14 DAY TRIAL // Part of Microsoft’s plans to conquer the PC world was working with OEMs on helping them build devices that would make the most of Windows 10 and the built-in features.
And at WinHEC 2016 in China in late 2016, Redmond provided more guidance on how OEMs can build successful Windows 10 devices, explaining that it all comes down to just a few principles that everyone should have in mind when starting work on a new project.
First and foremost, when talking about the “modern PC,” the company mentions three different guidelines: cool designs, new experiences, and better performance.
In terms of cool designs, Microsoft says that devices need to be the best in class and be balanced across a number of areas, such as design, screen, keyboard and touchpad, and OEM innovation. When it comes to new experiences, Microsoft says that devices need to boast at least two “hero features,” such as Windows Hello, Cortana with Voice, and touch and pen. And last, the performance section provides guidelines for battery life, image quality, and app support.
Nope, no phones
Then, there are the categories that are included in the modern PC concept, and Microsoft says these include PCs for the modern creator, modern peripherals for everyone, PCs to power mixed reality, PCs for the gamer and media fanatic, and IoT devices for verticals.
If these requirements are met, the software giant believes that together with partners, they could “win 2017,” and obviously boost adoption of Windows 10.
Microsoft, however, is also working on its own devices that adopt the top of these guidelines, as is the case of its Surface lineup of products. New Surface models are expected to launch this year, including the Surface Pro 5 and the Surface Book 2, both of which are likely to see daylight in the first half of 2017.
Together with partners, however, Microsoft is trying to extend the array of Windows 10 devices on the market and give more choices to buyers, including various form factors and prices, thus targeting more categories with devices that do not neglect quality.
