NEW YORK — Microsoft’s new Surface Studio desktop computer was widely rumored in advance of its official unveiling here this morning. But there was also a surprise twist, literally.

surface-dial-3-web
The Surface Dial. (Microsoft Photo)

The company announced a new accessory called the Surface Dial, which works in conjunction with the Surface Studio’s touch screen and the Surface Pen to allow users to adjust settings, undo and redo actions, and interact with the computer in a variety of interesting ways.

At the event today, Veronica Lawlor, an artist with Mental Canvas, showed GeekWire some of the capabilities of the Surface Dial, including the ability to move the puck to different areas of the screen to adjust the settings, colors, brush strokes and more.

Watch the Surface Studio and Surface Dial demo in the video above.

The company says the Surface Dial will also work with the Surface Book, Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 4. The Surface Dial sells for $100. It’s not normally included with the $2,999 Surface Studio, but Microsoft says those who pre-order the Surface Studio before Dec. 1 will also get a Surface Dial for delivery in 2017.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.