Windows Holographic, the new Indy 500 app and Asia’s largest computer trade show – Weekend Reading: June 1 edition

| Thomas Kohnstamm

June is here, but that doesn’t mean things are slowing down for summer at Microsoft. This week brings announcements about the new era of mixed reality computing, an app for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, Computex in Taipei, where thousands of new devices were showcased, and much more. Check out a few of the top highlights in this latest edition of Weekend Reading.

In further proof that science fiction will soon be reality, Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group, discussed the future of computing, where the physical and virtual worlds intersect in all new ways, and create additional scale for the Windows platform.

Myerson wrote, “Imagine wearing a VR device and seeing your physical hands as you manipulate an object, working on the scanned 3D image of a real object, or bringing in a holographic representation of another person into your virtual world so you can collaborate.” He announced that Windows Holographic is coming to devices of all shapes and sizes from fully immersive virtual reality to fully untethered holographic computing.

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The Indianapolis 500 celebrated its 100th event with its first sellout crowd – and a new app to appeal to a younger, connected generation and potentially spawn a fantasy league.

The new Microsoft Azure-based app gives fans access to data streaming from the cars as they race. Enthusiasts can track drivers’ performances section-by-section around the oval, along with lap statistics, course conditions and which drivers are “hot” or in the pit.

“It will get people interested other than just the serious fan,” says Bob Moore, the general manager of software company BlueMetal, which partnered with IndyCar Racing, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Microsoft to build the app.

racing, Microsoft, Windows, cloud, Weekend Reading

When it comes to unveiling the latest computing experiences in Asia, nothing beats Computex 2016, the continent’s largest IT trade show.

This year’s conference attracted more than 1,600 exhibitors from 29 countries, and the excitement was palpable. There were plenty of new and innovative devices announced from Microsoft partners including Acer, ASUS, Dell and MSI. From devices for on-the-job productivity to downtime entertainment, there was something for everyone, in every form factor and price range. Experts noted a lot of growth and innovation in the categories of 2-in-1s, all-in-ones, gaming and internet of things (IoT).

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The App of the Week is Viber for Windows 10. The beta is free to download from the Windows Store and is available across all Windows 10 devices.

Viber is the easy-to-use app that lets people just about anywhere send messages and make HD-quality phone and video calls securely over Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Rebuilt from the ground up, this version retains the best of Viber while adding welcome new capabilities and a uniform, familiar interface that suits every Windows device.

apps, Windows 10, Viber, Weekend Reading

This week on the Microsoft Instagram channel, we met the new head of the Windows Insider Program, Dona Sarkar. As a seasoned Windows veteran, Dona believes great technology should act as an “invisible fairy godmother,” improving productivity and powering creativity and achievement. See more of Dona’s story on the Microsoft Facebook and Twitter channels.

Dona Sarkar sitting

Now you’re in the know with all of the highlights from this week. Please check back next Friday, as we’re sure there’ll be plenty more to talk about. Have a great weekend.

Thomas Kohnstamm
Microsoft News Center Staff

 

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