Microsoft’s Build Developer Conference is an annual event that introduces the latest cutting-edge products and services offered by Microsoft. This year, Build 2015 takes a twist to go on the road to promote Windows 10 app development to software creators all over the globe. And the Build Tour, which includes one-day stops at 26 cities worldwide, arrived in Singapore on May 28!
Jointly organized by the Developer Experience and Evangelism (DX) teams from Redmond and Singapore, Build Singapore attracted more than 400 technology enthusiasts, including myself, all ready to spend our day with the best Microsoft Technical Evangelists and lead engineers at Resorts World Convention Centre! The team prepared for the crowd from as early as 7am on this Thursday morning. We were joined by our Microsoft Student Partners (MSPs), and everyone was excited to bring this long-awaited event to our audience! As a starter to thank our attendees for their presence and support, we distributed exclusive Microsoft swags at registration! #goodies
Build Singapore kicked off at 9am, with the Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, Jessica Tan, delivering the opening address to warmly welcome the crowd and get everyone in anticipation for the day’s program.
The first keynote was delivered by Giorgio Sardo, Senior Director of Client and Devices Evangelism at Microsoft. Giorgio introduced the key highlights of Build 2015, and how all these started off with Microsoft’s goal to bring Windows 10 to 1 billion devices – that’s a huge ambition, but I am confident we will get there (more details to Build 2015 available here).
Saranya Sriram, Technical Evangelist of Windows Azure APAC, also shared about Microsoft’s improved Azure app services. I got to learn more about the key characteristics that make Azure stand out as a preferred cloud computing platform, such as the durability, fault tolerance, scalability and flexibility it offers. Azure is surely the up and coming cloud OS that is constantly unveiling its potential by leaps and bounds.
Next was Nikola Metulev, Program Manager at Microsoft, who showcased more demos on Windows 10 and the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). One of which was a Peek-a-Boo application that uses facial recognition technology to identify user presence. Imagine the potential this could have in other applications such as biometric authentication (and yes, that means we don’t have to memorize more passwords).
And then came lunch! It was a good break for everyone to freshen up, and also mingle with other participants in a comfortable setting. Wondering how comfortable was it? Check out the photo below!
We then had Lightning Talks, which was a refreshing switch to concise, relevant and interesting talks that each lasted for no more than 10 minutes. Our Microsoft partners from TV Thailand demonstrated their apps on Windows 10, Edge and Azure, and aptly highlighting the business value Microsoft brings to organizations.
Dave Crawford, Microsoft’s Senior User Experience Program Manager, also engaged the audience with app design tips, and hearing this from a seasoned UX guy, it was definitely a rare experience! A little pity that it only lasted for 10 minutes though… Other impressive technologies such as Cortana, Windows Store and Bluetooth Beacons also wowed the crowd.
The event proceeds with a Panel Question-and-Answer, where our distinguished speakers, Giorgio, Dave, Nikola and Saranya, were seated on stage to address any questions from the ground. Some clarified technical ones, while others questioned the viability of the strategies undertaken by Microsoft. I personally gathered much insight from the discussions, for example, someone was skeptical about the user reach of Windows mobile apps, but with the UWP, developers are in fact expanding their potential user base as they can easily deploy their apps across multiple platforms, including PCs, Xbox and Raspberry Pi 2.
I think the best were those who asked when would Windows 10, HoloLens and the like be introduced in Singapore. They totally displayed the kind of eagerness and anticipation that many of us have for these really cool technologies. I can’t wait!
And the eventful day concluded with our very own Technical Evangelist from Microsoft Singapore, Terence Lim, who shared with the audience about how they can get involved with our local programmes – ME@MS, weshipcode.com, DreamSpark, Imagine Cup, BizSpark and Microsoft Visual Academy.
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