe you have some experience with both of these smart assistants? Beside that I’m now an Apple ecosystem user due to my job but I have also a PC computer with Windows 10 installed and I have to say that I was quite confused after changing it from Windows 8. The whole time I was getting used to the new way of opening the menu and after that they just changed their mind and returned to the old way with button “start”. Dear Microsoft - please be serious. The last thing I want to add is that I don’t use the Lumia devices because I think that Windows Phone platform is far far away from its competitors: iOS and Android. It just lacks many basic functions which are available on other platforms for a long time. Maybe it will change with Windows 10 thanks to which you can have the same apps installed on all your devices: PCs, tablets and smartphones. It’s a cool option and I will be glad to test it in the future.
ReplyDeleteHello Patrycja
DeleteWe have to be conscious that Cortana is new product and for sure not as far developed as Google Now. But I tried both and must admit that I didn't see any visible differences.
I can tell you interesting detail: Cortana will speak in polish soon - engineeres from Intel in Gdańsk city are working on that! :)
http://msmobile.pl/cortana-powstaje-w-gdanskim-centrum-badawczo-rozwojowym-intel
With reference to you statement about Windows 10 - I am really pleased with the new way that user interface is changed. I think that Microsoft erred with Windows 8 but now it's time come back.
All of the presented by you devices are interesting.
ReplyDeleteI liked the docking station for the phone and I think this is a great solution for people who just want use one device that can be used as a phone and a computer.
It seems to me that you skipped one device from Microsoft that the company really promotes now, I mean Surface Pro 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gh4o9IqeEU
It just happen that I had the opportunity to test it, and I think the Microsoft division responsible for the devices did a great job.
There is no other device with the specifics and opportunities like this one. It is refined in every detail, starting with the used components on the cover elements and accessories endings.
I like to be up to date when it comes to new technologies and it seems that I'm a fan of Microsoft's products:)
What do you think about presented devices?
ReplyDeleteThey are all great but for someone who really like gadgets, for me it's just expensive toy for adult.
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
I did not have any oportunity to use any of microsoft devices but I heard some about them and people are satisfied with the use of them.
Are you a geek of new technologies?
Not really, I use mobile phone for calling, texting and sending emails, okey maybe taking photos from time to time, but I wouldn't spend lots of money to buy some new iphone just because it is shiny and everybody wants to have it.
What do you think about presented devices?
ReplyDeleteAbout presented things, I think it's not a revolutionary devices.. or mayby excluding HoloLens. I have impression that every company in technology industry creating and selling similar devices. I'm still waiting for something that will makes our lives better, happier or safer.
Do you have any experience with devices from Microsoft?
No, I don't. :)
Are you a geek of new technologies?
I like new technologies. I like read about it, watch reviews etc., but I don't really feel that I need all this stuff.
I'm not really kinda tech-girl, so I will probably not use these devices, anyway it's really good to see that Microsoft didn't stop it's development and started doing something more rather than just stay with software with which not many people were satisfied. I see a potential in HoloLens cause it's truly innovative and I'm really surprised about the accuracy of this device and interactiveness that you described.
ReplyDelete