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Watch Microsoft's Build 2017 day two keynote right here!
If you were bored during yesterday's Microsoft Build livestream (here's a catch-up of what happened), that's entirely understandable. Aside from news that HP and Intel are building Cortana-powered devices and real-time translation for PowerPoint, there wasn't much to latch onto. That should change in today's consumer-focused keynote. And guess what? You can watch it all right here, starting at 11:30 AM ET! We're going to be liveblogging the event, so if you're at work and video isn't permitted, we've got you covered. It all kicks off soon!
Watch Microsoft's Build keynote in under 14 minutes
Thousands of analysts, journalists and developers came to the Washington State Conference Center in Seattle today to see what Microsoft had to unveil at its three-hour-long Build conference. As it turns out, there wasn't a lot of interesting news for non-developers. In other words, if you had played a drinking game with the trigger words being "Azure," "Microsoft Graph" and "Visual Studio," you would have needed two kegs of liquor. To be fair though, Build is an event for developers.
Microsoft PowerPoint adds real-time presentation translation
If you were impressed by Skype's real-time translation feature, you'll likely be wowed by Microsoft's new PowerPoint "Presentation Translator" add-in. Despite the name, it's not focused on making your slides multilingual. Instead, it'll translate your voice in real-time using an iOS, Android or Windows app as you go over your presentation. The add-in also generates a link that viewers can use to view translations in their own language.
Microsoft takes aim at Alexa with Cortana Skills Kit
Amazon's Alexa is miles ahead of rivals like Microsoft and Google with its "skills" -- around 10,000 mini-apps that let you use your voice to control your lights or music, order an Uber, learn first aid and more. To help close that gap, Microsoft has finally launched the Cortana Skills Kit in a public preview, allowing developers to build new skills or convert them from Alexa or Microsoft's new Bot Framework.
HP and Intel are building Cortana-powered devices
HP and Intel are both working on connected-home devices that run on Microsoft's Cortana platform. Microsoft announced the devices as part of its Build 2017 conference this morning, but didn't provide details about form, function or release window.
Windows 10 hits 500 million active devices
Windows 10's install base is still growing steadily. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced today that the OS now has 500 million monthly active devices, up from 400 million last September. That's significant progress, though it's still much slower than Windows 10's growth when Microsoft was offering free upgrades for older machines. The company points to its push to unify its platforms under Windows 10, as well as "strong pickup" among businesses as a big reason for its progress so far.
Watch Microsoft's Build 2017 opening keynote right here!
Microsoft's Build 2017 conference is kicking off today in Seattle, and the company's CEO Satya Nadella will be taking the stage during the opening keynote. We expect there will be lots of talk of Windows 10, Cortana and, who knows, maybe we'll get a few surprises along the way. It starts at 8AM PT/11AM ET, and you can watch it happen live in the video below. If you're interested in the full Build 2017 schedule, Microsoft made a page with all of those details just for you.
Leak shows Microsoft's vision for Echo-like Windows PCs
Remember when word got out for Microsoft's Home Hub, a Windows 10 update that would effectively turn your PC into a souped-up Amazon Echo with shared info, across-the-room voice control and home automation? You now have an idea as to what it'll look like in practice. The Verge has obtained leaked conceptual images showing just what Home Hub will do. Sure enough, the welcome screen now has an always-available view of the family's calendar, notes and other collective knowledge. If your child has ballet practice, everyone will know. There's also a shared desktop, simple voice calling and smart home control for key devices (Hue, Insteon, Nest, SmartThings and Wink are on the short list).
What to expect at Microsoft's Build 2017 conference
Microsoft's Build conference is not only about giving developers the tools they need to write apps or create Windows-friendly hardware but also Microsoft's chance to outline its vision of the future. What software and devices will matter in the months (or even years) ahead? And this time around, there's no shortage of new developments to discuss: Windows updates, the Cortana AI assistant, HoloLens, partner hardware and even a chance at new Surface gear. It's not necessarily clear what's likely to show up, but don't worry: That's what we're here to sort out. We've rounded up some of the most promising leaks, rumors and logical predictions to give you a sense of what to expect when Build 2017 kicks off May 10th.
Microsoft is holding an education-focused event on May 2nd
Surprise! Microsoft will hold an event on May 2nd in New York, and based on the invite we received, there will likely be a focus on its education initiatives. "Learn what's next. #MicrosoftEDU" the colorful invite reads. The company's Build conference is next month as well, so maybe don't expect anything truly earth-shattering from this event. Based on the rumor mill, a new Surface Pro or a Surface phone won't debut on May 2nd. Instead, maybe start an office pool for the unveil of Windows 10 Cloud (think: Chrome OS, but from Redmond) and maybe, finally a follow-up to the $499 Surface 3 from 2015. The countdown starts now, so get your bets in.
