Education looks set to be focus of Microsoft May event
Redmond sends out invites for event held in New York on 2 May


Microsoft has sent out invites to the press for an event to be held next month.
Titled "Learn What's Next", the event will take place in New York on 2 May, just eight days befor the company kicks off its Build 2017 developer conference. The event begins at 9.30am ET (2.30pm BST).
The only clue to what the event is about is a hashtag, #MicrosoftEDU, which points to the event being focused around education. The image is also of a city skyline. Some in the media have speculated that the event may also be about the launch of Windows 10 Cloud.
It has been reported that the codename for the event is Bespin, which is the famous cloud city that appeared in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back'.
Windows 10 Cloud may be Microsoft's answer to Google's cheap, cheerful and somewhat popular Chrome OS, which powers the Chromebooks that have been selling well in educational establishments and institutions. In the same way that Chrome OS runs Google apps, Windows 10 Cloud is a version of the Windows 10 operating system that runs apps only from Microsoft's Windows Store.
In January, Microsoft went into detail about Intune for Education, its a cloud-based management tool aimed at allowing IT departments in schools and colleges to configure and control many devices at once.
There are also rumours that a slightly upgraded version of the Surface Pro 4 will be unveiled. However, there has been no news of a launch of the Surface Book 2 or even a Surface Phone. The launch of those two devices seems unlikely, according to ZDNet's keen Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
It also seems unlikely that Microsoft will show off any more detail on its Xbox Project Scorpio, its next-generation successor to the Xbox One, at an event dedicated to education.
Main image credit: Microsoft
Rene Millman is a freelance writer and broadcaster who covers cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and the cloud. He also works as a contributing analyst at GigaOm and has previously worked as an analyst for Gartner covering the infrastructure market. He has made numerous television appearances to give his views and expertise on technology trends and companies that affect and shape our lives. You can follow Rene Millman on Twitter.
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?
AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiatives
News Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
By Daniel Todd Published
-
Recall arrives for Intel and AMD devices after months of controversy
News Microsoft's Recall feature is now available in preview for customers using AMD and Intel devices.
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
With one year to go until Windows 10 end of life, here’s what businesses should do to prepare
News IT teams need to migrate soon or risk a plethora of security and sustainability issues
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
Microsoft is doubling down on Widows Recall, adding new security and privacy features – will this help woo hesitant enterprise users?
News The controversial AI-powered snapshotting tool can be uninstalled, Microsoft says
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
Microsoft patches rollback flaw in Windows 10
News Patch Tuesday includes protection for a Windows 10 "downgrade" style attack after first being spotted in August
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
Companies “wary” of Windows 11 migration challenges as Windows 10 EOL draws closer
News A recent study shows that only a fraction are running Windows 11, despite a rapidly-approaching end of life deadline
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
New Windows vulnerability could repeatedly trigger the blue screen of death on millions of devices
News Attackers could exploit the Windows vulnerability to repeatedly crash machines and trigger a blue screen of death, according to researchers at Fortra
By Solomon Klappholz Published
-
Here’s how much Windows 10 could cost if you don’t upgrade this year
News Windows 10 extended security updates will cost users dearly, with prices rising incrementally each year.
By George Fitzmaurice Last updated
-
Linux just hit an all-time high share of the global desktop market — and surging popularity in India is driving uptake of the open source operating system
News Linux is still dwarfed by operating systems such as Windows, but it’s making modest gains off the back of growing popularity in emerging markets
By Steve Ranger Published