Zac Bowden

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.

Andromeda to Epsilon

Project Andromeda: The secret history of Windows on Surface Duo

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 128

Here at Windows Central, we've been following Microsoft's Surface Duo project for quite some time. We first wrote about Microsoft's dual-screen pocket PC efforts under the codename Andromeda in 2017, and I had started hearing about the project a considerable time before then. It was originally going to be a Windows device, and kickstart Microsoft's mobile efforts with a brand new, modern version of Windows built specifically for this new form factor.

Platinum FTW

Surface Pro X with Microsoft SQ2 and Platinum color option is coming soon

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 54

Microsoft's ARM-powered Surface Pro X is getting a refresh this fall with an updated Microsoft SQ2 processor, the introduction of a "platinum" color option, and new Type Cover colors that bring it in line with the standard Surface Pro color offerings already on the market. The new Surface Pro X won't feature any major design changes, with sources describing the refresh as a minor one.

Flamboyant Zooms

Windows Central Podcast 195: Surface Duo review, Sparti, and Xbox pricing

Zac Bowden 7 months ago

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Dan provides his full review of Surface Duo. He and Zac also discuss the recently unveiled Xbox pricing. It appears Microsoft will "win" this generation of consoles from a price and value standpoint.

A Weird Sell

Windows Central Podcast 194: Surface codenames, Windows 10, Intel, Qualcomm

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 1

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Some Microsoft product code names have leaked — Zac and Daniel talk about what upcoming devices a few of them might be. Qualcomm has an update to the Snapdragon 8cx line coming late this year.

Surface Laptop Go

Microsoft is preparing a cheaper Surface Laptop with a 12.5-inch display

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 73

Microsoft has seen success with its budget friendly Surface Go tablet thanks to its $399 starting price, and it appears the company is hoping to further capitalize on that success with another price conscious Surface PC, this time in the form of a laptop. Codenamed Sparti, Microsoft is working on a lightweight midrange clamshell PC designed with students in mind.

Next-gen on a budget

Xbox Series S leaked with $299 price, Microsoft responds

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 35

A leaked render has revealed the design and price of Microsoft's unnanounced upcoming Xbox Series S, a cheaper next-generation alternative to the Xbox Series X featuring 4TF of power. The console design is somewhat more traditional, featuing a flatter design when laid horizontally.

A long wait

Surface Duo might not arrive in non-US markets until 2021

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 49

Last month, Microsoft disappointed thousands of fans who have been eagerly waiting for the Surface Duo by announcing that the product would be launching exclusively in the United States, with no plans to bring it to other markets for the foreseeable future. Adding insult to injury, Microsoft refused to provide any kind of timeframe for the fans who have been saving to buy one.

Video

Check out what's new in the next version of Windows 10 in our hands-on demo

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 3

Microsoft's second big feature update for Windows 10 is around the corner, and it's packing a number of notable changes and enhancements that we think you're going to like. Microsoft is finally focusing on the little things, trying to improve the overall design of the OS, and it starts with the Start menu.

Holdability

Windows Central Podcast 193: Surface Duo hands-on, Windows 10

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 5

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Dan has a Surface Duo in hand and provides his impressions of the hardware while carefully skirting questions about software as he continues testing the new device. He and Zac also talk about Windows 10 20H2 build 19042.487 rolling out to the Beta and Release Channels.

20H2 FTW

Windows 10 20H2 build 19042.487 now rolling out to Insiders

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 1

Microsoft is today rolling out a new build of the upcoming Windows 10 20H2 release to both the Beta and Release Channel's today. This is the fifth 20H2 build for the Beta Channel, but the first one for the Release Channel.

UX is where the heart is

Surface Duo success (or failure) hinges on Microsoft's Android enhancements

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 100

Surface Duo’s success or failure will solely depend on whether Microsoft has nailed the software. That’s the number one concern most people interested in this device should have. I know there are a load of debates out there regarding the hardware, including whether dual-screen makes sense when foldable displays are a thing. But I’m here to tell you that none of that matters if the software on this device isn’t perfect.

The Han Solo Look

Windows Central Podcast 192: Surface Duo, Windows 10, Xbox Series S

Zac Bowden 7 months ago 2

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, There's still plenty more to say about Surface Duo, but Dan and Zac catch up on other happenings within the Microsoft world. There's chat about new Windows 10 builds, Xbox Series S, real-time trips and weather with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and the end of support for Microsoft Edge Legacy.

First look

First look at the Surface Duo's camera app UI and features

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 74

Here's our first real look at the camera app on Surface Duo, including all its specific photo modes and even the first run walkthrough that explains how to take photos using the Surface Duo's unique form factor. These screenshots were captured during a private live Q&A stream about the Surface Duo, hosted by the Microsoft Store.

Dedicated keys

Want a full number pad on your laptop? These are your best options.

Zac Bowden 8 months ago

Just because laptops are getting smaller doesn't mean you can't get one with a dedicated number pad. Whether you're a gamer or want something easy to carry around, these are your best options.

Surface Dan Duo

Windows Central Podcast 191: Surface Duo is here!

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 15

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Surface Duo has been fully unveiled and is now available for pre-order! Daniel and Zac are joined by another Dan — Android Central's Executive Editor Daniel Bader. They cover all the bases of the new device, including pricing and why Microsoft chose Android for the operating system instead of a...

Buyer's guide

Do you really need a 4K webcam?

Zac Bowden 8 months ago

In the market for a new webcam but not sure if you need one that can record in 4K? Perhaps we can help.

Good or bad?

We still don't know how good (or bad) the Surface Duo's camera will be

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 42

Microsoft has finally unveiled all the details about the Surface Duo, its first dual-screen Android device. We know all the specs, its price, release date, and everything in between. We even know the specs of the camera, but we don't really know if those specs are any good.

All the features!

Surface Duo will support all 'Your Phone' app features on Windows 10

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 8

Good news for Microsoft fans who are considering the Surface Duo; Microsoft's own Your Phone app will be fully supported with all features, including the exclusive Samsung ones such as the Phone Screen feature. Surface Duo ships with "Link To Windows," the same version of Your Phone that also ships on Samsung's phones.

Google + Microsoft

All the Google apps that come preinstalled on Surface Duo

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 23

The Surface Duo is Microsoft's first Android-based smartphone, and it has worked closely with Google to bundle the Play Store and its respective services on the device so that customers can access their favorite Android apps from the biggest Android app store out there. Google requires all phones that come preinstalled with the Play Store to also bundle its own suite of productivity apps and services.

Tap and Pay is MIA

The new Surface Duo doesn't have NFC support, here's why

Zac Bowden 8 months ago 45

Microsoft's new Surface Duo smartphone is available now for preorder, and begins shipping to customers in the U.S. starting September 10. It's a new form factor for Microsoft, bringing together the best of Surface with a new, dual-screen form factor powered by Android. Microsoft calls it a Surface, but it's also very much a phone, even though it's missing features like NFC. Here's why that's the case.