A better Windows Phone
Little by little, we're seeing Microsoft flesh out its Windows 10 strategy. A key component of that is executing on mobile, and from what we've seen of Microsoft's newly announced Lumia 950 and 950 XL devices, the company is on the right track.
The Lumia 950 and 950 XL are the first Lumia devices to run Windows 10. They're also the newest premium handsets from Microsoft -- as previously rumored, these are flagship phones.
Microsoft equipped the Lumia 950 with a hexa-core processor while the Lumia 950 XL features an octa-core chip, both provided by Qualcomm (Snapdragon 808 and 810, respectively). Both phones also have 32GB of built-in storage and 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity,
The smaller of the two has a 5.2-inch Quad HD (2560x1440) AMOLED display, while the bigger handset wields a 5.7-inch screen with the same resolution. Both also have a 20MP rear camera with ZEISS optics and a triple LED flash that Microsoft says will help capture natural tones. Selfies and video conferencing chores are handled by a 5MP shooter.
Specs aside, it was the Display Dock and Windows Continuum feature that was exciting to watch. With a Lumia device connected to the dock and the dock connected to a monitor, Microsoft demonstrated how a user can get desktop-like productivity from their smartphone.
Whether it was typing in Word or transferring photos to a PowerPoint presentation in the making, everything worked smoothly. What's also neat about Continuum is that you can continue to use the Lumia handset as a regular smartphone while maintaining a Windows 10-like desktop interface on the monitor. With Continuum, the phones aren't running a full version of Windows 10, but universal Windows Store apps.
The dock has three USB ports, including a USB Type-C port, along with HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.
Microsoft will release the Lumia 950 ($549) and Lumia 950 XL ($649) in November. There was also a brief mention of a Lumia 550 ($139), a cheap handset with a 4.7-inch 720p display, 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, and LTE support. It won't support Continuum.
Microsoft Band 2
Microsoft also announced a second generation fitness wearable, the Microsoft Band 2. It has the same sensors as the original plus the addition of a barometer for tracking elevation (think: stair climbing).
Gone is the flat display of the original replaced by a curved screen with Gorilla Glass 3. The new Band is also flexible, as Microsoft put an increased focus on comfort this time around.
Another new feature to the Band 2 is Cortana integration. Using Cortana, you can reply to texts or set reminders (among other things) with the touch of a button.
Coinciding with the second generation Band is Microsoft Health, which is available as a universal Windows app, dedicated app for iOS and Android devices, and as a web dashboard. Using the app, Band 2 owners can set various health and wellness goals and receive actionable insights, Microsoft says.
The Microsoft Band 2 will be available to pre-order today for $249 and ship on October 30.
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