Setting its sights squarely on the creative professionals who have typically been drawn to Apple products, Microsoft has dubbed its upcoming Windows 10 release the ‘Creators Update‘ and packed it with 3D and VR features.
Announced at a Microsoft press event in New York on Wednesday, the next major update to Windows 10 will be released sometime in Spring 2017. Among the new elements:
- An end-to-end 3D workflow. The current version of Windows 10 includes a 3D output for printing, but the Creators Update will also allow users to create 3D content, Thurrott reports. Microsoft demoed 3D versions of its Paint and PowerPoint software and said 3D capabilities will be coming to other popular applications in the next year.
- Affordable virtual reality. Partners like Dell and HP are set to release VR headsets compatible with the Creators Update within the next few months–some priced as low as $300.
- Improved messaging and file sharing. Users will be able to share files with important contacts simply by dragging them to a contact’s icon in the task bar. And contacts can also send ‘shoulder taps’–basically fun, animated emojis that distract you from your work.
- Game broadcasting and tournaments. Gamers will be able to stream games in 4K with Beam, and create their own custom tournaments.
The Creators Update will be available to all Windows 10 users free of charge.
Microsoft also debuted new hardware during the event: a line of updated Surface Books; and the much-awaited all-in-one, Surface Studio, that comes with a mouselike accessory called the Dial and will retail for a whopping $3,000.