Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) on Wednesday announced a free
update to its Windows operating system that lets users take photos
and edit content in three dimensions, in an effort to bring
excitement to its declining computing business.
The Windows 10 Creators Update, coming in early 2017, lets users
on mobile devices take three-dimensional photos by scanning an
object as they walk around it. It also allows for 3D graphics in
Microsoft's popular PowerPoint presentation software, and a new
"Paint 3D" application lets people edit photos and other designs in
three dimensions.
The new features show Microsoft is hoping to stand out from the
pack as rival Apple Inc (AAPL.O) has eroded its grip on
software.
"3D creation is a tough thing to simplify, but Microsoft's
attempt ... is the best effort I have seen to date," Patrick
Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy wrote in a research
note.
Shares of Microsoft were down slightly in early afternoon
trading.
Terry Myerson, executive vice president for Microsoft's Windows
and devices group, said the update was tailored for gamers who are
increasingly interested in augmented and virtual reality
experiences.
Virtual reality accessories for the update will start at $299,
Myerson said.
"We are building Windows for each of us (and enabling) people to
experience computing in new ways," said Chief Executive Officer
Satya Nadella.
The technology company also announced a new desktop computer,
the Surface Studio, that it is marketing to designers for its
touch-screen capabilities at $2,999 and up. Microsoft also said it
would introduce a new Surface Book laptop whose battery life is 30
percent longer at 16 hours.
The new products come as Microsoft's Windows and computing
business is struggling.
Revenue for the unit fell 1.8 percent last quarter to $9.29
billion, Microsoft said on Thursday. It forecast the division's
sales at up to $11.6 billion for this quarter, well below
year-earlier results of $12.7 billion.
Nonetheless, Microsoft is riding high on its fast-growing cloud
business, which companies can use to host their websites, apps or
data. Shares of Microsoft have doubled since August 2013, with
Nadella restoring investor confidence by focusing on mobile and
cloud computing rather than PCs.