Since the fervor of the Windows 10 release has died down a bit, it was easier to find some interesting Surface related news. Here’s a rundown of the crop this week:
- Surface on the sidelines and “Next Gen Stats”
- More details about Windows RT Update 3
- Infiniti and Surface 3
- Windows 10 Wins Design Award
- Microsoft Office holds “Sway”
Let’s get started.
First up, the NFL (or for you folks across the pond, “American Armored Imitation Rugby” đ )
Weekly Surface News Roundup: Surface on the sidelines and “Next Gen Stats”
One year after introducing the Surface Pro 2 to the NFL sidelines, Microsoft is upgrading the coaches and players to a rugged and weatherproof Surface Pro 3. In addition, they’re now supplying the officials with Surface Pro 3 tablets so they no longer need to “go under the hood” to review instant replays.
On top of the upgrade, Microsoft is putting RFID chips into the player’s shoulderpads. As a result, fans will be able to track a player statsâs such as velocity, speed total distance ran from video highlights of certain plays via what they’re calling âNext Gen Stats”.
Related: NY Times, Geek wire, PCMag
Weekly Surface News Roundup: Details about Windows RT Update 3
While there not a lot of information about what the update will include, yet, Microsoft did update the Windows 10 FAQ to include the following…
“If youâre running Windows RT, your device wonât upgrade to Windows 10. We will have an update available in September 2015 that will improve the Start menu and lock screen. Check Windows Update on your Windows RT device to make sure it is ready to download the update when available.”
With that comment it appears, at a minimum, that RT owners will be getting an updated lock screen and Start Menu.
Related: Microsoft News
Weekly Surface News Roundup: Infiniti and Surface 3
Microsoft’s Matt Chapman spoke to Brendan Norman from Infiniti’s UK retail group about adopting the Surface 3 and if it has changed the way that his team does business. Here’s Brendan’s response:
âSurface 3 has revolutionized the way we are selling. This thing just blows away the iPad. Surface 3âs gorgeous, the cars are gorgeous, the mall is gorgeousâŠit all fits perfectly. Since adopting Surface 3, Infiniti retail group UK has seen a significant increase in sales from earlier in the year.â
So, if you can afford a new Infinity and you’re in the UK, you can expect the sales person to be using a Surface 3 as a sales tool to get you behind the wheel.
Related: Winbeta, Surface Blog
Weekly Surface News Roundup: Windows 10 Wins Design Award
The Windows 10 Start Menu has won the IDSA Award for digital design. Not everyone seems to like the redesign that came with Windows 10 but apparently the critics at IDSA do.
Weekly Surface News Roundup: Microsoft Office Holds “Sway”
If you’re not familiar with Sway, it’s a next-generation presentation tool from Microsoft that is now free from the Windows Store. Microsoft has described Sway as a âdigital storytelling appâ, but itâs basically just an app that allows you to create and share presentations and other content.
Sway is considered part of Microsoft Office but is not intended to replace Power Point, rather it is to become a new way to create multi-user presentations and interactive content.
Related: Microsoft(sway.com), Dispatch Times
That’s it for this week’s Surface News Roundup. I’ll be back once again next week with a fresh crop of Surface news for your enjoyment and information.
Tim
