Nov 08, 2016 02:02 PM EST By Addie Tee, UniversityHerald Reporter

Following the release of Microsoft's new Surface Line products such as the Surface Studio, the company also unveiled the new Surface accessory that gives the impression of a hockey puck, which will serve as a new input device operating in Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book.

In an interview with The Verge, Terry Myerson, Microsoft's head of devices and Windows, suggested that the firmware updates would be issued early next year for Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book that will enable the on-screen functionality of Surface Dial.

The Surface Dial is designed for the Surface Studio, along with its compatibility to work with other surface devices in order to deliver flexibility in accessing volume controls, browsing features and much more.

As an input device, this device can be used to access additional screen controls on the fly directly on the display. Microsoft mentions that this technology helps user "transition seamlessly through tasks" through pressing and holding the dial, which displays a radial menu of tools.

The device is customizable to easily access added features to fit on user's lifestyle either working from home or crafting masterpieces, and even through mundane functions such as adjusting screen brightness or turning sound volume up or down.

Furthermore, the Surface Dial supports a wide array of apps that can grow once its adaptability to other Surface devices is further explored. Today, this device supports Ink Replay, OneNote, Windows Maps, Groove Music, Plumbago. The Dial also works with Microsoft Office products.

There is already a list of apps that will be compatible with Surface Dial and others will be added over time as developers incorporate those dial capabilities into their apps. Among the included are: Bluebeam (Revu), Drawboard (Drawboard PDF), Mental Canvas (Mental Canvas Player), Silicon Benders (Sketchable), Smith Micro (Moho 12), Spotify (Spotify), Staffpad (StaffPad), Windows (All), Word, PPT, Excel (Office Win32), OneNote (UWP version), Windows Maps, Plumbago, Sketchpad, Groove Music, PewPew Shooter, Microsoft Photos, and Paint.

The Surface Dial is already available for pre-order from Microsoft for $99 and will be available on Nov. 17 to the tech market. Alongside the Surface Dial, the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, a revolutionary keyboard that features a unique, double-cushioned palm rest, and the Surface Mouse, with the shape of its body fitted perfectly on user's hand, will be available on Nov. 10.

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