Today has been a very big day for Microsoft hardware. Earlier we wrote about the highly anticipated Surface Pro 4 and surprise Surface Book 2-in-1 laptop, which offer the latest Intel processors in premium, desirable and highly portable forms. Meanwhile Microsoft mobile device fans waiting impatiently for new high end mobiles from the firm, and today it didn't disappoint, as it showed off the first flagship Lumia smartphones designed under its own name.
So at last Microsoft has released some top-end Windows phones. It sensibly waited until the mobile OS was ready enough to release the new hardware to spearhead its marketing thrust with these devices. In essence the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL "combine Windows 10 innovation with our most powerful hardware and top-of-the-line imaging to help you be more productive", said the firm. It also revealed a new affordable handset called the Lumia 550. This is the cheapest 4G LTE smartphone from Microsoft and comes with Windows 10 installed.
Of course the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL are pretty similar, with the obvious exception of the screen size, but how else to they differ? It's best to look at a comparison table to see:
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Lumia 950 ($549) |
Lumia 950 XL ($649) |
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As well as the above listed specs Microsoft has implemented additional technologies to help raise its flagships above its rivals. For better reception these phones use 'adaptive antenna technology', and to stay cool in the hand use 'tablet class' liquid cooling technology based upon developments by the Surface team.
Thanks to the AMOLED screens Microsoft has been able to implement the popular Glance screen tech that previous top-end Lumias used. Triple LED flash helps images where flash is required look more natural. They support biometric authentication such as an iris scanner and support Qualcomm Quick Charge to top up your battery by 50 per cent in 30 minutes.
Last but by no means least these smartphones support large screen productivity via Microsoft's Continuum technology. Microsoft claims this provides a "PC-like experience that’s powered by your phone". To use Continuum you will need the Microsoft Display Dock and, of course, a handy monitor and mouse/keyboard combo.
Other hardware
Microsoft went beyond the computers and smartphone announcements with the announcement of the Microsoft Band 2 and news about the Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition, shipping in Q1 2016, priced at $3000.
It also shared news about the Xbox platform, which will get Xbox 360 games compatibility in November and Windows 10, plus a raft of new games in time for Xmas. We also learnt that there are now 110 million devices running Windows 10.
