# Surface Dial

> input device by Microsoft

**Wikidata**: [Q27580219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27580219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Dial)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/surface-dial

## Summary
The Surface Dial is a tactile input device developed by Microsoft, designed to enhance navigation and control on Surface computers and Windows 10 devices. Released in October 2016, it combines a scroll wheel with haptic feedback and customizable radial menus, enabling intuitive interaction with creative and productivity software. It connects via Bluetooth Low Energy and integrates with the Surface Pen for expanded functionality.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: Microsoft, released October 2016.
- **Connectivity**: Uses Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless connection.
- **Dimensions**: 59mm diameter, 30mm height.
- **Power**: Operates on 2 AAA batteries with a 4-month lifespan.
- **Compatibility**: Optimized for Surface Book, Surface Studio, and Surface Pro 4 running Windows 10.
- **Functionality**: Supports scrolling, zooming, and app-specific radial controls with haptic feedback.
- **Classification**: Subclass of scroll wheel, categorized as an input device.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Surface Dial used for?
A: The Surface Dial provides tactile control for scrolling, zooming, and navigating radial menus in compatible apps like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office, enhancing productivity and creativity.

### Q: Is the Surface Dial compatible with non-Surface devices?
A: While optimized for Surface computers, it works with any Windows 10 device via Bluetooth, though some features may require specific hardware or software.

### Q: How long does the Surface Dial battery last?
A: It uses 2 AAA batteries with a rated lifespan of up to 4 months, depending on usage frequency.

## Why It Matters
The Surface Dial represents Microsoft’s effort to redefine human-computer interaction by merging physical and digital workflows. It caters to professionals in design, engineering, and media production, offering precise, hands-on control that traditional input devices lack. By integrating with the Surface ecosystem and Windows 10, it streamlines tasks like photo editing, 3D modeling, and document navigation, reducing reliance on keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures. Its introduction underscored Microsoft’s focus on creativity and productivity, positioning it as a tool for both individual professionals and collaborative environments.

## Notable For
- **Haptic Feedback**: Provides subtle vibrations to confirm in-app actions.
- **Radial Menus**: Customizable on-screen menus accessible via dial rotation.
- **Surface Pen Integration**: Works in tandem with the Surface Pen for multi-modal input.
- **Ergonomic Design**: Compact, weighted base for stability during use.
- **App Ecosystem**: Supported by major software suites like Adobe Creative Cloud.

## Body
### Development and Release
- Announced in October 2016 alongside the Surface Studio, the Dial was marketed as a companion device for Microsoft’s creative-focused hardware lineup.
- A Surface Dial SDK allowed developers to integrate custom controls into their applications.

### Design and Hardware
- **Build**: Aluminum and polycarbonate construction with a magnetic attachment for Surface Studio screens.
- **Sensors**: Optical encoder for precise rotation tracking and a force-touch mechanism for press inputs.
- **Battery**: 2 AAA batteries (included) with a low-power design for extended use.

### Functionality
- **Core Features**:
  - Scroll through documents, webpages, and timelines.
  - Adjust parameters like volume, brightness, or brush size in apps.
  - Access context-sensitive radial menus for quick tool selection.
- **Customization**: Users can assign dial functions to specific apps via the Surface Dial Settings app.

### Compatibility
- **Hardware**: Functions with Surface Book, Surface Studio, Surface Laptop, and Surface Pro 4/5+.
- **Software**: Requires Windows 10 (version 1607 or later) for full feature support.

### Reception
- Praised for its build quality and creative workflow enhancements, though criticized for limited utility in non-specialized applications.
- Positioned as a niche tool for professionals rather than a general-purpose input device.

## References

1. [Surface Dial: Fact Sheet. 2016](https://news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2016/11/Surface-Dial-Fact-Sheet-Final.pdf)
2. [Surface Dial: Fact Sheet. 2016](https://news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Surface-Dial-Fact-Sheet-Final.pdf)
3. Quora