January 23, 2025
More fun gaming with Surface Dial
In the ever-evolving world of gaming, finding tools that enhance your experience can unlock new possibilities for you. Enter Surface Dial, a versatile accessory from Microsoft that can help revolutionize how you interact with games. Whether you’re a prospective user, a new adopter, or a seasoned gamer, Surface Dial is a new way to interact with technology and create in a natural, immersive way. Features of Surface Dial can help you elevate gameplay to new heights.
Tailored controls, personalized gameplay
One of the most compelling aspects of Surface Dial is its ability to be customized to suit your preferences. Unlike traditional gaming peripherals with fixed functions, Surface Dial empowers you to assign various actions to its dial and button, tailored to each game you play. Using Surface Dial, you can transition seamlessly through tasks with a visible, radial menu of intuitive shortcuts.
For instance, in a strategy game, such as Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI, you might use Surface Dial to zoom in and out of the map or cycle through your active units, making it easier to manage your empire. This level of customization ensures that Surface Dial adapts to your preferred style of play, providing an intuitive and responsive gaming experience.
Set up Surface Dial
To get started with Surface Dial, complete the following steps:
- Remove the protective film from your Surface Dial.
- Open the battery compartment, which is located on the bottom of your Surface Dial.
- Make sure there are two AAA batteries inside.
- Remove the battery tab.
- Press and hold the Pair button next to the batteries for 5 - 7 seconds, then release it. The light flashes white when Surface Dial is in pairing mode.
- From your Surface, select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices.
- Turn on Bluetooth.
- Select Add device > Bluetooth > Surface Dial > Done.
You’re now ready to use Surface Dial.
Basic ways to use Surface Dial
Here are just a few things you can do with Surface Dial right out of the box and after completing initial setup:
- Volume. Rotate left to turn it down or right to turn it up. Click to mute and unmute.
- Scroll. Rotate left to scroll up, or right to scroll down.
- Zoom. In Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, rotate left to zoom out, or right to zoom in. Click to fit to screen.
- Undo. Rotate left to step through the undo history, or right to step through the redo history. Click to undo a single action.
- Brightness. Rotate left to make the display less bright, or right to make it brighter.
You can also customize aspects of your Surface Dial experience, including default tools, vibration (also known as haptic feedback), and hand setting. To customize settings:
- Select Settings > Devices >Wheel.
- Specify your preferred settings.
- Select the Add button (+) to add a new tool. Several options are available, from increasing and lowering volume and brightness to zooming and scrolling to switching apps.
Precision at your fingertips
Precision in gaming can make the difference between winning or losing, and Surface Dial excels with precision. The smooth, tactile feedback of Surface Dial enables fine-tuned adjustments key in competitive scenarios. Imagine you're navigating a complex maze in a puzzle game. The precise control of Surface Dial allows you to make subtle movements, helping to ensure you don't miss a detail.
This precision isn't limited to intricate puzzles. In creative games, too, Surface Dial can help you sculpt terrain with greater accuracy. Or in a flight simulator, like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Surface Dial can be used to zoom in and out or pan the camera for better views of the cockpit and surroundings. You can also map Surface Dial to tune the aircraft’s radio frequencies, making it easier to switch between different communication channels.
Immersive gameplay, reimagined
Surface Dial isn't just about functionality; it's about enhancing your immersion in the game world. The sleek, ergonomic design of Surface Dial fits comfortably in your hand, minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus on the game. The intuitive interface of Surface Dial integrates with various games and applications, providing contextual controls that enhance the overall experience.
For example, in Cities: Skylines (a city-building simulation game), you can map Surface Dial to control the speed of time, allowing you to speed up or slow down the simulation as needed. In a role-playing game like The Outer Worlds, you can map Surface Dial to cycle through items in your inventory or quick-select menu. You can also use Surface Dial to navigate through various in-game menus, making it easier to manage your character’s stats, equipment, and quests. With context-specific controls, Surface Dial adds a new layer of depth and immersion to your gaming sessions.
You can feel the difference too. The Haptic technology provides helpful feedback you can feel via vibrations from the aluminum body of Surface Dial into your fingertips. The tactile experience can help you stay in the moment and feel in touch with the game.
Seamless integration, limitless possibilities
Surface Dial is an integral part of the Microsoft Surface family. Whether you're using a Surface Pro 11ᵗʰ Edition, Surface Laptop 7ᵗʰ Edition, or Surface Laptop Studio 2+, Surface Dial provides an integrated, cohesive, and streamlined gaming experience. Use Surface Dial on screen with Surface Studio 2+, and, if using Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, use Surface Dial on a desk or other flat surface.
Surface Dial also integrates with the Microsoft 365 applications. And, beyond the Microsoft ecosystem, Surface Dial supports a range of third-party applications, expanding its potential even further. This versatility helps ensure that Surface Dial remains a valuable tool in your gaming arsenal.
Accessibility for all gamers
Surface Dial provides a versatile input method that can accommodate a variety of user preferences and needs. For example, a gamer with limited hand mobility might use Surface Dial to navigate menus and select options with ease. With customizable controls and intuitive design, Surface Dial offers a more inclusive gaming experience for all. Surface Dial empowers users to tailor their gaming experience, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the fun and excitement of gaming.
A glimpse into the future
As technology continues to advance, the potential applications of Surface Dial in gaming are limitless. Imagine using it to control virtual reality experiences or to create stunning digital art. The future of gaming is exciting, and Surface Dial is with you along the way.
Unleash your gaming potential
Ready to revolutionize your gaming experience? Surface Dial is more than just a peripheral; it's a powerful tool that helps you to take control. With its customizable controls and precise input, Surface Dial lets you tailor gameplay to your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual player, Surface Dial offers a unique, fun, and immersive gaming experience.
Don't settle for ordinary. Elevate your gaming journey today with Surface Dial.