Microsoft has recently shared to the public its plans for new Windows 10 devices for 2017 that will capture both Windows loyalists and switchers. The software giant wants "cool" devices with cutting-edge designs that will optimize Cortana and Mixed-Reality for gamers and "media fanatics."

Microsoft is poised to win 2017 with specific instructions to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs) regarding design and specific device types. The orders were given during the WinHEC 2016 conference in Shenzhen, China and recently disclosed to the public.

Hero Feature Sets

OEMs and ODMs are highly encouraged to incorporate three hero feature sets in the new devices starting with Windows Hello with a Holidays timetable starting last October to December 2016. This is followed by the New Year with Windows Hello from January to March 2017 and lastly, Cortana for Dads and Grads from April to June 2017. All features targets both Window loyalists and switchers.

Specific New device Types

Microsoft encourages OEMs to invest on specific device types starting with the PCs for "modern creators" or 2-in-1 detachables and convertibles ideally with both pen and touch functionalities. Cameras will get a major bump with a world-facing and user-facing cameras and the wake-on-voice support of Cortana according to Hot Hardware.

The modern peripherals for everyone refer to keyboards, mice, headsets and "commercial pucks" to name a few. Gadgets that support Cortana, Windows Hello and/or Ink will get a special logo or branding treatment.

Top on the wish-list of Microsoft is to come up with PCs to power Mixed-Reality, which is a hybrid Augmented reality (AR) with virtual worlds. These include not just desktop PCs, but also 2-in-1s, notebooks and backpack devices that can power upcoming and cheaper Windows Holographics headset set to be released during the holidays.

Microsoft plans to have more PCs for gaming and "media fanatics" with specs like the DX12 GPUs, HDR/WCG display and Xbox compatibility. Marketing programs will focus on bringing and bundling Xbox and PC together, ZDNet reported.

Lastly, OEMs are tasked to create IoT devices for verticals. This pertains to all devices running Windows IoT like the Azure IoT Suite, Dynamics 365 and Cortana.

Windows 10 Phones

Microsoft has omitted reference to the Windows 10 phones, which further confirms that the Redmond company has fully abandoned the mobile market. However, consumers may still expect the Windows 10 PCs powered by an ARM processor sometime in 2018.

Topics Microsoft, Cortana