Microsoft adds IoT capabilities to Windows, launches conference room displays

Satya Nadella-led tech giant Microsoft has released a new Windows-based IoT (Internet of Things) service as well as conference room displays ideal for boardrooms.

The new service called Windows 10 IoT Core Services will enable partners to commercialise a secure connected device. The paid service will accompany the existing free Windows 10 IoT Core operating system (OS). "The service helps make it easier to manage updates for the OS, apps, settings, and OEM-specific files, includes Device Health Attestation, and is backed with 10 years of support," said Nick Parker, corporate vice-president, consumer and device sales, Microsoft. 

Parker also said that the company has launched a new line of conference room displays in partnership with a few device-makers.

"These new devices, called Windows Collaboration Displays, allow users to experience Microsoft 365 collaboration tools: Office, Teams and Whiteboard at room scale and include built-in sensors that can connect to Azure IoT spatial intelligence capabilities. This technology will allow facility managers to use environmental data to make real-time decisions," he said, adding that these displays will be made available during the end of the year.

Besides, the company has also come up with a new Intelligent Edge hardware partner programme. Parker said that, under the programme, the company is going to build a community that will look to accelerate innovation.

"The community will help partners connect with one another to identify opportunities to collaborate on technology innovation and achieve shared business goals. In addition, community members will be able to participate in training and community events, and can participate in early-adopter programmes that provide access to documentation, specs, OS builds and certification details," he explained.

The company, this week, also made headlines when it bought open-source code respository company GitHub for $7.5 billion. Several developers fear that GitHub would no longer remain independent, despite Nadella stressing that Microsoft will keep the platform open-source.

In another development on Wednesday, Microsoft said it had updated its talking-camera app for the visually-impaired people to read Indian currency. Other currencies that the app can identify are dollars, euros and pounds.