Switched On: Microsoft’s small tablet trap

Posted on 28/04/2013 by Ross Rubin

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

More Info

Based on last quarter's global PC shipment numbers, Microsoft continues to feel pain in making the case for Windows is a viable tablet operating system. Theoretically, the dual-identity (Windows 8/RT) operating system has everything it needs to be a contender, but the promise is ahead of the reality on three interdependent fronts: chip-level hardware, legacy support, and app software.

For example, if x86 chips were more competitive with ARM processors from a performance-per-watt perspective, then Microsoft wouldn't be as reliant on Metro-style apps for functionality. And if more developers were creating Metro-style apps, then consumers wouldn't have to go to the legacy desktop mode as much to get things done. (Until the company releases a Metro-style Office, Microsoft really can't wag its finger too much at third parties.)

Filed under: Tablets, Apple, Microsoft, HP

Comments

Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface RT now shipping in more countries

Posted on 23/04/2013 by Joseph Volpe

Microsoft's Surface Pro and RT are striking out to more far flung corners of the globe. Redmond just announced this morning that its two Windows 8 tablets will be made available to even more markets, with the Surface RT being the first to branch out, shipping on April 25th to Malaysia and then soon after to Mexico, Korea and Thailand by end May / early June. When it finally hits that early summer release window, the Surface RT will be accessible to a total of 29 markets globally. As for its older sibling, the feature-packed Surface Pro, that angular slate's set to expand beyond its current limited availability (U.S., Canada and China) to 19 additional markets across Europe (including the UK), Asia and Oceania by the end of next month. And if you've been searching high and low for a 128GB Surface Pro to no avail, chin up, as Microsoft's taken note of your demand and is working with retailers to keep that model "consistently in stock."

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Microsoft Surface blog

WSJ: Microsoft’s next generation of Surface tablets includes a 7-inch version

Posted on 11/04/2013 by Richard Lawler

Wonder what a Nexus 7 / Kindle Fire / iPad Mini fighter from Microsoft would look like? You may find out soon, as the Wall Street Journal has just posted a "breaking news" alert that it's heard Microsoft is developing a new lineup of Surface tablets (which it's confirmed before) including a 7-inch version, which it expects to take into mass production later this year. We've seen hints of smaller tablets already, with recent Windows 8 policy changes allowing devices featuring lower-res screens. It's filled out a few other details now, crediting the info to unnamed sources familiar with its product plans who claim Microsoft realized it needed something to compete with the smaller competition (shocker). The report ends with a footnote on the rumored Microsoft-branded phone, which is said to still be in testing but component suppliers are not sure if it will actually come to market. While we wait for further updates, consider this your opportunity to make suggestions on what should change in Redmond's second assault on slates.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Wall Street Journal (Twitter), Wall Street Journal

Microsoft releases Surface RT and Pro updates, aims to fix WiFi issues again

Posted on 09/04/2013 by Alexis Santos

Surface RT devices have already scored two updates that aim to fix problems with 'limited' WiFi connectivity, and now Microsoft is pushing out a third patch that aims to put its wireless troubles to rest. Redmond's fresh code also beefs up support for a "wide range" of access points and stomps out system crashes caused by some WiFi issues. As for Surface Pro, its own April update smoothes out Surface Type and Touch cover connectivity kinks, adds support for Japanese keyboards on North American hardware, stomps a bug that disables the WiFi driver when airplane mode is toggled and addresses an issue with touch navigation in the UEFI boot menu. Microsoft's remedy should get sucked down to your slate automatically, but you can grab it by hand through Windows Update as well.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Via: The Register

Source: Microsoft (1), (2)

Surface RT launches today in Japan, gets a cameo in Ghost In the Shell anime

Posted on 15/03/2013 by Mat Smith

It's taken its sweet time to leap over that Rising Sun, but Microsoft's Surface RT tablet has finally arrived in Japan. Priced at 57,800 yen ($600), it's launching today in collaboration with Ghost In the Shell series, Arise, where the Surface RT will apparently be making some cameo appearances, with a view to referencing its touch interface. If you're interested in seeing how Microsoft's lightweight tablet might look in the robotic future, we've added a concept sketch after the break.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Internet Watch (Japanese)

Surface RT coming to six more countries in late March, Pro in the ‘coming months’

Posted on 28/02/2013 by Terrence O'Brien

Microsoft's Surface is continuing its global retail rollout, expanding its reach well beyond the western hemisphere. In late March the RT model of Redmond's in-house tablet effort will begin popping up in Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan, (though, not necessarily at the same time) adding to the pile of European nations where it's already launched. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro will finally be leaving the Americas and heading for Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the UK sometime in the coming months. Unfortunately Microsoft isn't getting any more specific about when its full-blown Windows 8 machine will appear in countries other than the US and Canada. All we can do now is await the promised follow up post on the Surface blog for more details about availability. If you're a fan of press materials (even those that don't provide a ton of information) you'll find some after the break.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Surface Blog

Microsoft pushing Surface RT update to tackle WiFi and performance issues

Posted on 13/02/2013 by Jon Fingas

If you've had any sustained glitches with your Surface RT, check for a software update -- Microsoft might just have sorted it out. A February refresh pushing out today should mend problems with WiFi reliability that have led to the tablet showing "Limited" access. It also eliminates sluggishness in the power and volume controls, as well as Windows as a whole. Is your Surface snappier after the update? Let fellow owners know in the comments.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Microsoft

Toyota Racing Development puts Microsoft Surface in the NASCAR pit lane

Posted on 17/12/2012 by Tim Stevens

If you've ever been in the cockpit of a race car you know that there's not a lot of room to maneuver in there -- even if you're hustling around one of the oversized sedans colloquially referred to as "stock cars." So, when Toyota Racing Development engineers developed a Windows 7 application called TRD Race Strategy for use among their NASCAR-affiliated teams, they had a bit of a problem. Even when it was installed on a slinky Ultrabook, drivers had to climb out of the car if they wanted to use the app to look at timing data and punch in handling issues. When you're wearing a six-point harness plus various connections for cooling, drinks and communications, getting in and out can be a bit of a hassle.

Enter Windows 8 and a new generation of tablet PCs that, conveniently, drivers can hand in and out of the cockpit without even taking off the window nets. With some help from Microsoft, TRD has ported the app to Win 8 and RT and have begun using the Surface with Windows RT, allowing drivers to tap away at problem corners and analyze their lap times without unbuckling. Sadly, though, they're not allowed to see much else, as NASCAR bans nearly all forms of telemetry -- and, just about anything else resembling modern technology. RAB Racing, a Nationwide Series entrant, is the first team to deploy this system in the pits, but we'd expect to see this app making a trip to the Sprint Cup big leagues next year. First fuel injection, now tablets in NASCAR. What's next, independent rear suspension?

Gallery: TRD Race Strategy Windows RT app

Comments

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft says it’s increasing Surface RT production, expanding retail presence this month

Posted on 11/12/2012 by Donald Melanson

It's still a bit light on specifics, but Microsoft announced today that it's increased production of the Surface with Windows RT and is planning to expand its retail presence beyond Microsoft Stores "as early as mid-December." That retail availability will initially be limited to the United States and Australia, with availability in additional countries promised in the "coming months." In a statement, Microsoft's Steve Schueler says that "our plan has been to expand the retail presence for Surface after the first of the year,' but added that "based on interest from retailers, we are giving them the option to carry Surface with Windows RT even earlier." If those locations don't cover you, Microsoft's also announced that it will be extending its current holiday stores into the new year, with "several" of those said to be transitioning to permanent stores. As before, the tablet starts at $499, with the Touch and Type Covers sold separately.

Update: That certainly didn't take long. Staples has now chimed in and confirmed that it will be offering the Surface RT at its retail locations and online store as soon as tomorrow, December 12th.

Update 2: And now, Best Buy has noted that it'll begin offering the Surface beginning tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12:00PM CST and in all Best Buy and select Best Buy Mobile specialty stores nationwide this Sunday, December 16th.

Filed under: Tablets, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Microsoft, Best Buy

Microsoft reveals how much of Surface RT’s disc space is actually yours

Posted on 05/11/2012 by Daniel Cooper

If you've wondered how much space Windows RT, Office and Microsoft's bundled apps occupy on your shiny new Surface RT, worry no longer. Microsoft has revealed that once you've accounted for binary conversion, recovery provision and the software itself, the 32GB device will have 16GB of free space, while 64GB units will get 46GB of room to store your media. Naturally, you can use microSD cards (or USB Drives) to add to that space, and if you'd like to know how to get the device to treat it as if it's all coming from a single library, check out our tutorial.

Continue reading Microsoft reveals how much of Surface RT's disc space is actually yours

Filed under: Tablets, Storage, Microsoft

Microsoft reveals how much of Surface RT's disc space is actually yours originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink