Defining Productivity: Surface Go Debuts for On the Go Workers

Microsoft released their new Surface Go, the smallest member of the Surface hardware family, which could provide frontline workers who don't have the usual office set-up with better connectivity. Also this week: Better meeting scheduling for G Suite customers, a new OneDrive documentation portal and ITPro Today's new centralized build trackers for Microsoft software releases.

2 Min Read
Surface Go with Accessories
Microsoft

Employees who work outside of the normal confines of an office environment will find much to like in Microsoft's latest Surface hardware line

The silver magnesium case and 165-degree adjustable kickstand define the product line. There are two models available with both using the same 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold CPU (4415Y). The difference between the entry-level and high-end models is the RAM (4GB/8GB) and the storage devices (64GB eMMC/128GB SSD). Otherwise, they both have the same ports and other features including a 10” PixelSense display (1800 x 1200) with multi-touch and inking support. As a bonus in this price category, the front-facing camera on Surface Go fully supports Windows Hello. The entry-level model retails for $399 while the high-end unit is priced at $549.

Since the device has full touch support, the accessories are not necessary if they're going to be implemented with front-line workers. Surface Go comes with Windows 10 in S Mode, so users can sign into the cloud-based Azure Active Directory and the device can be managed with Microsoft’s Intune software for updates and maintenance.

Surface Go is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada will add more than 20 additional countries later this month. It will be available to more than 35 countries by October. An LTE based model is expected later this year.

ALSO:

-- A new feature in G Suite will allow invited meeting participants to propose alternative timing for the meeting. The meeting owner will then be able to review all of those proposals and then accept one to fully schedule the meeting.

-- Microsoft has added a new OneDrive Documentation Hub that provides information on customers who are planning, deploying or managing OneDrive in their company. In addition, you will find documents about hybrid deployments, training for your end users and information for developers who are working with OneDrive in their apps.

-- As Google wrapped up their largest ever Google Cloud Next '18 conference last week, they listed out more than 100 announcements that were made throughout the course of the week. They have documented and numbered all of those announcements on their official blog. Those news items are scattered across categories such as Customers; Partners; Chrome, Devices and Mobility; Google Cloud Platform AI and Machine Learning, Infrastructure Services, Application Development, Data Analytics, Databases, IoT, Security; G Suite Enterprise Collaboration and Productivity; Social Impact.

--  We expanded our collection of build trackers which help you keep an eye on Microsoft's progress as they build future versions of their software. In addition to our Windows 10 (Redstone 5) and Windows Server 2019 build trackers, we have added individual trackers for the Windows 10 (Redstone 5) Software Development Kit (SDK) and Windows 10 (19H1) feature update client releases. In addition to the new trackers, there is now one place to find them all centrally located so you can stay updated on the latest releases.

About the Authors

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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