Microsoft revealed a new edition of its Windows 10 operating system aimed at schools and designed to run on low-cost computers.
The sale of this new device will commence on 15 June with a disclosed starting price of $999 (£770). According the firm, the new device has a 13.5 inch (34cm) screen and 14 hours of battery life.
According to the Microsoft Surface boss Panos Panay, the new laptop had a 1080 pixel display and weighed 2.76lb (1.25 kg) - lighter than the Macbook Air.
He also said it would run the new Windows 10S operating system and, despite the price, had been designed with students who were about to leave school in mind.
An analyst at Creative Strategies, Carolina Milanesi said:
"Apple's Macbook Air is also popular with students and it hasn't produced a new model for a while. So this is all about Microsoft trying to steal a march on its old rival."The new Windows 10S promises stronger virus protection and better battery life, and will be available on third party PCs with a starting price of $189.
Microsoft and Apple have struggled with the recent rise of Chromebooks - low-cost PCs running Google's Chrome operating system (OS), in as much they have long dominated the school computing market.
According to consulting firm Futuresource, 58% of devices sold to US schools in 2016 were Chromebooks, while 22% ran Windows operating systems and 19% ran Apple ones.
Microsoft has also revealed that, devices using Windows 10S would only run apps provided through the Windows Store, which would help maintain their security and speed. Microsoft also said the OS would be easier for teachers to set up and manage.
Microsoft has already convinced some suppliers such as Acer to come on board, but it may have to offer incentives to keep them engaged.
No comments:
Post a Comment