What you need to know

• Microsoft has quietly announced that a second-generation Surface Hub 2S is on the way.
• The new Surface Hub 2S is coming later this year, and ships with a new version of Windows dubbed "Teams Rooms."
• Teams Rooms on Windows features a new UI and more collaborative and management controls. 

Microsoft has today announced that a second-generation Surface Hub 2S is on the way, and will begin shipping later this year with a new version of Windows dubbed "Teams Rooms on Windows." Not much else has been revealed about the hardware, though Microsoft says it will feature the same 50" and 85" design as the current Surface Hub 2S.

The company says that the existing Surface Hub 2S will continue to be supported until October 14, 2025, which is when support for the version of Windows it currently runs is set to end. Unfortunately, Microsoft says the new Teams Rooms on Windows update will only be made available for second-generation Surface Hub 2S devices.

I reported last year that Microsoft was gearing up to ship a new Surface Hub 2S cartridge codenamed Upward. The newly announced second-generation Surface Hub 2S looks to be that, which sources say features an Intel 11th-generation chip. It's currently unclear if Microsoft plans to sell the new cartridge standalone for existing Hub 2S customers to upgrade to.

The new version of Windows that will ship with the new Surface Hub 2S is called Teams Rooms on Windows, and is a major upgrade over the existing Windows Teams OS that Surface Hub 2S currently uses. It features a new user interface, which matches that of Teams Rooms for Android devices, along with more management options and better collaborative features.

Microsoft says it will share more about the new Surface Hub 2S later in the year, including availability and other hardware specifications. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft is working on a new compute module for Surface Hub 2.
• The module is codenamed Upward and features an 11th-gen Intel processor.
• It will be the first commercially available upgrade module for the Hub 2 since launch.

Microsoft is gearing up to ship a new compute cartridge for the Surface Hub 2 sometime in 2023, according to my sources who are familiar with the company’s plans. I’m told the new cartridge is codenamed "Upward," and will feature an upgraded Intel 11th-generation CPU and Iris Xe Graphics. To compare, the current Surface Hub 2S compute cartridge features an Intel 8th-generation CPU.

Not much else is known about the new cartridge, including whether Upward will finally enable device rotation; a feature that has been promised since the Surface Hub 2 was first announced back in 2018. The codename certainly suggests it might support the “upward” orientation, but only time will tell. Updated: My sources have now confirmed that the new Surface Hub 2 will support rotation, with the new Teams OS finally including native support for portrait/vertical mode.

Upward will be the first commercially available compute cartridge upgrade for the Surface Hub 2 since it was announced as a modular device. The company made a big deal about how customers would be able to swap out the PC portion of the Surface Hub 2 for repairs and upgrades but is yet to actually ship a newer compute cartridge to upgrade to.

Microsoft has made the upgrade process on Surface Hub 2 relatively painless. It requires the removal of a single screw on the back of the Surface Hub, which will release the cartridge and allow the user to simply slide it out. From there, you can insert the new compute cartridge, screw it in place, and get back to work. You should also be able to swap over your SSD painlessly too.

My sources are unsure if the company is planning to market this upgraded compute module as the “Surface Hub 2X” that the company had originally announced alongside the Surface Hub 2S as “coming later.” Originally, the Surface Hub 2X was supposed to run a special version of Windows called Windows Core OS, but that effort has since been scrapped.

I’m told the Upward compute module is expected to be announced sometime next year. Pricing for the module is currently unknown, but considering this is an enterprise product, we're not expecting it to be cheap. 

A Microsoft spokesperson had nothing to share when asked for comment.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, we've got new builds, rage over promotional banners, more bad news for the future of HoloLens, and loads more!

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on March 22nd 2022.

Links:

• Windows 11 build 22579 is out with nameable Start menu folders and more | Windows Central
• Microsoft testing out new Windows 11 high priority notifications feature | Windows Central
• Latest Windows 11 Insider build tests File Explorer promos for Microsoft products [Updated] | Windows Central
• Microsoft to hold Windows 11 for Hybrid Work event on April 5 | Windows Central
• Microsoft News Roundup: Ads in File Explorer, HoloLens struggles, and more | Windows Central
• Microsoft unveils new Surface Hub 2 'Smart Camera' accessory with eyewatering $800 price tag | Windows Central
• Microsoft reiterates HoloLens 2 product value amid reports indicating HoloLens 3 is dead | Windows Central
• Sync for Reddit picks up dual-pane support for Surface Duo and tablet devices | Windows Central
• The Surface Duo 2 is actually good now. — Let's Talk - YouTube

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We report on a broad range of news related to Microsoft and Windows. It's easy to miss a few stories, especially if you also try to keep up on general tech news. Each Friday, we recap the biggest items of the week covered at Windows Central.

This week included the controversial appearance of an ad (or promo, if you prefer) within the File Explorer and poor expectations for the version of HoloLens that will soon enter testing with the U.S. Army. We also saw the announcement of a new Smart Camera for the Surface Hub 2, a popular Reddit app being optimized for Surface Duo, and news about Intel's first Arc GPU.

Microsoft struggles with HoloLens for U.S. Army

Microsoft's HoloLens teams have reportedly run into issues in recent times. The HoloLens 3 was canceled and the entire division appears to have questions regarding its future. This week, a report indicated that Microsoft's augmented reality headset for the U.S. Army isn't expected to meet expectations. Its name is IVAS.

Sources close to the project expressed fear that the U.S. Army may ditch its $22 billion deal with Microsoft for AR headsets altogether. Negative feedback is expected for the current IVAS units, which are due for field testing in May.

New Surface Hub 2S Smart Camera

Microsoft announced a new Smart Camera for the Surface Hub 2S this week. The camera was designed for the hybrid work experience. According to Microsoft, it is the first webcam powered by artificial intelligence. It features a 12MP 136-degree sensor that can capture people as close as 0.4 meters away or as far as 8 meters.

The Smart Camera costs $800. That is more than the best webcams that people are used to for consumer usage, but it is actually cheaper than some competing products in the enterprise space. Logitech has a similar camera that costs $1,000. The camera is also included with the purchase of a $22,000 Surface Hub 2 after May 31, 2022.

Ads appear in Windows 11 File Explorer

Controversy brewed this week when some Windows Insiders ran into ads in the File Explorer. There was some debate on if the ads were indeed ads, with some arguing that they were just "self-promotion." Regardless of what people chose to call the banner in question, its existence in File Explorer caused frustration for many.

Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc later explained that the ads in File Explorer were not meant to be externally published. Notably, he did not promise that there would never be ads in the File Explorer. Instead, he said that this specific implementation was not meant to be tested publicly.

Sync Reddit app optimized for Surface Duo

Sync, a popular Reddit client on Android, was optimized for the Surface Duo this week. The app now takes advantage of both screens of the device, allowing Redditors to browse through topics on one screen while reading comments on the other. The new functionality is in the Dev release of Sync, which costs just a penny under $5.

First Intel Arc GPU launching this month

Intel shared a few more details about its first Arc GPU this week. The company will hold an event for its new GPU family on March 30, 2022. On that same day, the Intel Arc A370M will launch. The first Arc GPU will deliver up to double the performance of integrated graphics, according to Intel.

Intel Vice President and General Manager Lisa Pearce explained that the first Arc GPUs will be on mobile PCs, such as laptops. More powerful devices will have Arc graphics in the future.

Samsung giving free monitors with Galaxy Book2 orders

Preorders for the new Samsung Galaxy Book2 lineup are live. You now can order the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360, Book2 Pro, or Book2 360. If you preorder either of the pro models, you'll also receive a 32-inch Odyssey Gaming Curved monitor, which is a value of $329.

The new Galaxy Book laptops have similar names but varying specs. To make sure you order the right one, check out our breakdown of the new Galaxy Book2 devices from the end of last month.

What you need to know

• A new camera accessory for the Surface Hub 2 has been announced.
• It's called the Smart Camera and is built for hybrid work meetings.
• It costs $800, has built-in AI, and is available now.

Microsoft has today announced a new accessory for the Surface Hub 2S, dubbed the "Smart Camera," which has been designed from the ground up for hybrid work in mind. This means it has optimizations and features built-in to enhance meetings where some members of your team are working from other locations.

Microsoft says this is its first webcam powered by artificial intelligence, allowing it to do things such as adjust lighting, automatically zoom and pan on the group when people enter and leave the room, and more. Featuring a sharp 12MP 136-degree sensor, this camera has a super wide-angle lens that allows the entire room to be in the shot, including people and items as close as 0.4 meters from the Surface Hub 2 as far away as 8 meters.

Here are the highlights of the Smart Camera from Microsoft:

• 12-megapixel sensor, with a stellar 136-degree field of view lens that can keep things near (.4m) and far (8m) simultaneously in crisp focus across a wide variety of conference room sizes and configurations.
• 1 Teraflop of compute power (a trillion floating-point calculations per second)
• New algorithm we developed to automatically compensate for tilt, distortions, and wide-angle corrections so objects appear as they would in real life.
• AI can detect people across various postures, lighting conditions, and rooms, ensuring every participant is equally visible.

The AI that Microsoft is packing into this Smart Camera allows everyone in the shot to remain in focus. A new algorithm automatically compensates for tilt, distortions, and wide-angle corrections. Hence, objects and people appear as they would in the real world.

This webcam aims to enhance the viewing experience for people who are not physically in the room. If you work on a team with some members working remotely, it's essential for those working elsewhere to remain included in team meetings. The Smart Camera will help ease the transition to hybrid workflows, which so many people are doing now.

Steven Batchie, VCP of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, said the following:

Now, the Smart Camera does not come cheap, and it's priced at a crazy high $799.99, which is quite a lot for a glorified webcam. But it's important to remember that the Surface Hub 2 is a unique device purchased primarily by business and enterprise customers, not individuals. That $799 price tag ends up being nothing more than another necessary expense for most companies looking to invest in improving hybrid workflows across their teams.

You'll be glad to hear that customers looking to buy the $21,999 85-inch Surface Hub 2 this new Smart Camera will come included with all new orders starting May 31. It's compatible with both 50-inch and 85-inch models and connects magnetically via the three USB-C ports located on the device's top, right, and left.

Microsoft is also highlighting several recent software updates to the OS that runs on Surface Hub, all designed to improve productivity for those in the workplace. Here are the highlights:

• We have made it even easier for all participants to co-create in a Whiteboard session that includes a Surface Hub. The UI that previously was optimized for Whiteboard screen-sharing has been updated to share a Whiteboard session from within a Teams meeting where each participant has automatic access to edit.
• Outlook will now allow you to RSVP to meetings and note whether you plan to appear in-person at the meeting or virtually.
• Enhancements to the companion device experience will make it easier and less distracting to join a hybrid meeting from within a conference room.
• Whiteboard now offers a rich set of capabilities that bring visual collaboration to life in Teams, including collaboration cursors, more than 50 new templates, contextual reactions, and the ability to open existing boards and collaborate with external colleagues in Teams Meetings.
• Coming soon to PowerPoint, you no longer need to appear in person to deliver your message effectively. With recording studio and cameo in PowerPoint, you can create your own presentation, decide how and where you appear on your slides with cameo, record it, and have the presentation delivered with, or without you via PowerPoint Live in Teams.
• Fluent emojis in Teams allow you to bring your personality to the conversation. With new and vibrant styling, 3D Fluent emojis will infuse expression and playfulness into every message.
• Select a category to easily find the emoji you want and use the skin tone selector to pick an emoji that better represents you.

What you need to know

• Windows 10 Team 2020 Update 1 is now available for Surface Hub devices.
• The update is available for both first-generation Surface Hubs and the Surface Hub 2S.
• The update brings the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge to Surface Hubs.

Microsoft recently started rolling out Windows 10 team 2020 Update 1 for Surface Hub devices. The update is based on Windows 10 version 20H2. It's available on both the original Surface Hub (55-inch and 84-inch models) and the Surface Hub 2S (50-inch and 85-inch models). Devices will receive the update automatically, usually as part of nightly maintenance cycles.

The update includes some UI improvements and some changes to the background image, but the biggest addition is the new Microsoft Edge. Like its counterpart on Windows 10 (and Windows 11), the version of Edge that ships with this Surface Hub update is based on Chromium.

Here's everything that Microsoft highlights from the update:

New Microsoft Edge

• This update replaces the default browser on Surface Hub with the new Microsoft Edge. With this, customers on Surface Hub get the same world class browsing experience that Edge provides on Windows 10 PCs.

UI improvements: Steady State Background image

• The Welcome screen's background image will also function as the home screen's background image to keep the aesthetics consistent until an app is invoked.

A Microsoft doc details everything that's new in the update, including improvements to deployment and manageability, inking, Microsoft Teams, and more.

This update allows people to collaborate on the Surface Hub 2S with two Surface Hub 2 Pens, but a future firmware update is required to utilize the new functionality.

What you need to know

• The 85-inch Surface Hub 2S is now available for pre-sale.
• Will begin shipping to commercial customers in January.
• Features the Windows 10 Team 2020 Update.

Microsoft's larger Surface Hub 2S offering is now up for pre-sale, and will begin shipping to commercial customers in January 2021. The 85-inch Surface Hub 2S runs the same software as the standard Surface Hub 2S, that being Windows 10 Team, and Microsoft touts this offering as an all-in-one teamwork digital whiteboard. It'll cost $21,999.99.

The Surface Hub 2S 85-inch features a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, which is notable because the standard Surface Hub 2S uses a 3:2 aspect ratio. In addition to the new hardware, Microsoft is also releasing the Windows 10 Team 2020 Update to Surface Hub 2S and Surface Hub 1 devices in October, which includes improved IT integration, device deployment and management capabilities, as well as meeting and collaboration experiences across all Surface Hub generations.

If Windows 10 Team is not something that fits into your work flow, customers can now configure Surface Hub 2S with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise. This will deliver the full Windows 10 desktop PC experience on the Surface Hub 2, with the usual Start menu and windowed apps. Microsoft says that this toolset enables customers to maximize their productivity with apps not traditionally available on Surface Hub.

Finally, the standard Surface Hub 2S will be coming to China later this year. What are your thoughts on today's Surface announcements? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• The Surface Hub 2S can now install Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.
• Switching to Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise transforms the Surface Hub 2S into a more traditional PC.
• The Surface Hub 2S can also continue to use the device with its current version of Windows.

Microsoft's Surface Hub 2S can now install Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. The new configuration option for the Surface Hub 2S shifts the device away from being a meeting-centric piece of hardware, moving instead toward a more traditional large Windows 10 PC. Installing Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise is optional, and a configuration that Microsoft promised last year.

The Surface Hub 2S ships with an operating system Microsoft calls Windows 10 Team. It is optimized for meetings, secure, and supports features like "Walk up and use" that make it ideal for conference rooms. If people don't need a Surface Hub 2S for meetings or settings that need that version of Windows, they can now swap to Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. Doing so transforms the Surface Hub 2S into a traditional PC with a 50-inch screen.

If a Surface Hub 2S is switched to Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, it gains the ability to install apps from outside of the Microsoft Store, including both Win 32 and x64 apps. It also gains Microsoft Defender ATP, Windows Hello support, support for any Windows 10 compatible USB accessory, and Kiosk Mode. It does, however, lose some options as well, including "Walk up and use" and the interface optimized for meetings.

Microsoft has a chart and details breaking down the differences between running the different versions of Windows on the Surface Hub 2S on its website.

While Kiosk mode does not replace the meeting-optimized interface that ships with Windows 10 Team, it does provide customization options that could make the Surface Hub 2S more useable in different settings while still running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.

What you need to know

• Microsoft says it "may or may not" ship a Surface Hub 2X in the future.
• It's focused on delivering the 85-inch Surface Hub 2S in 2020.
• A major OS update is coming soon to the Surface Hub V1 and Surface Hub 2S.

Microsoft has finally addressed the whereabouts of it's mythical Surface Hub 2X device, which was announced in 2018 as coming in 2020 with a new OS that enabled unique features such as tiling, dynamic rotation, and more. In a webinar aimed at customers and resellers, Microsoft says that focus has shifted over to delivering the 85-inch Surface Hub 2S, and that it doesn't anticipate releasing a Surface Hub 2X this year.

Initially, Microsoft was planning to ship the Surface Hub 2X with a new OS called Windows Core, a modular platform that both HoloLens 2 and Surface Neo are based upon. Unfortunately, it appears those plans have been shelved for now. Some of the unique features touted as part of the 2X will now be coming to the 2S in the form of a software update, which will be based on the existing Windows 10 Team SKU instead.

The whole reason why Microsoft split the Surface Hub 2 into two SKUs to begin with was because Windows Core OS wasn't something that Microsoft could deliver as an over the air update, as it's vastly different from Windows 10 Team. Now that Windows Core OS isn't coming to Surface Hub anytime soon, the need for a Surface Hub 2X is no longer necessary.

Today, both Surface Hub V1 and Surface Hub 2S are running Windows 10 Team version 1703, which was released almost three years ago. Now that Windows Core OS isn't coming anytime soon, Microsoft will update Windows 10 Team to version 2004 for both Surface Hub 1 and 2S, and introduce features such as tiling and rotation. This is actually great news for existing Surface Hub customers.

But what does this mean for the future of Windows Core OS on the Surface Hub?

Is Windows Core OS for Hub dead?

The answer isn't entirely clear. Microsoft itself is unsure if it'll ship a Surface Hub 2X in the future, stating that it "may or may not" do so at some point down the line. It does appear to be leaving the door open, but it's clear that there are no immediate plans to move Surface Hub over to the modern Windows Core OS platform, and is instead focused on updating Windows 10 Team with new features and improvements.

The question now is: why has Microsoft halted plans to ship Windows Core OS on the Surface Hub 2? I don't have a concrete answer, however, I was told back in December that Microsoft had deprecated the version of Windows Core OS that it was working on for Surface Hub 2X, but that we could still see a Surface Hub 2X ship with a variant of Windows 10X (which is also based on Windows Core OS) in the future. I don't know if that's still the case.

If I had to guess, Microsoft just doesn't deem it necessary to move the Surface Hub to Windows Core OS at this time. Windows Core OS is a lightweight platform that shines on mobile devices like Surface Neo and HoloLens 2. While there are benefits to running Windows Core OS on any kind of device, it's likely none of those reasons are super important for Microsoft to prioritize shipping it on a device like the Surface Hub 2.

It's also possible that development on Windows Core OS is behind, but that doesn't explain the deprecation of the variant of Windows Core OS that Microsoft was building for Surface Hub 2. I'll be interested to see if down the line, we end up seeing a Surface Hub running a variant of Windows 10X. Microsoft may even want to wait until the Surface Hub 3 before it attempts to bring Surface Hub into the Windows Core OS family.

Microsoft tells us that it will have more to share regarding Surface Hub in the coming months. In the meantime, are you a Surface Hub customer? What are your thoughts on this change of plan? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• The Surface Hub 2X is significantly delayed, and potentially cancelled according to a new report.
• The Surface Hub 2X is the version of the Surface Hub 2 set to run a version of Windows Core OS.
• The development of Windows Core OS might be the cause of the Surface Hub 2X's delay and potential cancellation.

Microsoft's upcoming Surface Hub 2X is significantly delayed and potentially cancelled according to a new report by Petri. According to Petri's Brad Sams, reports that people familiar with the company's plans indicate that the Surface Hub 2X is at minimum delayed, and potentially might never ship. Sams' sources also indicate that Windows Core OS, the operating system that powers the Surface Hub 2X might be taking longer to develop than expected, potentially contributing to the delay.

Last December, our senior editor Zac Bowden checked in on the status on the Surface Hub 2. In that report, Bowden states that the version of Windows Core OS that was built specifically for the Surface Hub 2X, codenamed Aruba, is cancelled. Bowden added that the Surface Hub 2X will ship with Windows 10X instead, though Microsoft might not refer to it as Windows 10X when on the Surface Hub 2X.

The Surface Hub 2X is the Windows Core OS variant of Microsoft's second generation Surface Hub. The Surface Hub 2X was shown off in a video by Microsoft with a lot of fanfare. Notably, that video is now missing from the blog post announcing the Surface Hub 2. In fact, Microsoft appears to have removed all assets and mentions of the Surfacae Hub 2X from the blog post.

Sams reached out to Microsoft regarding the device and received a response that does not directly address if the Surface Hub 2X has been cancelled or delayed. Instead, it focuses on the 85-inch version of the Surface Hub and an OS update to the Surface Hub.

Sams reports that the development of Windows Core OS could be the cause of the Surface Hub 2X's release. This lines up, at least in part, with our report from last year regarding the Surface Hub 2X. We've yet to hear from Microsoft regarding the Surface Hub 2X this year.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Windows 7 support is ending on January 15, so what's the next step for the 300+ million devices still running it? Microsoft may ship the Surface Hub 2X with a version of Windows 10X. In the biggest news of the week, the Xbox Series X was unveiled at The Game Awards on December 13, 2019. The beastly, monolithic device represents "Project Scarlett," as a flagship console set to power the next-generation of console games.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on December 13th 2019.

Links:

• Microsoft will begin warning Windows 7 users that support has ended on January 15 | Windows Central
• Microsoft may ship the Surface Hub 2X with a version of Windows 10X | Windows Central
• Everything we know about Xbox Series X: Launch titles, specs, updated design, and more | Windows Central

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Hosts

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• Zac Bowden

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Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

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Microsoft hasn't said much about the Surface Hub 2X, a product initially announced in May 2018 to much fanfare, since the announcement of the Surface Hub 2S in April earlier this year. Initially announced as a single product, the Surface Hub 2 was supposed to launch in 2019 with a brand new version of Windows 10 built on Windows Core OS, and ship with modern features and capabilities such as tiling, dynamic rotation, faster Windows Updates, and much more.

But later in 2018, Microsoft announced that this version of the Surface Hub 2 would now be coming in 2020 and that it was splitting the Surface Hub 2 into two product SKUs known as the Hub 2S and Hub 2X. The Surface Hub 2S has since launched and is a "lesser" version of the Surface Hub 2X without dynamic rotation, tiling, or any other OS enhancements enabled by Windows Core OS. This is because the Hub 2S ships with the same OS that the original Surface Hub is running today.

Microsoft's official reasoning for doing this is that customers wanted a version of the Surface Hub 2 running the old OS. While that may be true, the real reason this happened is because the OS being built for the Surface Hub 2X wasn't going to be ready in time for a 2019 launch. Codenamed Aruba, this is Microsoft's unique expression of Windows Core OS for collaborative displays like the Surface Hub 2.

I was fully expecting to hear more about the Surface Hub 2X at Ignite 2019, but there was nothing but radio silence on the subject. I mention this because at Ignite 2018, Microsoft gave us the chance to go hands-on with the Surface Hub 2X and its version of Windows Core OS, but that's the only time anyone outside of Microsoft was able to play with it. In every Surface Hub 2 related event since, the Hub 2X has not been present.

A change in OS experience

So, what exactly is going on here? Has Microsoft silently killed off the Surface Hub 2X? I've asked multiple contacts to see if I could get some insider knowledge on the whereabouts of the Surface Hub 2X, and here's what I found. According to sources, Microsoft has killed off the version of Windows Core OS it was building specifically for the Surface Hub 2. Aruba now joins Andromeda OS and Polaris as another deprecated version of Windows Core OS.

This is interesting, as what makes the Surface Hub 2X the X is the software additions enabled by Aruba and Windows Core OS. So what does this mean for the Surface Hub 2X? I'm told that the Surface Hub 2X itself hasn't been canceled, and will still be launching at some point in the future. But now, instead of launching with Aruba, the Surface Hub 2X will ship with Windows 10X instead. Windows 10X is another variant of Windows Core OS, codenamed Santorini.

Now, I don't know if Microsoft will actually call it Windows 10X on the Surface Hub 2X, but it is using the Santorini shell experience. Microsoft, for some reason, is hell-bent on selling Windows 10X as a version of Windows 10 for dual-screen devices only. This isn't true, of course, as Santorini was built from the ground up for traditional form-factors too, whether they be laptops or large displays. So Microsoft may decide to call it something else, who knows.

Either way, I'm hearing the Surface Hub 2X will be launching with Santorini instead of Aruba now. I don't know what this means for any of the unique Surface Hub 2X features that were announced back in 2018. I suspect those features will remain intact, as Santorini is still Windows Core OS under the hood. It's also worth noting that Aruba and Santorini were pretty similar to begin with.

I have a feeling we'll hear more about the Surface Hub 2X and Microsoft's plans in this area in early 2020. I don't know if Microsoft will go on record as acknowledging the fact that the OS has changed, as I don't think they need to. But I do wonder if this OS change means the Surface Hub 2X will be delayed slightly. In theory, this won't be necessary as Windows 10X itself is expected to be finalized in June 2020. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Let's hear from you

What are your thoughts on this change for the Surface Hub 2X? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• The Surface Hub 2 pen and camera have shown up on the Microsoft Store.
• The pen is listed at $169.99, and the camera is listed at $219.99.
• Neither item is available for order at the moment.

The Surface Hub 2's pen and camera have appeared on the Microsoft Store. While the specs and design of this hardware were already known, the store listings include pricing. The Surface Hub 2 Camera is listed at $219.99. The Surface Hub 2 Pen is listed at $169.99. The links to their entries were found by Twitter user WalkingCat. These prices aren't confirmed, so there's always a chance they could change before they're released.

The Surface Hub 2 is aimed at corporate and enterprise users. It features a 4K display that supports up to four simultaneous video conference calls. It also supports advanced inking. It can be used while plugged in or on battery power so that it can move to different conference rooms. The Surface Hub 2 is also modular, meaning that companies can upgrade the device's internals without replacing the entire device.

The camera on the Microsoft Store seems identical to the one that ships with the Surface Hub 2. It records in 4K and works well in low-light thanks in part to its large and open lens. We got to see the camera up close when we went hands-on with the Surface Hub 2.

The pen also seems identical to the pen that ships with the device. It's responsive and can be used for inking on the gigantic display. The Surface Hub 2's latency for pens is around half of that of the original Surface Hub.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

Surface Hub 2S is here! Zac Bowden and Daniel Rubino have all the details on this business-focused device. Also targeted at business users, a HoloLens 2 emulator is now available to developers so they can begin working on new apps.

They also talk about Xbox One S All-Digital Edition — It's a good idea that makes sense for some users, but it's marred by an unattractive price and form factor that fails to differentiate it from other Xbox One models. Something that is great all around, however, is Xpotify. It's a PWA version of Spotify that provides the best experience for Windows 10.

Finally, Samsung Galaxy Fold will be available on April 26th. The team discuss the screen failure experienced by several users, and look at Microsoft's own attempts at multiple screen devices.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on April 19 2019.

Links:

• Watch Microsoft's full Surface Hub 2S reveal here
• Surface Hub 2S hands-on: Cutting-edge collaboration
• Does Microsoft's HoloLens 2 run original HoloLens apps?
• Disc-less Xbox One S All-Digital Edition is a natural progression for Microsoft
• Xpotify review: Quite possibly the best Spotify experience on Windows 10
• Here's why Galaxy Fold displays are already failing

Subscribe to the podcast

• Download directly: Audio
• Listen via Spotify
• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via RSS
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• Subscribe via Pocket Casts

Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
• Twitter: @WindowsCentral with hashtag #wcpodcast

Microsoft today gave the first public preview of its forthcoming Surface Hub 2S, which is now officially launching this June for $8,999. Joining Microsoft Chief Product Officer Panos Panay on stage was Steelcase, who had a significant role working with Microsoft to build the Steelcase Roam stand for the giant collaborative display.

Microsoft and Steelcase spent a lot of time putting into context the Surface Hub 2S noting why it's so essential for modern businesses. Specifically, while technology can always help people perform better, it's also about the team working together. Panay remarked about this shift in workplace habits and Microsoft's role in making it happen smoothly:

Looking at the Surface Hub 2S and it is easy to grasp how useful it can be in an open office environment. The 50-inch display (and an 85-inch one coming in 2020) runs at 4K lets four simultaneous video-conference calls each run at full HD. Due to the size of the display those callers look life-size making the whole experience that much more personal.

The secret sauce though for Surface Hub 2S is the massive battery that is nicely hidden in the Steelcase Roam. That battery lets users unplug the display and roll it around to other areas in the office where needed. With enough juice to last about 100 minutes (give or take) and the ability to fully recharge in under 90 minutes, the tech makes Surface Hub 2S a mobile collaborative display. That's vastly different from the original Surface Hub, which was not only more massive it had to be professionally (and permanently) mounted.

The other secret weapon is the Hub's modular computer. While display technology can last ten years, there's no reason to assume CPUs should. By just yanking the module from the back – with no tools or even line of sight is necessary – the Hub's computer can be upgraded and replaced without disrupting the rest of the device. That's important for companies plunking down at least $9,000 for the hardware.

That modularity should be a hint at how Microsoft sees the future of computing going for some scenarios and could very well apply to future iterations of Surface Studio where the concept also makes sense. That same modularity will later let Surface Hub 2S devices upgrade to the new "2X" experience, presumably powered by the forthcoming Windows Core OS.

The 4K camera is no slouch either having a surprisingly good low-light ability due to the large and open lens. The camera connects through USB Type-C with two guiding pins and a magnetic base. These features let the camera click into place on the side or top of Surface Hub 2S with no wires and no effort.

The Hub's pen also now uses the same pen protocols as the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book. Latency and parallax have been significantly improved, and the new etched matte screen makes writing on the display feel even more natural.

Running apps side by side (or even triple stacked) was fast, fluid, with no lag thanks to the Core i5 processor. While there are no discrete graphics akin to NVIDIA at no point did the Surface Hub 2S suffer from lag. Instead, it was very responsive and behaved as you would expect.

Despite the seemingly high price tag Surface Hub 1 did very well for Microsoft. So much that the company decided a year ago to alert businesses that Surface Hub 2 was coming in mid-2019 so that they can better budget themselves and not look to grab the older version. Surface Hub 2S fixes and advances the overall concept of a collaborative display and then some.

Panay noted that they see Surface Hub 2S doing what laptops did for the desktop PC – giving users a new way creative, collaborate, and empower users. From what we saw today it looks like they have achieved that.

See Surface Hub 2 at Microsoft

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

Microsoft today revealed more details about the Surface Hub 2S, including its pricing and availability, as part of a low-key media event in New York.

Companies will be able to get their hands on the 50-inch version of the Surface Hub 2S starting in June with prices starting at $8,999. Additionally, Microsoft says that it plans to release an 85-inch model, but testing won't begin with this larger version until "early 2020."

The Surface Hub 2S will feature a display that is 60 percent thinner than the original Surface Hub, according to Microsoft. The company boasts that the latest version will also sport 50 percent increased graphics performance over the original. Microsoft has also partnered with Steelcase on a mobile stand and battery for the Surface Hub 2S, allowing it to be moved between rooms without the need for a constant AC power connection.

In addition to announcing the upcoming availability of the Surface Hub 2S, Microsoft also revealed it is working on a Surface Hub 2 Display. The display will give users access to the same touch and pen experience available with the Surface Hub without the computing internals. The company is also planning to launch a new configuration option that will let customers run Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise on Surface Hub 2S for "specialized app scenarios."

Surface Hub 2S represents a significant step up from the original Surface Hub, offering modular hardware and a display that can now be rotated from landscape to portrait mode, thanks to a new hinge. The 50-inch Surface Hub 2S will be available starting in June in the U.S. starting at $8,999, with more markets to follow.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week Windows 10 19H1 inches closer to release as Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden look forward to a Surface Hub 2 event on April 17, where pricing, availability, and more details are expected. They also talk about the leaked version of Microsoft Edge and reasons why Chrome users will want to switch once the official release is available.

Additionally, the Cortana bot says 'goodbye' to Skype, and 19H1 is getting closer to release. They also consider which departments at Microsoft have the most fun!

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on March 29 2019.

Links:

• Surface Hub 2 availability, pricing, and more expected on April 17
• Microsoft's new Edge browser must court IT crowd to steal Chrome's crown
• Cortana bot says 'goodbye' to Skype, but you'll still get suggested replies
• Windows 10 19H1 build 18362 is rolling out for Insiders in the Fast ring

Sponsors:

• LinkedIn Jobs: The right hire can make a huge impact on your business. That's why it's so important to find the right person! find the person who will help you grow your business with LinkedIn! Visit linkedin.com/wcp to get $50 off your first job post.

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Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

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Microsoft's Surface Hub 2 was announced 10 months ago, but at the time many details, including how much it will cost, specifications, and when companies can buy it, were missing.

That's about to change on April 17 in New York City, where Surface head Panos Panay and his team may finally give all the details about Microsoft's popular collaboration display. We should also be able to finally get a video hands-on of the new hardware and see how it all works.

Invites were just sent for what is presumed to be a very low-key media event in cooperation with Steelcase. The theme of the event is "experience new ways to work better, together", which is very much in line with the Surface Hub 2.

What Surface Hub 2 is and what's new

Microsoft first revealed the Surface Hub 2 on May 15, 2018, and we later saw it in person – but could not touch or use it.

Surface Hub 2 is the follow-up to the original Surface Hub from 2015. Surface Hub 2S (there are two versions) is the one releasing soon, and it features a 50.5-inch "more than 4K" display with a familiar 3:2 aspect ratio. There is also a 4K video camera, built-in speakers, a new Surface Pen (more like a marker), far-field microphone array, and a near bezel-less screen.

The way Surface Hub 2 operates, however, is the big deal. As we wrote last year:

The other significant feature is that Surface Hub 2 has a modular design. A new "processor cartridge" can be removed, upgraded, and serviced over time, which should increase the lifespan of Surface Hub 2.

Hands-on with the slick new Surface Hub 2 and its version of Windows Core OS

Surface Hub 2 in 2019 will ship with a software experience known as Surface Hub 2S, which is the same version of Windows 10 found on the original Surface Hub. An enhanced OS that won't be available until at least 2020 will bring smoother rotation, live wallpapers, and the ability to connect multiple Surface Hub 2s together for a larger display. That OS experience is dubbed "Surface Hub 2X" and is expected to be running Windows Core OS.

Surface Hub 2 and our April 17 expectations

Microsoft's Panay, who oversees the Surface line, is expected to demonstrate the full capability of Surface Hub 2 on April 17, including how organizations like schools, creatives, and businesses can use the display for remote collaboration.

Details on the processor, RAM, storage and more should also be shared along with how the modular system works for hardware upgrades.

Microsoft previously announced that Surface Hub 2 should ship in the second quarter of 2019, but now we should get a firm date for that release.

Finally, official pricing for Surface Hub 2 should be announced as well. Previously, Microsoft told us pricing is in line with "similar devices" (the last-gen 55-inch Surface Hub costs $8,999).

We will be at the April 17 event in New York City to cover the announcement. However, it is not expected to be live streamed.

This week at Microsoft Ignite, I had the chance to go hands-on with the new Surface Hub 2S and Surface Hub 2X. I was able to touch them, ask questions, and find out a little more about the upcoming collaborative display from Microsoft. Surface Hub 2S and Surface Hub 2X are two very interesting devices, if only because they're almost the same device — the only real difference between them is software.

Before we dive into the software, however, let's talk a bit more about that hardware. This was the first time I had seen a Surface Hub 2 up close, and unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos or video of the devices. I can describe them to you, though: they are fantastic. You'll find a USB-C port on all four sides of the Surface Hub 2 so that you can plug in Surface Hub 2 peripherals like a webcam, fingerprint reader, and possibly other accessories in the future, no matter the orientation.

They both also feature the same 4K display, and four loud and clear speakers which are placed at the top and bottom of the left and right sides of the display, Unfortunately, Microsoft was not ready to talk about specifications such as processor, RAM, etc. so, for now, we don't know what those are going to be.

Surface Hub 2S

Starting with the Surface Hub 2S, this is the device that will begin shipping to customers in Q2 2019. It looks and feels exactly like the Surface Hub 2X, but with a couple of minor differences. First, it doesn't come with a fingerprint reader. Surface Hub 2S doesn't support the fingerprint module due to the OS being the old Surface Hub 1 OS. There's also no way to tile the Surface Hub 2S either, meaning you can't use multiple Hub 2's side-by-side as one giant screen.

The other notable difference about this hardware is that the Surface Hub 2S is configured in the landscape orientation, which cannot be changed. The Surface Hub 2S cannot rotate into portrait mode like in the videos we've seen, likely because the old Hub OS doesn't support this functionality. The rotation mechanism is locked out of box and will unlock when you switch out the upgradable computer in the back to the Surface Hub 2X module.

Surface Hub 2X

Surface Hub 2X is the device Microsoft announced earlier this year and won't be available until sometime in 2020. It is the jaw-dropping, smooth rotating, fluid, and beautiful Surface Hub 2 experience we've seen in the videos, and it is real. Differences in hardware include the upgraded computer module in the back, fingerprint reader support, and the ability to rotate the screen.

Microsoft was unable to show us the tiling feature, which lets you stack multiple Surface Hub 2's together to make one giant screen, as the hardware still isn't final. The demo we received included the cool rotation trick, opening a file in Office, and joining a video call in Microsoft Teams. When in portrait mode, video calls make the person on the other end feel almost life-sized.

I had the chance to use the rotation mechanism on the Surface Hub 2X, and it works really well. It doesn't feel heavy, and it locks into the horizontal or vertical positions so that you don't accidentally bump it out of orientation. The software effect that keeps text and windows fixed in place when rotating looks cool, but as the software is still very early, it was a little jaggier than what we've seen in the official promo video, but still awesome nonetheless.

Windows Core OS

So, I was personally very excited to get my hands on the Surface Hub 2 because I was very interested in poking around in the OS. As we've written about in the past, Microsoft is working on a new, modern and universal version of Windows 10 called Windows Core OS, which will run on all kinds of devices, including Andromeda, HoloLens, and of course, the Surface Hub 2X. The version of Windows Core OS that runs on Surface Hub 2X is known as Aruba, or Hub OS, and features an experience tailored to the large, collaborative display form-factor.

This is the first time Microsoft has let press play around with a version of Windows Core OS, but the company still isn't ready to talk officially about what Windows Core OS is all about. Still, I had a brief few minutes to tap around the OS to see if I could find anything interesting. Microsoft was watching over my shoulder closely, however, so I couldn't dive in too much without someone telling me "NO!"

I could tell that the shell is CShell based, which is rocking the new, updated, and simplified System Tray design. The clock in the bottom right now only shows the time, omitting the date which makes the whole thing look much cleaner. It also featured Control Center, which something I wrote about back in 2017. Control Center looks very different in today's builds of Windows Core OS compared to what was leaked back in 2017, featuring Acrylic Blur effects and access to quick actions, a brightness slider, and more.

The Start Button, Timeline, and People buttons are placed in the center of the taskbar, which does differ across the different Windows Core OS experiences. For example, on Polaris, the Start button is in its usual place. Placing the Start and Task View buttons in the center of the taskbar is much better on a device like Surface Hub 2X however, as it means those using it can touch those buttons regardless of what side of the screen they're standing on.

Microsoft also showed off multi-user support, which I believe is a Windows Core OS specific thing. This allows multiple users to be logged into the same desktop at the same time, allowing documents and files to be shared across apps from two separate accounts. This is the evolution of the "family desktop" idea that was originally put forward with Home Hub, now being used on Surface Hub 2X.

The Surface Hub 2X lock screen is also very beautiful. I believe you can ink directly onto the lock screen for quick note taking that remain there until wiped away. Microsoft is also working on live wallpapers for Windows Core OS devices, although that feature wasn't being demoed to us in our brief session with the device. I also noticed that apps now feature a slightly heavier drop-shadow effect, which looks really nice.

I did ask Microsoft about whether or not Surface Hub 2X will run Win32 programs, but they were not willing to comment on that subject. I know from sources however that, at least as of right now, Surface Hub 2X cannot run Win32 programs. Since it's running Windows Core OS, it doesn't have any of the legacy guts to be able to run those programs. It's a UWP-only experience.

Overall, Windows Core OS is still absolutely happening. It's the future of Windows across all these modern devices, which is super important to stress. It's unclear which devices will be the first to ship with Windows Core OS however; we know Surface Hub 2X is shipping in 2020, but HoloLens 2 is supposed to be announced next year, and that will run Windows Core OS too. I have heard that Windows Core OS for HoloLens 2 is further behind than it is on Surface Hub 2X however, so we'll have to see.

For now, I am very excited about Surface Hub 2 and Windows Core OS. What are your thoughts on the Surface Hub 2 so far? Let us know in the comments.

Microsoft has today announced more details regarding the upcoming Surface Hub 2. Announced in May earlier this year, the Surface Hub 2 is Microsoft's second-generation collaborative display, designed for those in the enterprise and enhancing productivity within meetings and team-based projects. Today's announcements talk a little more about the Surface Hub 2's hardware, including its plans for its rollout and software experiences.

According to Microsoft, Surface Hub 2 features a modular design that makes it easy to upgrade when required. A new "processor cartridge" can be removed, upgraded, and serviced over time, which should increase the lifespan of Surface Hub 2 for customers considerably. In addition, Microsoft has also announced rollout plans for Surface Hub 2, with the first Surface Hub 2 shipments rolling out in phases starting Q2 2019.

What's interesting here is the Surface Hub 2 in 2019 will ship with a software experience known as Surface Hub 2S, which is the same version of Windows 10 found on the original Surface Hub available today. This means the unique Surface Hub 2 experiences such as smooth rotation, live wallpapers, and the ability to connect multiple Surface Hub 2's together for a larger display, won't be available on day one. Microsoft says these unique software experiences will arrive in an update called "Surface Hub 2X" in 2020.

The update requires Surface Hub 2S users to upgrade the processor to enable the new Surface Hub 2 experiences when they're made available. Microsoft hasn't explained why a processor upgrade is required for this, and it also hasn't said how much the processor upgrade is going to cost. It sounds a lot like "Windows Core OS" (WCOS) for Surface Hub 2 has been delayed until 2020, as all of the unique Surface Hub 2 features that were demoed back in May were built on Windows Core OS. Now, Surface Hub 2 is simply going to ship with the older Surface Hub OS, and upgrade to the new one based on Windows Core OS in 2020 when it's ready.

Microsoft says it's doing this because customers asked for the same Surface Hub experience in a slimmer design with updated specifications. The only other alternative would be to not ship Surface Hub 2 until 2020 at the earliest, which Microsoft doesn't want to do as there are businesses ready to buy Surface Hub 2 now. So, it'll ship with Surface Hub 2S, and in 2020, Surface Hub 2X will become available for Surface Hub 2 users to upgrade to.

What are your thoughts on these launch plans for Surface Hub 2? Let us know in the comments.

Avocor is taking advantage of Microsoft's Inspire 2018 partner event in Las Vegas to show off its first Windows Collaboration Display (via MSPU). Announced in June, this new category of devices is inspired by the Surface Hub and Hub 2, giving companies access to massive collaboration screens for employees to use as collaboration tools during meetings and brainstorming sessions.

At the time of their announcement, not much was known about these new displays. However, Avocor has now given a little more information on what to expect from its entry. The device features a 4K display running at 60 hertz, and is powered by a PC connected over a single USB-C cable. Avocor doesn't make mention of the display sizes that will be available, but it does confirm that they'll feature 20-point touch and "exceptionally responsive and pixel-perfect touch." That's in addition to inking capabilities built for Microsoft 365 apps like Whiteboard and Teams.

In addition, the collaboration displays will include integrated cameras, stereo speakers, and far-field microphones, along with an included pen. Built-in sensors will also connect the displays to Azure IoT Smart Spaces.

Says Avocor CEO Scott Hix:

Aside from Avocor, Sharp has also been confirmed to be working on its own collaboration display, featuring a 70-inch screen and a high-resolution conference camera.

Avocor says that its first Windows Collaboration Displays will launch "later this summer."

Following in the footsteps of the Surface Hub – and soon the Surface Hub 2 – Microsoft's partners are now getting into the large Windows PC business. At Computex, Microsoft announced the new category as "Windows Collaboration Displays," which will continue to empower employees and offices around the world.

Sharp and Avocore are just two of the initial manufacturers getting into the Windows Collaboration Display business later this year. Like Surface Hub, these larger than life screens let employees and creators leverage "Office, Teams, and Whiteboard at room scale" and are powered by Microsoft 365 – which includes Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security.

Not much is known about the features of these first-gen Windows Collaboration Displays, but the one from Sharp (seen in the lead image) is 70-inches and features a larger, high-resolution conference camera.

The news follows Microsoft's earlier announcement this spring of the Surface Hub 2 coming in late 2018 as an early preview to some companies, with a broader release in 2019. While pricing is uncertain for the Surface Hub 2 Microsoft's partners are expected to fill in the gaps with differing price points, sizes, features, and more extensive global reach into differing markets.

Other companies are expected to launch similar products later in 2019. Lenovo and others are also continuing on the smaller scale with Skype-powered conference speakers and other collaborative tools built around Microsoft's latest services and enterprise security tools.

Intelligent Edge and ubiquitous computing community

Besides the Windows Collaboration Display device category Microsoft also touted advanced in the Intelligent Edge, AI, ubiquitous computing, Microsoft 365, multi-device and multi-sense experiences at Computex. The theme is a familiar one that was featured at Microsoft's recent Build developer conference.

To help the process along, Microsoft is also announcing a new community-focused approach to growing the intelligent edge which will "help partners connect with one another to identify opportunities to collaborate on technology innovation and achieve shared business goals. In addition, community members will be able to participate in training and community events and can participate in early adopter programs that provide access to documentation, specs, OS builds and certification details" according to Nick Parker, Corporate Vice President, Consumer and Device Sales at Microsoft.

Partners can sign up at Microsoft.com/intelligentedge to get started.

Full details and more information about Microsoft IoT and Azure can be found on the Microsoft blog.

This week's #AskDanWindows is all about Microsoft being committed to Windows 10 on ARM, will we finally see Snapdragon 845 Windows 10 devices at Computex in June, and does Surface Hub 2 really have animated wallpapers?

All that and more, so grab a cup of coffee and tune in!

Audience questions Episode 48

• Will we see Snapdragon 845 based Windows devices at Computex? - Chris K
• Is Microsoft committed to Windows on ARM for the long haul? - Ezra W.
• The Surface Hub 2 showed a live animated lock screen. Does this mean Windows 10 will now support live wallpapers like android? - T Ali
• As a Windows desktop user who is very happy with his always on LTE equipped 12.9" iPad Pro, sell me on the HPEnvyX2 - @End_User
• If the Surface Hub 2 is indeed showcasing CShell, can we expect such a responsive and adaptive UI in Andromeda? - Alessandro A.

Thanks to everyone for the questions!

Email me!

Don't use Twitter? After much feedback, we are happy to announce you can forward your questions to AskDan@WindowsCentral.com to submit your requests!

AskDan forums!

Hate using email? Join me on our #AskDan Forums at Windows Central! I'll occasionally jump in there to try and answer questions or take ideas for new episodes of our web series.

Ask Dan Forums at Windows Central

You can also find previous episodes of #AskDanWindows here on the main landing page.

• Watch the #AskDanWindows playlist on Youtube
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This week's #AskDanWindows is all about Surface Hub 2, Andromeda, with a dash of Windows on ARM ("Always Connected PCs"), because the future is fun!

Grab a cup of coffee and tune in to these audience-driven questions and see what I think (and what I know)!

Audience questions Episode 47

• How will the rumored "Andromeda" foldable device fit into the new concept of working environment highlighted by Surface Hub 2? – Angelo S.
• Is Microsoft still working on improving the Win32 emulation on ARM or did they pull down the whole Windows 10 on ARM Idea? – Johannes H.
• Does the amazingness of the Surface Hub 2 make you more excited for how well done "Andromeda" could be? - @KingNerdIII

Thanks to everyone for the questions!

Email me!

Don't use Twitter? After much feedback, we are happy to announce you can forward your questions to AskDan@WindowsCentral.com to submit your requests!

AskDan forums!

Hate using email? Join me on our #AskDan Forums at Windows Central! I'll occasionally jump in there to try and answer questions or take ideas for new episodes of our web series.

Ask Dan Forums at Windows Central

You can also find previous episodes of #AskDanWindows here on the main landing page.

• Watch the #AskDanWindows playlist on Youtube
• Subscribe to #AskDanWindows in podcast format (RSS)

The history of Windows has, in a sense, always been about getting things done, whether it's writing a term paper, doing an Excel document, doing supercomputing, or just good ol' Minesweeper. But the world that Windows grew up in has radically changed since the mid-1990s with the growth of the internet.

Back in February, our Senior Writer Zac Bowden reported that the Surface Hub 2 – along with unannounced products like HoloLens 2 and "Project Andromeda" – are part of a concerted effort built around collaboration in the modern workspace, along with productivity and 3D Mixed Reality. The Surface Hub 2 official reveal thisw week affirms that the primary concept behind the device is getting people to work together for idea-expression, whether they are in the same room or across the planet.

Breaking down barriers

Hip jargon, like "dynamic and immersive collaboration", or more recently from Microsoft Build, "planet-scale apps", may sound like PR buzz, but it seems to be all part of a plan for Windows, Azure (Cosmos DB), Xbox, Kinect for Azure, and Surface.

Microsoft Whiteboard – which is still in early preview – Microsoft OneNote, Office 365, Microsoft Team, and Skype, are all about letting people break down barriers. Some of that is language (Microsoft Translator), some of that is distance ("Holoportation", and some is personal (My People on the Windows Taskbar).

All these apps, software, and now even hardware, are very different from the legacy of the desktop PC. The old concept of a terminal that workers slaved behind in isolation (save for the annoying buzz of email) is thankfully dying. A new world where our phones, laptops, wall computers, speakers, and tablets are all connected with instant access to people is the new mission. Sharing information instantly, naturally connecting with co-workers, and busting down those walls is now driving Microsoft.

Future purpose of Windows 10 is clearer

With stable (but not growing) sales of PCs, and the rise of mobile smartphones and dozens of connected devices, Microsoft has been struggling to find its place since 2010. These are not the '90s where the goal was to get a PC into every house and then get people on the world wide web.

Finding the purpose of Windows in 2018 (and beyond) is a challenge. No longer can the OS just run Photoshop or some enterprise software. Those use cases are still important, but those markets are also flat and going nowhere.

For all the haranguing around Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella focusing only on the cloud and not Windows, he and the rest of the company appear to be finding a purpose for the OS: letting people connect in new ways. This focus is not just chasing social for fun, but to better express ourselves — and, yes, get work done.

Surface Hub 2 does not have an immediate consumer angle. However, many of the comments and reactions on our stories about Surface Hub 2 seem to suggest people understand where all of this is going. It's not just about whizbang hardware, it's about a theme of letting us do new things with technology (and specifically, Windows PCs) that we first saw in the movies, but no one had the gall to make – until now.

The idea that in a few years a more affordable version of a Surface Home Hub might hit the consumer market seems more plausible after this week's announcement.

Reason to be optimistic about the future

The concept of a modern office stocked with a HoloLens 2, Surface Hub 2, foldable tablets (Andromeda), and Surface Laptops seems not only desirable but increasingly likely. The reason is such technology – and the software behind it – will let humans do new things built around teamwork.

Microsoft is now creating technology that inspires us. That's not an inconsequential thing in a world that has become so cynical. Putting aside innovation in the workplace, Microsoft's recent focus on inclusive design and bringing gamers with all abilities to the living room is also progressing just as quickly, if not faster.

None of this is to suggest Microsoft has everything figured out. But for the first time, it is starting to feel like the company has a master plan for Surface hardware, morphing Windows into a cloud OS, and making ubiquitous computing happen. That's a significant change for a company that used to create products in isolation, with no grand theory behind them.

That sense of purpose for Windows – and Microsoft – has been missing for the last few years. But that makes seeing it for the first time even more exciting.

In March, Microsoft gave a surprise preannouncement for the Surface Hub 2. The news was little more than a heads-up that refreshed hardware was planned, but more info was expected during "first half of this year."

Today is that day. Microsoft officially gave us the first preview of Surface Hub 2, and while there are still many details to be determined later this year, the video revealing the collaborative office PC is impressive.

The all new Surface Hub 2

The Microsoft Surface Hub 2 features a 50.5-inch "more than 4K" display with a familiar 3:2 aspect ratio. There is also a 4K video camera, built-in speakers, a new Surface Pen (more like a marker), far-field microphone array, and a near bezel-less screen.

The secret mojo though is that the new Surface Hub 2 can now rotate on an ingenious new hinge that lets users quickly switch the giant computer from landscape to portrait orientations. The large Surface can be mounted to a wall or on a new roller cart to make it more mobile.

Companies with deep pockets can splurge for two Surface Hub 2's placed side by side in landscape, or up to four Surface Hub 2's mounted adjacently in portrait mode. The PCs can then operate independently or together.

The Surface Hub 2 also features a thumbprint login system for Windows Hello, and in a new twist, the OS lets two users simultaneously log into the PC to share information in real time between accounts.

Windows 10 PCs and those using Microsoft Teams on any device (iOS, Android, or Windows) can interact with Surface Hub 2 directly and in "dynamic collaboration" using apps like OneNote, Teams, and Whiteboard in the office or across the world.

The other modification from the original Surface Hub is there is now only one size available versus the initial choice between 55-inch and 84-inch. Microsoft gave us the following rationale for the change:

Early testing with select Microsoft partners for Surface Hub 2 will begin later this year, and general purchasing and shipments should start in 2019.

Pricing has not been determined, but Microsoft tells us it is in line with "similar devices" (the last-gen 55-inch Surface Hub costs $8,999, so it won't likely be cheap).

What we don't know about Surface Hub 2

While there is much more to talk about with Surface Hub 2, especially with that new sizzler promo, there is plenty we do not know, including:

• Exact cost and local availability.
• If there is an internal battery for when mobile (on a cart).
• If the 4K camera will be sold separately.
• Processor, ports, and full specifications.

Those details are coming, and we expect a hands-on experience soon with Surface Hub 2.

First glimpse of Windows Core OS?

Windows Central Senior Writer Zac Bowden noted in February that Microsoft "is building an army of devices that are designed to work together" focusing on "collaboration, productivity, and 3D/Mixed Reality" with callouts to Surface Hub 2, HoloLens 2, and the rumored "Andromeda" foldable PC

Today's announcement from Microsoft seems to fall in line with that reporting.

Looking more closely at the Surface Hub 2 video the OS is a variant of Windows 10. We have long reported that C-shell and Windows Core OS would ship with Surface Hub 2 (codenamed "Aruba"; see also "Polaris") and we still believe that is the case (especially with the dual-login feature and general UI changes).

When asked, Microsoft would only say that the OS seen here is "built from Windows 10 with a focus on a collaborative environment." This is likely how Microsoft will publicly talk about Windows Core OS versus announcing something new and causing confusion.

Also spotted in the Surface Hub 2 is dynamic wallpaper that moves in the background, another feature we have heard is coming to Windows Core OS.

Microsoft informs us that the original Surface Hub will get "the same great features and updates that were built for Surface Hub 2" through a software update for current Hub customers.

Who is Surface Hub 2 for?

Microsoft sees the future of the office as collaboration. Speculating that future Surface devices – even unannounced ones – will participate in this new mode of working is not a stretch.

More to the point of Surface Hub 2, Microsoft references that millennials and Generation Z are quickly becoming the dominant age group in the workforce. These users are "digitally native" and expect to work together, while also being creative on the job. With Surface Hub 2, Microsoft is simply responding to that by asking "how can we help people be creative ... and share their ideas."

Surface Hub 2 lets users create and share while also allowing the device to exist in meeting rooms, huddle spaces, or even private offices. With a single thumbprint login, the OS pulls in your documents and information for the cloud for a glimpse of what "edge computing" actually means.

Why announce Surface Hub 2 now?

Businesses and institutions that plan long term around information technology (IT) and hardware need a long on-ramp. Microsoft knows this process can take some companies up to 18 months to switch over after initial planning and budgeting, making the enterprise space vastly different from the immediacy of the consumer market.

Presumably, companies will start to plan out for Surface Hub 2 – including the high price tag for budgets – now with anticipation to roll it out in 2019 and 2020. Microsoft is also giving companies a nod that they should likely pass on buying a new Surface Hub, or any other competitor in the market, as something better is on the way.

The original Surface Hub was one of Microsoft's most successful businesses Surfaces to date with more than 5,000 customers across 25 markets, according to the company. Microsoft looks to continue that momentum with Surface Hub 2 and working closely with current customers first.

We can assume Microsoft will share more about Surface Hub 2 in the coming months. The Microsoft Ignite conference is in September, making it an excellent opportunity for a more extensive public reveal, but Microsoft has not yet committed to any such plans.