Weekend Reading: Microsoft devices news and stories you may have missed (Feb 19)

Microsoft Lumia 650 joins the Windows 10 product family, Microsoft Band gets new features, US Department of Defense have ambitious Windows 10 deployment plans, Surface helps to create new methods of teaching music, and Hulu app arrives to Windows 10 –  here are our pick for this week’s Weekend Reading:

Microsoft Lumia 650: sophisticated, metal design and Windows 10 under $200 USD

Earlier this week we announced the Microsoft Lumia 650 – latest addition to the Lumia family. The Windows 10-powered Lumia 650 is designed to offer perfect balance between work and personal needs, pairing the highest level of craftsmanship with maximum everyday productivity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15nAJorLmHY

Microsoft Band gets social, updates for golf, Guided Workouts and more

On the heels of announcing GPS Power Saver and weight tracking features for the Microsoft Band 2 earlier this month, this week we started rolling out even more features that help you achieve your fitness goals. Read more about improved social sharing, Tournament Mode for Golf, tracking distance with Guided Workouts and how to connect your Microsoft Health account to Cortana on our blog post here.

US Department of Defense commits to upgrade 4 million seats to Windows 10

While Windows 10 has been certified as meeting specific government criteria and standards, one of the largest enterprises anywhere – the US Department of Defense (DoD) – is planning to begin a rapid deployment of Windows 10 across its organizations and all products and systems currently utilizing Microsoft Operating Systems. And they are aiming to have it all completed in a year. Read more about this at the Windows Experience blog.

We also reported that Surface family of devices are now fully certified and available through the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Unified Capabilities (UC) Approved Products List (APL) and can be easily worked into deployment plans.

New Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter coming soon

If you’re a fan of the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter launched back in 2014, you’ll be thrilled with the new version we announced earlier this week, that allows you to mirror or extend your screen from Miracast-enabled Windows 10 phones, tablets and laptops, including the Surface lineup. Available for pre-order in the U.S. and Canada now, the new Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter brings the best features and functionality of the first generation while reducing the latency and packing it into a new form factor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQDP6a_zuSw

Hulu on Windows 10

Available across PC, tablet and mobile in the U.S., the Hulu Windows 10 app offers access to current season shows from top broadcast networks, full libraries of hit shows, movies and acclaimed originals. With nearly 100,000 hours of content available, this new Windows 10 app will make it easier to stream your favorite shows when and where you want. Read more about the app at the Windows Experience Blog.

Latest app from Microsoft Garage: Plumbago

Time to retire pen and paper? New Microsoft Garage app Plumbago reimagines digital notetaking. Plumbago, a new app for Windows 8.1 and 10 tablets released through the Microsoft Garage, is a digital notebook with technology that smooths out handwriting so your scribbles are easier to read later. It also contains realistic ink technology and other user friendly features, such as an optimized tool picker designed to reduce the number of taps to access its features, notebook covers and paper selector. Read more about the making of the app at the Microsoft Fire Hose blog.

https://youtu.be/aFAfaFdXFWg

Creating new methods of teaching music with Surface

Andrew Fitzgerald, an instrumental music teacher, is using Surface to teach music at Franklin Classical Middle School. Read his story on how Surface have completely changed his pedagogical and professional practices and his creative output for good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO2ZTeAJfMM