Microsoft has announced a partnership with Facebook owner Meta to enhanced Metaverse hardware integrations, and unveiled three new Surface computers at its annual Microsoft Ignite event in New York.
The two tech giants will partner to bring Mesh for Microsoft Teams, the virtual reality overlay for the Microsoft's workplace messaging platform, to the Meta Quest VR headset.
Microsoft said the integration would allow people to connect and collaborate on smartphones and laptops as though they are in person. Microsoft 365 apps will also be made available for Meta Quest, so people can use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SharePoint in VR format.
Microsoft also introduced the latest Surface devices, including Surface Laptop 5, the Surface Pro 9 convertible tablet and the Surface Studio 2+ all-in one PC -- all of which operate with the Windows 11 operating system.
The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft’s cross between a laptop and tablet. It runs on an Intel 12th-generation processor and now has optional 5G connectivity. The device has a 13-inch display and is lightweight starting at 879 g.
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The Surface Laptop 5 features 12th-generation Intel Core processors. It’s available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch models, both with touchscreens.
IT features 17 hours of battery life and a new enhanced camera for face-to-face calls and also has a Thunderbolt 4 port for the first time which connects the laptop to a 4K monitor, charges and delivers fast data transfer for large video files.
The Surface Studio 2+ is Microsoft’s all-in-one desktop PC that will replace the Surface Studio 2 from 2018. The new 28-inch touchscreen device sits on a zero-gravity hinge, which allows users to raise and lower the display. It runs on an 11th-generation Intel Core H-35 Processor.
Users can split the display into four different app windows at once. It comes with a USB-C port and a Thunderbolt port. The viewing experience for streaming is also enhanced with Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for upgraded audio quality.
Microsoft also unveiled Microsoft Places, a new workplace app that optimises the use of physical space, and Microsoft Teams Premium, which has an enhanced AI feature that will share highlights and capture the important part of meetings for viewing later on.
The company announced more than 100 new services and updates at the event as well as a significant investment in a series of new additions for Microsoft Cloud to support cloud infrastructure, data capture and analysis, hybrid work, developer tools and security.
(Pic: SIPA USA via PA Images)
