One of the things gathering attention at Build 2022 is Project Volterra. It’s a new ARM-powered PC that’s specifically made for Windows developers. Microsoft wasn’t very specific on the details of the actual hardware, but they did share a Surface-like teaser video for the upcoming device.

From the roughly minute-long teaser, we can see a couple of different things about the device. First of all, we can see that it looks a lot like the base part of a Surface Studio, but without the display mechanisms. Microsoft also shared that it is made of recycled ocean plastic, hinting that this could be an all-plastic developer device, much like the Snapdragon Developer Kit from 2021. This gives it a very Mac-mini-like compact shape, with Microsoft even showing how the device could be stackable for desktops as well as rack deployment.

Other than that, we can see the insides at one point, with Microsoft showing off a single fan, as well as the internal SoC. Microsoft even goes as far to mention the ports, though sparing technical details. We can make out a power jack, ethernet port, mini display port, as well as USB-A ports on the back. As for the sides, there look to be two USB-C ports and three additional buttons.

Again, we’re just speculating what we’re seeing based on the video. The video doesn’t represent the final hardware, as far as we know. Microsoft still promises that it will share more “at a later date.” We were involved in a Twitter thread that asked about the hardware. Microsoft’s Rich Turner tells us, and other writers, that they’ll be sharing more details later in the summer once they’re more certain about actual availability.

We'll be sharing much more detail later in the summer once we're more certain about actual availability, etc. Turns out that building and shipping a new device during a pandemic & world-wide component and shipping issues is … challenging ????

— Rich Turner (@richturn_ms) May 24, 2022

According to Windows Central, however, it does look as though the Surface team was involved in this design, in partnership with Qualcomm. They also believe that it will ship with a “flagship SoC.” It’s unknown at this point what this could be, as the Snapdragon 8cX Gen 3 is the latest flagship SoC from Qualcomm. But even if it is a flagship, it would be very much different in terms of performance from the entry-level 7c chip inside last year’s Snapdragon Developer Kit. This makes total sense, as Microsoft is targeting this for development on ARM with optimized apps like Visual Studio, .Net 6 and Java, Classic .Net, and even the Windows Terminal WSL / WSA.

What we also do know about is the Neural Processing Unit or NPU inside Project Volterra. The NPU is “an “accelerated runtime for the execution of deep neural networks.” This can help developers explore AI scenarios in their apps for AI- and machine learning-specific workloads without comprising performance, as well as battery life.

All that said, Project Volterra is a developer PC and isn’t targeted at consumers. It still, though, seems like an attractive PC for Windows and Surface fans, as it could shape up to be the first desktop PC from Microsoft, Surface-branded or not.

Microsoft’s Build developer conference is finally upon us. Today, May 24, marks the opening day of the annual event, and we’re expecting a ton of Windows, Azure, Teams, and Office news.

That said, you don’t want to miss the opening keynote featuring Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. You can watch it via the link below, right with us starting at 8:00 AM PT and lasting for about an hour. Nadella is set to talk about ” how Microsoft is creating new opportunities for developers across our platforms.”

During the keynote, and after the keynote is over, expect to see a lot of news from us! We will be posting on the news coming out of the developer event all day long, so if you don’t want to miss out, be sure to check out our Build 2022 tag.

We also remind you that you can sign up to attend Build 2022 for free, virtually of course to keep in the action once the opening keynote ends. Plus, once you sign up you can add various sessions to a backpack and your schedule, letting you keep up to date on all the news and see it first right away.

As we mentioned during our last OnPodcast episode, there are a few sessions you might want to keep an eye on. Many Microsoft employees seem to be pointing to a 10:15 AM PT session with Panos Panay, “Create next-gen experiences at scale with Windows” as a big one. Other sessions that you might not want to miss out on include an 11:30 AM PT “Building great apps with the open platform of Windows,” as well as a 12:30 PM PT one titled “Microsoft Build Into Focus: Preparing for the metaverse.”

You can expect a lot of Teams, Windows, and Office news out of those three sessions, as well as more on Microsoft’s take on the Metaverse. But don’t let that stop you! There are a ton of breakout sessions and other content that you can watch online via the Microsoft Build catalog.

Have a happy and safe Build 2022 experience, everyone! And remember, follow us on Twitter for all the Build 2022 and other Microsoft news, features, and op-eds throughout this three-day-long Microsoft developer event!

Inspired by what makes the Logitech MX Keys and MX Master 3 products so perfect, Logitech has launched the MX Mechanical and the MX Master 3S. The MX Mechanical combines lessons learned from Logitech’s G-series gaming line, with the awesome productivity features from the MX Keys series. It is a new accessory for folks who like gaming and mechanical keyboards, but want the same control in their professional desktop keyboard for use at work or at home. The MX Master 3S, meanwhile, refines the Master 3 in more ways than one with quieter clicking mechanisms, and a new sensor. I was provided both for review ahead of today’s launch, and I think these are the perfect feeling keyboard & mouse, designed for productivity.

Logitech MX Mechanical

Specs & Price

The Logitech MX Keys Mechanical retails for $170. The minute I unboxed this keyboard, I knew I would be impressed. MX Mechanical takes a similar shape and design as the MX Keys but with some added gaming-like touches here and there to make for a better typing experience.

Oh, and for you technical folk, it measures 26.10 mm in height, 433.85 mm in width, 131.55 mm in a depth, and 828 grams in weight. That’s way different from the heavier, bulky, wired RGB gaming mechanical keyboard from Aukey that I use when gaming. It’s even slimmer than Logitech’s own G915, which is 22 mm in height, 475mm in height, 150mm in depth, and 1025 grams in weight.

Logitech is also offering a mini version of the keyboard known as MX Mechanical Mini. It is cheaper at $150, but it has the same features I get into throughout this piece, sans the number pad. It should be familiar to anyone who used MX Mini in terms of size and layout. The only exception is it has bigger full-size arrow keys and delete, home, end, page up, and page down buttons on the side. The idea is that the Mechanical Mini is the same great keyboard as MX Mechanical, but for smaller desks. Logitech clearly understands the needs of everyone.

Design

The MX Mechanical keyboard has a metal top cover, and plastic bottom, for a super sturdy build. However, there are also feet tucked inside the bottom casing that you can pull out if you need a better typing angle. This is to help lift the keyboard to a more ergonomic position for typing. That is a very important design choice, too as Logitech is also marketing this keyboard for those who want a product with deeper travel and a better feel.

In terms of suitability, a portion of the plastic parts on the keyboard is made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. 45% for MX Mechanical and 47% for MX Mechanical Mini. That includes plastic in printed wiring assembly, the FFC cable, and packaging.

But since this is a mechanical keyboard, you’ll notice some big design differences over the MX Keys. The first of those is the keycaps, which have two colors. This choice is all about peripheral vision. It is to make commonly used keys easier to spot. It also is to make the keyboard feel less distracting in an office environment, over traditional gaming keyboards that you might come across.

I like that choice, as it helps me focus on where my fingers are when I am speeding through a document and quickly glancing down at my keyboard. I did ask Logitech, though, if they’d sell different color keycaps. I was told that this is not something that’s available at launch. I also was told that the switches can not be replaced.

Typing experience

A second difference in this product over MX Keys is the typing experience. Combined with the low-profile look and the matte-top feel on the keycaps, typing on this keyboard feels very fluid. For me, it is a big and positive change from MX keys, where the keycaps are much softer, a lot less tactile, and have a laptop-like feeling.

As someone who rarely uses mechanical keyboards, I’ll say that MX Mechanical has great tactile feedback that makes me feel like I am in control and typing faster. The key travel is also amazing, as well as actuation. Logitech tells me that the MX Mechanical keyboard travel distance is 3.2 mm and the actuation force is 55 grams. That’s versus the 60-gram actuation force and 1.8 mm travel on the MX Keys.

In my tests, I got to around 92 words per minute in a typing test on Bing. That’s just a few words more than my usual speed on MX Keys. I really think the 19mm pitch Logitech has on this product helps promote better typing, as well as the shorter distance between keys. Yet after two weeks with a mechanical keyboard like this one, I really do think it’s hard to go back to something that isn’t mechanical. The accuracy and feedback are amazing.

I do want to note that I am reviewing a unit with clicky switches. As a mechanical keyboard, I liked the clicky-clack noise and tactile feedback of the keyboard that I get as I type away in a document, but Logitech is aware this might not be for everyone, especially those in office environments. That’s why Logitech is offering three switch types.

There are tactile and quiet (brown switches,) Clicky (blue switches,) and linear (red switches.) The Tactile Quiet switches give you a tactile bump with precise feedback, but with less noise. The Linear Red switches give you uninterrupted key travel and minimal spring force for faster reactions and smoother typing. All three are priced the same at $170.

You can pick and choose which one fits your needs. The tactile/quiet switches will be sold broadly, and the clicky and linear will only be available online at Logitech.com, Bestbuy.com, or Amazon.com. Logitech also provided me with a linear switch sample unit, and after unboxing and trying it, I went back to the clicky switch. I really do love hearing that feedback as I jam my way through typing posts.

Lighting effects

Just like MX Keys, MX Mechanical has special lighting. The keyboard has proximity sensors that automatically light the keys as your hand approaches, and also based on the lighting in the room from the time of day. However, this time around, Logitech added six different lighting effects that you won’t find on MX Keys.

There’s static, breathing, contrast, wave, random, and reaction. These are reminiscent of what you’d get on a gaming keyboard but really toned down to just the white color that’s also on the MX Keys. I love this, as it’s not overly fancy. Out of all the effects, I love the wave one as it reflects nicely off my white-colored desk. You can switch between the various lighting modes with the FN Key+ a lightbulb icon on top of the volume up key. Backlighting is evenly distributed, with no bleeding through the keys.

Multi-platform use & battery life

MX Mechanical is designed for multi-platform use. You’ll notice that there’s both a Start key for Windows, as well as a command Key for Mac OS. Everything is placed perfectly for folks like me who cross between different devices. Even the OS-related function and media keys are perfectly placed. Compared to MX Keys there is a new emoji key, dictation key, and mic mute key. This makes it easy to use with calls in Teams. Not to forget the screenshot button. You can toggle the FN lock if you want to keep using the function row without OS-related actions.

And I can’t forget the way the keyboard connects to multiple devices. You can pair the keyboard with three different devices via the Logi Bolt, or Bluetooth Low Energy. Just tap the respected Logitech Easy-Switch 1, 2, or, 3 buttons at the top left of the MX Mechanical to switch. Logitech is always great with this multi-device stuff, and it’s no surprise to see this signature feature make a return to MX Mechanical.  I used the one keyboard across my Mac Mini, Surface Laptop Studio, and iPad Pro.

As far as battery life, you can get up to 15 days on a full charge, when using the backlights. I have yet to charge the keyboard in my two weeks of use. Outside of that, you can get 10 months without the backlights on. Charging is via USB-C just like with the MX Keys.

Logitech MX Master 3S

The Logitech MX Master 3S costs $99. It has the same design that I love from the MX Master 3. That means it is a palm-grip mouse for righties, with a wide and tall profile, so your hands fit in the nook on the left side. There’s also the MagSpeed Electromagnetic wheel, which can be used for 1,000 lines of scrolling in one second. USB-C charging returns as well.

For more on the design, I invite you to check out my MX Master 3 review, especially if you’re not familiar with the design and button choices. Nothing major changed there, other than a new Pale Gray color.

What has changed on the MX Master 3S is the clicking mechanism. Like the Lift Vertical Ergonomic mouse, it is now a lot quieter. Logitech claims it’s 90% quieter between generations but still has a lifespan of 10 million clicks. Yet, the clicks still are precise and satisfying. I had no issues in two weeks of use, with every one of my clicks registering properly. The quiet clicks also meant I did not annoy anyone on my Teams calls.

Another change on MX Master 3S is the tracking sensor. Designed for advanced creators, the sensor can now track up to 8,000 DPI, which is double the 4,000 DPI over the MX Master 3. This is for folks who might be using high-resolution monitors or multi-monitor setups.

This is a great change, as it really helps make the mouse future-proof and means I need to move my hands less when tracking my mouse across my massive 34-inch monitor. Tracking is just as accurate as clicking and scrolling are, as I used the mouse on wood, glass, and fabric, and it still worked fine.

Logitech Options +

To help you manage and customize your Logitech MX Master 3S and Logitech MX Mechanical devices, Logitech also has the new Logitech Options + software. Tested in beta for the last few months, it’s now launched to everyone in the public with a fresh new UI.

This app lets you create application-specific shortcuts for the MX Master 3S and also customize the functions of buttons. I used it to change the buttons on the side of the MX Master 3S to switch between open tabs in Microsoft Edge. Not to forget this app also unlocks the benefits of Logitech Flow, which allows you to use the mice across Macs and PCs simultaneously and also share files.

As for what this helps you do with the MX Mechanical, you can change the FN keyboard shortcuts, add app-specific shortcuts, and configure backlighting. Across both devices, you’ll get Easy-Switch options, too. This lets you see which devices your keyboard or mice are paired up to.

Completing Logitech’s lineup

These products now round out Logitech’s lineup of products. They both will sell right alongside the MX Keys, MX Keys Mini, MX Master 3, MX Anywhere 3, and the Craft. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, and that’s what makes Logitech so great.

On May 24-26, Microsoft Build is on us once again, and once again it will be a virtual event. As usual, the conference will kick off with a series of keynotes followed by deep dive sessions, and in its virtual capacity Build is able to offer a number of added perks as well (although no free t-shirts or stickers, alas).

Unlike the pre-pandemic Builds, but similar to those after 2020, Build is free for participants, you only need to register. Once you’re signed up and logged in, there’s lots to do. You can check out regional spotlights, with language specific mini-sites for France, Germany, Japan, Latin America, and new this year, the UK. You’ll want to go through the sessions and create your own schedule, choosing from developer focused sessions on Azure, Teams, Windows and more, keynotes, and breakout sessions.

You can also check out the Connection Zone, where you can interact with experts and peers, with Ask the Experts sessions, one on one consultations, and ways to network and connect with others in your locality.

There’s also the Learning Zone, where you can dig deeper into Microsoft’s Learning Zone, a Cloud Skills Challenge, and the Imagine Cup, whether you’re just getting started in tech or want to develop your career.

As usual, the conference will kick off with a keynote headed by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and featured speakers for the event include CTO Kevin Scott, Cloud & AI EVP Scott Guthrie, Panos Panay, and Amanda Silver, CVP and Head of Product Developer Division.

Throughout build, you’ll learn more about Azure, Microsoft 365 and Teams, Windows, and preparing for the Metaverse. Remember to stay tuned to OnMSFT.com for all the latest news and info coming out of Build, and make sure to register for the event to get the most that Microsoft has to offer.

Computex is a leading global ICT AND IoT event where big players in the tech industry come together and highlight major strides taking place. Microsoft is also part of this event given the recent announcement that they had made earlier indicating that Windows 11 is now ready for broad deployment. This could probably be attributed to the fact that a lot of people are adopting the OS, which according to Microsoft is twice that of Windows 10.

During Computex 2022, Microsoft’s Panos Panay and Nicole Dezen talk about Windows 11 high quality score. Panos Panay reiterates that maintaining quality is the top priority for the Windows 11 development team. He further indicated that users who made the upgrade have been enjoying the experience thus far, which further builds on the premise of “product satisfaction”.

As noted by Windows Central, “since the start of the pandemic, 70% of more people streamed content from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube on Windows devices. There’s also been a six-times increase in people using communication apps like Slack and Zoom on Windows. Additionally, Windows 11 has a doubled adoption rate compared to Windows 10.”

Panay also talks about Windows 11’s new accessibility features, as well as new devices from some of Microsoft’s partners such as Dell and Lenovo among others. He further indicated that Microsoft is taking customers’ feedback into account and using it to enhance the user experience.

Welcome back to our Windows news recap, where we go over the top stories of the past week in the world of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.

Windows 11 hits a big milestone as it is now ready for broad deployment

Windows 11 has now hit ‘ready for broad deployment’ status, which essentially means that it is ready to be installed on any Windows 10 PC that meets the minimum requirements; a big milestone in pushing Windows 11 adoption.

Microsoft Teams and Windows 11 compromised on the first day of Pwn2Own 2022

On the first day of the Pwn2Own 2022 event, both Microsoft Teams and Windows 11 were compromised. Hector Peralta made $150,000 off of an improper configuration flaw in Microsoft Teams.

Apple’s AR/VR project began with Windows-powered prototypes

A new report suggests that Apple presented a proof-of-concept for its AR/VR project to former US Vice President Al Gore and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, in which it reportedly used a Windows-powered device to show its idea, as Apple’s desktop and iPhone platforms had no substantial AR/VR presence.

Microsoft Teams is now available in the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Microsoft Teams is now available to download via the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and 11, making it easier and quicker to obtain Teams and keep it up to date.

Welcoming @MicrosoftTeams to Microsoft Store on @Windows! ????https://t.co/VFpFLIeodT pic.twitter.com/pU01CBP5Nc

— Mik Chernomordikov (@mixen) May 16, 2022

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Windows news.