Microsoft Build 2017: Windows, Mixed Reality and More

It’s developer conference season, and Microsoft is set to host its applications creators at Build. The event will, as always, focus on Windows, but there’s much more the company is expected to discuss. For instance, Microsoft has been investing heavily in the cloud and is rumored to be planning some enhancements to its online solutions. Additionally, Microsoft could double down on bots, and the company’s interest in mixed reality still seems strong. There’s also a good chance Microsoft will discuss its broader plans for taking down Chromebooks. This slide show talks about all that and more when Microsoft kicks off its Build 2017 conference May 10 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.

Windows 10 Creators Update has been generally well-received, but it’s also caused trouble for older accessories that connect to computers via Bluetooth and Microsoft has been forced to block certain users access to the operating system. Hopefully, Microsoft will outline what it has planned for the operating system’s future.

A discussion on Project NEON, a new design language Microsoft has been working on for some time, might be appropriate at the show. Discussing a design language at any other time of the year doesn’t make much sense.

Microsoft has already said that Redstone 3, the next big update to Windows 10, is coming in September. It would make sense for the company to showcase some of its features at Build. Rumors suggest the update will include social and productivity enhancements.

Microsoft has been rather tight-lipped about its views on the future of its Universal Windows Platform, its vision for creating full compatibility across devices. Build should include an update and how Microsoft plans to help developers create one application and ensure it works everywhere.

The virtual personal assistant market is heating up. Amazon continues to improve Alexa; Samsung has fired a shot over the bow with Bixby; and Apple reportedly is updating Siri. Microsoft must talk about Cortana at Build and why it thinks it can stand out in the crowded market.

At a recent event in New York, Microsoft discussed Windows 10 S, an operating system pitched as a Chrome OS alternative for students and teachers. The new Surface Laptop is running the OS and appears to have broad appeal, so Microsoft should detail its vision for Windows 10 S and opportunities for users.

Microsoft is firmly committed to a mixed-reality future with virtual and augmented reality. And it hasn’t missed an opportunity at any of its events to discuss that. Look for Microsoft to talk about HoloLens and other solutions that will in some way bring mixed reality to the masses.

There is some debate over whether Microsoft will talk about Windows 10 Mobile at Build. The operating system is clearly critical to the company’s future, but is being overshadowed by iOS and Android. At Build, Microsoft could showcase new features and discuss why it believes it can compete against the ever-growing iOS-and-Android onslaught.

Microsoft has been talking in more detail of late about bots and artificial intelligence and how it believes it can compete in that industry. Look for Microsoft to explain at Build how developers can use bots in its platforms and how it hopes to improve artificial intelligence to boost its user experience.

Although software will feature prominently in Microsoft’s discussion, the cloud won’t be far behind. After all, Microsoft is a cloud company and it wants to continue building out its online services to attract more users. Expect Microsoft to discuss updates to Azure, Office 365 and other platforms critical to its cloud appeal.