Second day of Microsoft Build showcases Mixed Reality, crossing platforms

Global Business

Second day of Microsoft Build showcases Mixed Reality, crossing platforms

Thursday was day two of Microsoft’s developers conference in Seattle.  The tech company was teaching more than 5,000 software developers how to build applications for their systems and devices, and it was no longer just a “Windows only” event.

CGTN’s Mark Niu has more.

Windows Story Remix  is a new app where artificial intelligence selects the best videos and photos to create a story. And where can you re-mix the video to your liking, adding special effects to make it look like a Hollywood movie. But the goal is creating an experience that transcends borders – for the Windows Story Remix App is also available on Apple and Android devices.

“I’m excited to announce that iTunes will be coming to the Windows store. Windows 10 and Windows iOS users will get the complete iTunes experience including Apple Music, as well as full support for the iPhone,” said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices Group.

With Window’s Phones grabbing less than 1 percent of the smartphone market, Microsoft is moving toward being brand agnostic and making sure content can be moved across different types of devices seamlessly.

South African developer Griffiths Sibeko is ecstatic about that concept.

“It is a breath of fresh air. When you build a product, you don’t build a product to target a certain audience. You want your product to be used everywhere. And the whole thing you are at a Microsoft conference and they are talking about iOS. It’s okay what’s happening,” Sibeko said.

Microsoft continues to push what it calls mixed reality by introducing a $400 goggle and hand-controller set that will be available later this year.

It also showed how its $3000 Hololens headset is allowing companies to teach mechanics to repair jets and workers to install home elevators.

Microsoft has also announced a partnership with Cirque du Soleil. Set designers showcased how they can use Hololens to bring in their show’s director from Europe for advice.

And they can visualize and make changes to the space, even bringing in life-size renderings of the performers.