Jim Salter
Microsoft’s annual Build conference will be virtual again this year, taking place from May 25th to 27th. According to Microsoft, Build is “where developers, architects, start-ups and students learn, connect and code together, sharing knowledge and expanding their skill sets, while exploring new ways to innovate for tomorrow.”
Thanks at least in part to COVID-19, this is the second year that Build is being held as a virtual event – following Microsoft’s statement last year that all of its conferences would be virtual only until July 2021. COVID-19 cases are still trending upwards; we wouldn’t be surprised to see Microsoft’s ban on personal events not only maintained but also extended.
Build vs. inspire and ignite
Build is one of Microsoft’s three major conferences, along with Inspire (scheduled for July) and Ignite (which completed in March).
Although there is a significant overlap between the material presented at the three conferences, the angle changes – the main focus of Build is the developers, the Inspire focus is on the business side and Ignite is more focused on operations.
We expect this year’s Build to feature significant content on Windows 10 21H2, which includes a major visual redesign of Windows 10 alongside many new features. Windows 10X – a special version of Windows aimed at dual-screen tablets and similar devices – is also expected to get significant coverage.