Microsoft mega launch: Where to watch the live-stream as three new Lumia phones, Surface Pro 4 tablet and new Microsoft Band to launch – plus more details on Windows 10
Microsoft is planning a raft of announcements today in what it describes as “our next chapter”.
“We have some exciting news to share about Windows 10 devices,” the group has said. The firm is live-streaming the event from 10am EDT (4pm in the UK) and users will be able to watch it here.
As with all these launches, there have been several leaks ahead of time that point in the direction of a number of big reveals. This is what to expect from today's mega launch.
Lumia
Among the devices expected to be unveiled are three new Lumia phones – including the Lumia 950 and 950XL – which will be the first premium Windows phones to be previewed in more than a year.
Microsoft has actually leaked details of the phones on its own site, so there is quite a bit of information available as to what these new devices will offer.
According to PC World, they are likely to include features such as Continuum, which will allow the phone to connect to a monitor and run universal apps, and run them on the phone “at the resolution of your monitor”.
“This effectively turns your phone into a PC, and that's a compelling message to sell,” the website says.
Surface Pro 4
Microsoft is also expected to update its Surface Pro 4 tablet – which those in the know are tipping will include Intel's Skylake chip.
The Verge is suggesting it could have much higher resolution “as high as 4k or even 5k, suggesting that the display will be a key element of the Surface Pro 4” as well as a better stylus.
Microsoft Band
And the second generation of its Band fitness trackers is also widely expected, which is up against an increasingly competitive wearables market (not least the Apple Watch, which includes that as a feature).
Updates are expected to focus on design: a curved display that will help it sit against wrists more naturally, possibly chrome and rose gold versions.
Windows 10 and Xbox
The whole show is based around Windows 10 devices, so Microsoft users are expecting to hear more about the update, planned for November, and what is going to be included.
The Xbox One is going receive the Windows 10 update at the same time, and there are some suggestions that a smaller console could be on the cards.
After the main launch Microsoft is going on tour – here is where the team will be heading and when.
October 7: With HP in Barcelona
October 8: In New York City with Dell
October 9: In San Francisco, with ASUS
October 12: In Taipei with Acer
October 13: In Tokyo with Toshiba
October 19: In San Francisco with Lenovo