Rumors that we’d see a Surface Pro 4 announced by Microsoft were especially prevalent over the summer. Allegedly, the company also had brand new Windows phones to take on Apple’s iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. This never happened. At least, it hasn’t happened yet. Two weeks ago, Microsoft started sending out invitations to media outlets for a Windows 10 Device Event. Yesterday, the company completely bypassed the press and invited users who bought Microsoft Band 2 and other devices to watch the event live over the internet.
The Windows 10 Devices Event is today, October 6th. Here’s how to watch Windows 10 Devices Event when it starts later this morning.
How to Watch Microsoft’s Windows 10 Devices Activity Online
Microsoft is streaming the live stream directly from its website at: Microsoft.com/October2015 event. This live stream should work on any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser. This includes Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and even Apple’s Safari for Mac.
However, older browsers like Internet Explorer on Xbox One may have some issues. Usually Microsoft uses a special plugin for their streams. Xbox One and Xbox 360 users can circumvent this limitation with the Xbox Live Interactive Events app. In the Xbox Store itself, the app is simply identified as XliE. After downloading the setup, search for the app in the Xbox Store. Microsoft did not say whether there will be interactive content for users to experience with this live stream. It’s a trick the company routinely uses for its presentations at the Electronic Entertainment Show.
When Microsoft’s Windows 10 Devices Event Kicks Off
Microsoft doesn’t say exactly how far ahead the live stream will go live. Since the event is in New York, it has been confirmed that the Windows 10 Devices Event will begin at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Typically, there is some pre-game soundtrack before the event starts. No one on America’s East Coast will have to get up so early.
The same is not true for Windows 10 Device Event viewers on the Pacific Coast. Pacific Coast is three hours behind the event. Taking into account time zone changes, the Windows 10 Devices Event starts at 7:00 PM Pacific Time. It starts at 15:00 in London. In Sydney, Australia, this Wednesday at 1 AM.
What to Expect from Microsoft’s Windows 10 Devices Event
It’s a bit unclear at this point what to expect from Microsoft’s Windows 10 Devices Event.
Leaked photos of Microsoft Band 2, allegedly sent to Microsoft Insider.
First, Microsoft sent out invitations to livestream to users who have already purchased a Microsoft Band. This at least confirms that we will see a new version of that device. Some say it will be called the Microsoft Band 2. The first Microsoft Band arrived last year. Partially wearable, a way to avoid pulling your phone out of your pocket.
Leaked images of Lumia 950 shared by Evleaks.
We will certainly see that Microsoft will announce two new phones at this event. These are the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Pictures of these devices are already available. Leaks have also revealed its specs and internals.
Things are pretty blurry when it comes to the Surface Pro 4. Some outlets are reporting that there are two Surface Pros announced at the Windows 10 Devices event. Allegedly, one of them will replace the Surface Pro 3. Viewers believe that the second Windows 2-in-1, which Microsoft will announce even tomorrow, will be a Surface Pro 4 with a larger screen. Surface Pro 3 has a 12-inch screen.
Others think the new Surface Pro 4 will adjust the borders around its screen as users enter and exit Tablet Mode. We haven’t seen any leaked pictures of the Surface Pro 4 or its rumored older brother.
Allegedly, Microsoft has the answer to wearables and VR headsets like Oculus. Microsoft first announced the HoloLens at a briefing back in January. Nothing new has been said about it since then. HoloLens places holograms on everything the user sees in front of them. Demos at E3 showed Minecraft played on a coffee table. Other demos include Netflix and Skype video chat.
It’s unclear when any of these new Windows 10 devices will go on sale. We do not have any information on pricing.
Whatever Microsoft announces, it should be pretty interesting. Must Be Mobile will be present at the event in person, cataloging announcements and keeping an eye on new smartphones, fitness bands and other devices. Later in the week, we’ll have comments on how these new devices compare to the latest competition from Apple, Google, and Samsung. This includes the newly announced iPad Pro and the recently released iPhone 6s, Nexus, iPhone 6s Plus and Apple Watch.
