Microsoft’s big Windows 10 Creators Update will start rolling out tomorrow, but the company has something for those who can’t wait.
Microsoft today detailed several new partner applications and updates for the Surface Studio and Surface Dial. Many of them relate to drawing and graphic design, but there is also an app for DJs and details about integration with Adobe programs.
Microsoft released the following video about some of the apps and capabilities available with Surface Studio:
Some of the new apps and updates include: Algoriddim’s djay Pro with Spotify integration, CorelDRAW’s suite of graphic design products; an update to the Autodesk SketchBook drawing program; and further integration with the Surface Dial from Sketchable, an original Surface Studio partner.
At the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Adobe demonstrated how Surface Studio will integrate with its video editing software, Premiere. Surface Dial was used to accelerated shuttle through video clips and to speed up and slow down video playback.
The Creators Update was announced last October at an event in New York City that also featured the unveiling of the Surface Studio and Surface Dial. The update includes a 3D version of Microsoft Paint, performance optimizations for gamers, support for augmented reality headsets, new browser tools, a Windows e-book store, security and reliability improvements, and other features.
The update reflects Microsoft’s efforts to ensure a place for Windows as the Android and iOS mobile operating systems dominate smartphones and tablets, rivals such as Google Chrome OS make headway in key markets, and new virtual and augmented reality devices redefine the computing landscape.
Surface Studio and the Creators Update represent a bit of a shift in Microsoft’s focus. Traditionally focused on large enterprises, Microsoft is putting more emphasis on winning over creative types, a realm traditionally associated with Apple.
Microsoft hardware has been racking up some wins lately. J.D. Power’s 2017 U.S. Tablet Satisfaction Study showed Microsoft ahead of Apple for the first time. Users preferred several features of Surface tablets over the iPad, and Microsoft also came out on top in several design categories.
In November, the month after the Surface Studio was announced, Microsoft said it had the best month on record for consumer sales of Surface devices. Microsoft said disappointment over Apple’s latest Macbook Pro played a role in strong sales.
