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Windows 10 gets 3D Paint and new VR headsets Windows 10 gets 3D Paint and new VR headsets
(35 minutes later)
New 3D creation and editing tools are being added to the next version of the Windows 10 operating system.New 3D creation and editing tools are being added to the next version of the Windows 10 operating system.
Microsoft says new versions of Paint and Powerpoint will make it easier to build, handle and show off 3D models that mix together real-world imagery and computer-generated graphics.Microsoft says new versions of Paint and Powerpoint will make it easier to build, handle and show off 3D models that mix together real-world imagery and computer-generated graphics.
The firm also revealed new virtual reality headsets, which let users interact with their creations.The firm also revealed new virtual reality headsets, which let users interact with their creations.
One expert said it laid the groundwork for later augmented reality plans.One expert said it laid the groundwork for later augmented reality plans.
Microsoft also unveiled new Surface-branded computers including its first all-in-one desktop.Microsoft also unveiled new Surface-branded computers including its first all-in-one desktop.
The Surface Studio features what is said to be the thinnest LCD touchscreen and has an accompanying dial, which can be placed directly on the display or used at its side.The Surface Studio features what is said to be the thinnest LCD touchscreen and has an accompanying dial, which can be placed directly on the display or used at its side.
New toolsNew tools
An on-stage demonstration of 3D Paint showed how a stylus could be used to draw 2D graphics that were automatically given depth. Photographic elements and movements could also be added to drawings.An on-stage demonstration of 3D Paint showed how a stylus could be used to draw 2D graphics that were automatically given depth. Photographic elements and movements could also be added to drawings.
To create 3D models of real-world objects, the firm is developing a smartphone app that works by waving the handset around the desired item.To create 3D models of real-world objects, the firm is developing a smartphone app that works by waving the handset around the desired item.
The finished creation can be added to Powerpoint presentations, shared on Facebook and other online sites or placed within a virtual reality environment.The finished creation can be added to Powerpoint presentations, shared on Facebook and other online sites or placed within a virtual reality environment.
"VR is hot with consumers at the moment, and Microsoft is making sure it is not missing the boat from an ecosystem perspective and leaving it all to Google," said Carolina Milanesi, a consumer tech analyst at Creative Strategies."VR is hot with consumers at the moment, and Microsoft is making sure it is not missing the boat from an ecosystem perspective and leaving it all to Google," said Carolina Milanesi, a consumer tech analyst at Creative Strategies.
"3D also resonates with consumers and focusing on creating content and sharing that content is a good way to have them start to think about mixed-reality, preparing them for the HoloLens headset.""3D also resonates with consumers and focusing on creating content and sharing that content is a good way to have them start to think about mixed-reality, preparing them for the HoloLens headset."
Microsoft revealed Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo will manufacture new Windows 10-compatible virtual reality headsets, which will fill the wearer's view with computer-powered visuals.Microsoft revealed Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo will manufacture new Windows 10-compatible virtual reality headsets, which will fill the wearer's view with computer-powered visuals.
It said the lowest-cost model would be $299 (£245). That is several times cheaper than the video games-focused Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets already on sale.It said the lowest-cost model would be $299 (£245). That is several times cheaper than the video games-focused Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets already on sale.
They offer a staging post until the firm launches a consumer edition of its HoloLens headset. The kit superimposes graphics over real-world views, moving them in turn with the wearer's head movements so that they appear to be part of the environment.They offer a staging post until the firm launches a consumer edition of its HoloLens headset. The kit superimposes graphics over real-world views, moving them in turn with the wearer's head movements so that they appear to be part of the environment.
Versions of the kit are already on sale, but they cost either £2,719 or £4,529 and are being targeted at developers.Versions of the kit are already on sale, but they cost either £2,719 or £4,529 and are being targeted at developers.
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The Creators Edition of Windows 10 is due for release early next year and will be provided as a free upgrade for computers already running the software.The Creators Edition of Windows 10 is due for release early next year and will be provided as a free upgrade for computers already running the software.
Its other new features include:Its other new features include:
More to follow New hardware
Microsoft began the final stretch of its New York event by unveiling a new laptop, the Surface Book i7, which it said offered twice the graphics power of the last model and up to 16 hours of battery life.
But most of the time was dedicated to the new Surface Studio desktop computer.
The machine features a touchscreen held to a box below by two adjustable chrome arms. Microsoft claims the display is "best in class".
Its 192 pixel-per-inch resolution is slightly lower than that of the top-end iMac.
But it compensates for this by being an inch larger than Apple's model, as well as appearing to be substantially thinner thanks to most of the machine's guts being placed at its base.
The PC is sold with a wireless mouse, keyboard and stylus, but is distinguished by a fourth peripheral: the Surface Dial.
This can be turned to carry out functions such as spinning through colours, adjusting the volume or flipping through pages.
When placed on the screen, it brings up a graphical interface within compatible software, providing the user with a new way to select from commands.
"Surface Studio won't be the highest-performance all-in-one system," commented Patrick Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.
"Microsoft played it safe with sixth-generation Intel processors, mobile graphics and USB 3 ports.
"But it should meet the needs of most creative experts - the intended target market - and is priced for [users] who want something very cool and unique."
Although Microsoft has had some success with its earlier Surface line-up, wider sales of PCs and tablet computers are experiencing their second consecutive year of decline.
The consultancy Gartner has forecast that after an 8.7% fall this year, sales will see a smaller dip in 2017, and then return to growth again in 2018.