NEWS

Microsoft HoloLens comes to Japan Last month we marked an important milestone for Microsoft HoloLens when we announced HoloLens Development Edition and Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite availability in Australia, Ireland, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Pre-orders start on December 2nd – exclusively from the Microsoft Store in Japan and HoloLens will begin to ship in early 2017. We continue to be inspired by the work developers and customers are doing with HoloLens across the globe. Japan is no different. One of the companies already innovating with HoloLens is Japan Airlines. By using HoloLens, Japan Airlines has developed two proof-of-concept programs to provide supplemental training for engine mechanics, and for flight crew trainees who want to be promoted to co-pilot status. We are very excited to have them on this holographic journey with us. It has been inspiring [ more… ]

Standard C++ and the Windows Runtime (C++/WinRT) The Windows Runtime (WinRT) is the technology that powers the Universal Windows Platform, letting developers write applications that are common to all Windows devices, from Xbox to PCs to HoloLens to phones.  Most of UWP can also be used by developers targeting traditional desktop applications. WinRT APIs are easily accessible from managed languages like C#, however for native C++ developers, using WinRT either requires a lot of complex COM code, or the use of Visual C++ component extensions, better known as C++/CX.  These language extensions allow C++ to understand the metadata describing WinRT objects, provide automatic reference counting of WinRT objects, and a variety of other things, but are not part of the standard C++ language. Now there’s an easier way for native C++ developers to use the standard, modern C++ language with [ more… ]

Windows 10 Tip: Three ways Cortana can help you this holiday We’ve showed you how Cortana* can help you search your PC and the web – today, we’re sharing three ways Cortana can help you during the holidays, from tracking flights and packages to remembering your shopping lists! Set a reminder   We’re all running around like crazy this holiday season, so let Cortana remember things for you. Simply ask her to remind you to pick up the tree trimmings on your way home or ship a package before it’s too late. Make lists to track gifts Whether you’re planning gifts to buy, making a shopping list for a holiday meal or remembering what you need to do before leaving for vacation, you can easily use your voice or type to create a new list, add to an existing list [ more… ]