On June 18, Microsoft revealed its new offspring in the category of tablets PCs for Windows in the Los Angeles event.
Introduced by the company as 'Surface' - the new tablet-sized device will be offered by the company in the tech retail market in two different models. One would be running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and another one would come integrated with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro.
Back in 2001, the Redmond-based company had released Microsoft Tablet PC specifications and a few tablet PCs did turn up in the market. However the devices didn't gather much of a success against the competitors prevailing in the market. Although, with the launch of Surface, it surely looks like tech giant like Apple are going to face a fierce competition ahead, once this Microsoft's killer device in released in the market.
While the new tablet does not look much different from the other Windows 8 tablets, which have been launched so far, but it surely comes with a 'USP.' That is, the slew of accessories which Microsoft has revealed and will accompanying the Surface tablet line.
Key specs
Windows RT model: 676 g, 9.3 mm, 10.6" ClearType HD Display, 31.5 W-h, microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae, 32 GB or 64 GB.
Windows 8 Pro: 903 g, 13.5 mm, 10.6" ClearType Full HD Display, 42 W-h, microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae, 64 GB or 128 GB.
According to Microsoft, the Surface tablets will be made available sometime around the Windows 8 release date, likely to be October or November this year. Furthermore, the company has released no price tag for the product so far, but they have informed that initially, the units will be sold only in the Microsoft Stores in the U.S.
Here is a list of breakthrough innovation in the category of accessories which Microsoft has made an attempt on, to give their users an incomparable experience.
Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling the users to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard.
It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover.
Type Cover: Along with Touch cover, one also has an option of a 5 mm-thin Type Cover. The users can enjoy the experience of moving keys for a more traditional typing feel with the full tactile keyboard --Type Cover.
Integrated Kickstand: Surface will also come with a built-in kickstand that will let the users convert the device from active use to passive consumption - watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. This technology comes with an effect of the VaporMg approach, which the company has explained that the casing of the device is made out of magnesium. It helps in making parts to be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
Hence, the kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.
Pen with Palm Block: Surface will also arrive with a pen and a feature called "Pen with Palm Block" in which the screen will take stylus/pen input and will operate without the image on the screen moving as the stylus moves. Meaning when the pen tip is touching the screen, it would ignore the touch of the palm and the fingers.
