Surface issues? Splitting Touch Covers and audio glitches reported

While at this stage the problems aren't being reported in any great number, Microsoft are bound to be concerned about reports of a number of issues regarding its new Surface tablet its accompanying Touch Cover keyboard.

With any new gadget or device you buy, you expect that over time it’ll begin showing up marks and nicks. But when things start to look a bit shoddy after just a couple of weeks – usually a time when you’re still carrying it around like you would a newborn baby – then of course it’s cause for concern, as much as for the manufacturer as for the owner.

So no doubt Microsoft will be studying with interest a number of comments that have started to appear on a Surface forum in recent days regarding its Touch Cover accessory, the new ultra-thin keyboard/cover which can be used with the company’s recently launched Surface tablet.

Accounts of the edge of the cover “peeling” and “ruffling up” along the magnetic edge where the Touch Cover connects with the tablet have been reported in the forum, while a piece in The Verge claims that a split in the same place exposes a wire.

Currently, there are only a few Touch Cover owners in the forum remarking on the issue, but if it turns out the keyboard/cover has a design fault, it could become more of a problem for the Redmond-based computer giant in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the issue in a statement issued on Friday, a company spokesperson said, “Microsoft makes every effort to ensure our customers receive a high quality product. We are in active contact with our customer support operations and are aware of a small number of instances of material separation.”

Meanwhile, The Next Web has reported a number of Surface owners experiencing “random mute events” where the audio switches off for no apparent reason. According to PocketNow, the culprit may be the Touch/Type Cover keyboards, which are “misreporting a press of their ‘mute’ keys.”

While this is certainly no ‘Antennagate‘ moment for Microsoft (for a start, the problem is with an accessory and not the main device), the company will doubtless be examining these early reports carefully in an effort to ascertain what action, if any, needs to be taken to eradicate future instances of these problems occurring.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/reports-of-surface-touch-covers-splitting/

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Best Microsoft Surface tablet cases and accessories

What kind of cases and covers, or Microsoft Surface accessories are available on the market right now? Join us as we take a look at some great options for the Surface with Windows RT and the Surface with Windows 8 Pro.

If you’ve been tempted by Microsoft’s new Surface tablets then you’ll probably be on the lookout for a new case and maybe some accessories. There’s no denying that the magnesium shell and Gorilla Glass 2 screen look tough – just check out the skateboard demo – but that doesn’t mean you won’t want some protection or a practical bag to carry your shiny new tablet in.

We’re also going to take a look at the options out there for Microsoft Surface accessories. There are a couple of adapters that might prove essential and everyone could use some extra storage. The choices for cases are limited, partly perhaps because the Surface tablet has a built-in kickstand (something that cases and covers often offer) and partly because manufacturers are unsure how popular it will be.

Anyone still undecided about the new tablets should check out our Microsoft Surface with Windows RT review to find out how it stacks up.

Touch Cover ($120)

This super-slim, pressure-sensitive keyboard doubles up as a protective cover. It also has a trackpad and some handy Windows shortcut keys. It snaps into place with a magnetic seal that’s quite strong. It’s great to have a keyboard cover that’s only 3.5mm thick and weighs just 0.46 pounds, but there is a drawback. Most reviews have pointed out that it is uncomfortable to type on because it is so flat and unresponsive. The color choices of cyan, magenta, and red are also going to put some people off, but don’t worry they come in black and white as well.

Type Cover ($130)

It is bigger and it only comes in black, but for serious typists the mechanical keys of the Type Cover are going to be far preferable to the Touch Cover keyboard. It is still only 6mm thick and it weighs 0.55 pounds. It also has the trackpad and shortcut keys and it clicks on with the same magnetic attachment. The Type Cover really makes the Surface feel like a laptop and it’s much easier to get used to than the Touch Cover which makes it well worth the extra $10.

Incipio Padded Nylon Sleeve ($40)

A nylon sleeve isn’t going to offer major protection from bumps, but it will keep dust and scratches at bay. The close-seamed zipper has a neoprene lining and rubberized pulls for ease of use and comfort.  The inner lining is soft, faux-fur which provides some cushioning from bumps and there’s a handy external pocket with a zipper for extras. It comes in a range of two-tone color combinations and it’s one of the few options on the market right now designed specifically for the Surface.

Surface HD Digital AV Adapter or Surface VGA Adapter ($40 each)

If you were expecting to find any extras beyond the power supply in your Microsoft Surface box then you’ll be disappointed. Many will consider these pricey adapters to be essential, and they are described as “proprietary”. For $40 a piece you can get an adapter for any HDMI-compatible display or one for any VGA-compatible display. This is definitely the simplest way to see your Surface content on a big screen or through a projector. Don’t feel that you have to splash out for the official adapter, though, because the Surface has a standard micro-HDMI port so any HDMI-to-micro-HDMI cable will do and if you shop around there’s no need to spend more than $5.

SanDisk microSD Memory Card ($10 to $60)

Since there is actually only 16GB free in a 32GB Microsoft Surface you might be looking for extra storage sooner than expected. The Surface supports microSD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. You can pick one up from Amazon at about $10 for 16GB up to about $60 for a 64GB card. You’ll find the memory card slot behind the kickstand. For cheap storage without any added bulk a memory card is your best bet.

Thumb drive or flash drive ($10 to $60)

The Surface tablets also have a USB port. The RT has a USB 2.0 port and the Surface with Windows 8 Pro has a USB 3.0 port. If you invest in a fast flash drive you’ll be able to transfer files quickly and easily. You can back up emails or documents and you can watch movies or listen to music. These handy accessories are a cost-effective and convenient way to boost your storage capacity and they’re great for transferring files from your old PC or laptop. They come in all shapes and sizes and you can find a comparison via the link above. If you need more space then consider an external hard drive instead.

Bluetooth Headset ($50 to $150)

With support for Bluetooth 4.0 you could choose any Bluetooth headset to use with your Surface. The tablets do have built-in dual digital mics, stereo speakers, and a camera, but some people prefer a headset when they Skype. Whether you want to go for the Plantronics Voyager Legend or something from Jawbone, Motorola, or Aliph, really depends on your requirements and your budget.

Xbox 360 Controller ($40)

All the gamers out there will be glad to learn that the Surface tablet supports wired Xbox 360 controllers. It won’t work with wireless controllers, but just like any Windows PC, if you plug a wired Xbox 360 controller into the USB you’ll be able to play games with it. This is more exciting for the Windows 8 Pro version of the Surface tablet because it will support a lot more games. It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft tries to make XBLA games available as it pushes more cross-compatibility with the Xbox 360 in your living room. The second screen app soon to be released on Windows 8 and RT, Xbox SmartGlass looks like the first step.

More ideas

The fact that the Surface tablets boast USB ports and have Bluetooth support means there is already a long list of potential Surface accessories. There’s no need to wait for a bunch of dedicated accessories to be released. You may well find your existing mouse or Bluetooth headphones will work with your new tablet. Post a comment and tell us about your favorite Surface accessories so far.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/surface-tablet-cases-and-accessories-roundup/

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Microsoft reportedly building 7-inch Xbox Surface tablet

According to reports, Microsoft is moving forward with an Xbox Surface tablet. The 7-inch device will place a firm focus on gaming with a custom-built processor and modified version Windows OS. We're likely to see the tablet before we see an actual new Xbox.

According to a report from The Verge, Microsoft is entering into the hardware business with a 7-inch gaming tablet. We’ve known for a while that Microsoft has had interest in building hardware for devices running its new Windows 8 operating system, but this tablet project appears to be an entirely new beast — though it’s been rumored since June.

The sources used in the report states the 7-inch gaming focused tablet would run on a modified version of Windows, similar to the Windows RT tablets, and would include “a custom ARM processor and high-bandwidth RAM.” While gaming will be the focus of this device, it may not be its explicit purpose as some other tablet functionality may remain in place. 

It’s interesting to note the Xbox 720 is rumored to be built on Windows, likely a custom kernel of the operating system. This is the same way the Xbox Surface tablet is said to operate. The report from the Verge also made mention of the fact that the Xbox Surface tablet is being developed in Microsoft’s Silicon Valley offices and the company recently locked down Xbox-related buildings on its campus. This news means we could see an Xbox tablet before we see a new console from Microsoft.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the speculation, but all signs are pointing to an Xbox Surface offering from the Redmond based company. After some rough reviews on the first Surface, it makes sense that Microsoft might go back into its stable and come out with another offering branded with its powerhouse product. The Xbox brand is only eleven years old but is one of the most notable names in gaming. The mobile market has proven itself as a true embracer of games and entertainment, so slapping a well-recognized name in those fields onto a tablet seems like a no-brainer for marketing. If the Xbox 720 is truly being built on Windows and Microsoft is working on some sort of OS integration between its tablet and its gaming system, the Xbox Surface may become a must-have accessory for console gamers who remain loyal to Microsoft.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-building-xbox-surface-tablet/

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What! Windows RT hogs 16GB of Microsoft’s 32GB Surface tablet

We originally thought Microsoft was being generous with 32GB storage standard for the Surface RT, but it turns out only 16GB of that is available to users. The rest of the storage is taken up by Windows RT and Microsoft Office.

If you thought a $500 Microsoft Surface RT with 32GB of storage was too good to be true (compared to the iPad’s 16GB for the same price) then we’re here to say you’re right. If that was your dream then you may want to start amassing memory cards because Microsoft had to use half of that 32GB for Windows RT, Microsoft Office, and other software.

Microsoft broke the news in a new post titled, “Surface disk space FAQ”, outlining exactly how much space on the Surface RT is available for apps, music, videos, and photos. According to the FAQ, the 32GB version has 16GB of free space and the 64GB version will have 46GB free. We are hoping this isn’t a universal issue for all Windows RT devices, but keep it in mind next time you read about a Windows RT device with an attractive storage size.

Another part of the FAQ explains that 32GB is actually 29GB when using it in the real world. Silly us for trusting the quoted storage sizes. Here’s the official explanation:

The advertised local disk size is shown using the decimal system, while Windows displays the disk size using the binary system. As a result, 1 GB (in decimal) appears as about 0.93 GB (in binary). The storage capacity is the same, it’s just shown differently depending on the how you measure a GB (decimal or binary).

At least Microsoft was kind enough to feature expandable memory through microSD cards that can hold up to 64GB of extra data. There’s also a standard USB port if you are in need of something in the terabyte range for a massive media collection.

Still, Microsoft routinely boasts that the Surface has double 16GB of storage when only 16GB is available to users. Windows RT has enough uncertainty surrounding it with its basically useless classic desktop and nearly empty app store. It doesn’t need this storage drama added to the mix. The Microsoft engineer quoted last month saying Surface RT users would have 20GB of space available only makes things more uneasy.

With iOS and Android optimized for mobile storage sizes, we kind of expected Windows RT to be relatively svelte in terms of gigabytes. It wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft addressed the size of Windows RT in a future update. Perhaps it will prune it down as time passes and eventually — fingers crossed — phase out the legacy features and classic desktop altogether.

What do you think of Microsoft’s misstep? Is expandable memory enough to make up for less internal storage?

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/windows-rt-hogs-16gb-of-32gb-microsoft-surface/

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Microsoft said to be testing its own smartphone

Ever since Microsoft announced the Surface tablet earlier this year, there have been rumors and speculations regarding Microsoft entering the smartphone hardware market as well.

Well, it seems they might. According to the sources at The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is working with Asian component suppliers to test their own smartphone design. Having said that, the company is not sure if the device will go in mass production.

It is said that the device Microsoft is currently testing has a display between four and five inches. Also, according to The Verge, this device won't be making an official appearance any time before the next year and is supposedly Microsoft's 'Plan B' in case the existing Windows Phone 8 devices fail to make an impression upon the users.

This is certainly interesting news for Windows Phone fans, although we are not sure if the other hardware manufacturers feel the same way.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_said_to_be_testing_its_own_smartphone-news-5033.php

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How Microsoft’s Surface just might kill the iPad

With real productivity apps, a clever keyboard cover and a well-engineered design, the Surface tablet stands a real chance of cutting into iPad sales… if Microsoft will throw enough money at the marketing.

All these “killer this” and “killer that” comparisons get out of control. Every new challenger is hyped as the killer of what came before. But sometimes, it’s true. The iPad really turned out to be a PC killer; folks bought iPads instead of buying new PCs, and that market took a pretty big hit. Apple pulled this off by building something that changed the rules for a PC, and we saw it differently.

Where the PC was about performance, the iPad was about portability. Where the PC was about mice and keyboards, the iPad opted for touch, and where the PC was generally about productivity, the iPad was about entertainment.

But it forced a hard choice that most of us didn’t really want to make: tablet or laptop? This was because the iPad was really a netbook that swapped the keyboard and mouse for a touchscreen, and the iPad’s shortcomings made it a very difficult product to live on exclusively. Most iPad buyers had to keep their PCs or buy MacBooks, and that took what was already an expensive solution and increased it.

With the Surface, Microsoft is trying to reverse the deck and do to Apple what Apple did to it.

Productivity

The Surface comes with Microsoft Office, the unchallenged, dominant desktop productivity product in the market. In fact, the ARM-based Surface actually bundles in Office, so you get productivity capability out of the box, putting it ahead of most PCs. But let’s not stop there, because unlike Apple, Microsoft isn’t being as restrictive of apps that fall into their turf. For instance, the apps can share data, so you can be looking up restaurants on one screen, and then simply click to bring up navigation, or some other app that can use the information from that initial screen. Microsoft also designed in a high degree of accuracy, so you can use a stylus, a tool typically preferred over a finger for creating art or editing pictures. These aren’t netbooks with touchscreens instead of keyboards, they are full PCs. That generally means you should be able to leave the laptop at home or in the office more often.

Designed from the inside out

Apple designs from the outside in. While this does result in beautiful products, it also results in painful problems like Antennagate, or cost problems, which may explain why the iPad mini is priced a whopping 60 percent above the rest of the market. This is also why the first iPhone, when it was presented, was pretty much a pretty brick that took months to get working. When car companies take this approach, you get rolling art that costs a fortune to maintain and isn’t very reliable.

Microsoft made big point of designing from the inside out. Engineers got the product properly equipped, adequately reinforced, and balanced before designers wrapped the result in a pretty case. The end result is a tablet with a screen optimized for movies and video, a balance that makes it feel lighter than it is, and a full set of features. (It’s missing a 4G radio, but because only about 10 percent of tablets have WAN radios turned on.) Microsoft even put in a fast-charge battery, so you can go from dead to near full charge in around two hours. Oh, and another in-your-face move is that while Apple uses magnetic plugs to charge for their laptops (which uniquely saves the laptop if you trip over the cord), it doesn’t appear on the iPad. The Surface does have this magnetic design. When Apple and Microsoft signed the last cross licensing agreement, Microsoft agreed not to copy the iPad. Instead, it ripped a part off the MacBook to improve its own tablet. Now that really is getting in Apple’s face.

The necessity of a keyboard

A few years back, before the iPad, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were on stage, and Bill said something to the effect that tablets were the future for mobile PCs. Steve pretty much said that only idiots would buy a tablet, because a keyboard was simply too irreplaceable.

Now, both the iPad and Surface tablets have optional magnetic covers, but only Microsoft’s comes with a built-in keyboard. This makes it look like the Surface Tablet is a better presentation of Jobs’ vision than the iPad, and that is about as “in your face” as we can get.

I think it would be fun to run the clip of Steve Jobs calling tablets without keyboards stupid right after a clip of Tim Cook talking about tablets with keyboards as the ugly result of refrigerators and toasters mating, and then follow it with the number of iPad keyboards sold (the market for this has turned out to be impressively large).

Marketing is key

After seeing the cringe-worthy Olympics ads that Apple did, I’m convinced that a lot of talented people left the company after Steve Jobs passed. This gives Microsoft the potential to out-market Apple this round. Kathleen Hall’s advertising team at Microsoft is considered one of the best in the business, but Microsoft traditionally underfunds advertising. If it does that here, this potential Apple killer will follow the Zune into the dustbin of history. The initial TV ads are good, but they’ll need Apple-like seeding and sustained marketing programs (read: loads of cash) to assure this “killer” product reaches its potential. If it opens its wallet wide enough for that, Microsoft may do to Apple what Apple did to it with the iPod, iPhone and iPad, and find that revenge can be oh so sweet.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-microsofts-surface-just-might-kill-the-ipad/

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As Surface hits stores in China, Ballmer talks it up while Apple boss calls it ‘compromised, confusing’

Microsoft's new Surface tablet launches on Friday. Ballmer's been singing its praises in various interviews, while Apple boss Tim Cook has been doing what he can to dampen any excitement.

Thanks to the earth’s rotation and the sun’s rays and the time zones and the International Date Line and the general way in which the universe has organized itself, it’s consumers in China who will be among the first to get their hands on Microsoft’s new Surface tablet.

The brand new device, which marks Microsoft’s entry into an already crowded market, launches Friday, along with the Redmond-based company’s new Windows 8 operating system.

Ballmer

In an interview with the BBC this week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer described the new product launches as an “epic” moment for the company. “It’s right up there in the top two or three big moments, including Windows 95 and the launch of the IBM PC, and it really starts us on this new era of computing,” Ballmer said.

Asked about the Surface, Ballmer gave a perfectly worded answer that sounded like a voiceover for an ad, describing it as “the one device you need for work and for play, that you can just take with you; you can really do what you need to do for school or for your job, you can really enjoy movies, books, entertainment, reading, games, all in one thin, light package – there’ll be nothing like the Surface with Windows 8.”

China

Consumers in China will be among the first to discover if Ballmer’s words are baseless baloney or bang on the money, with many in the country about to tear the packaging off the new tablet in the next few hours.

IDG News reported “hundreds of buyers” lined up outside one particular Beijing electronics store overnight,

One guy waiting in line, Chen Shi, reiterated Ballmer’s comment that the device is for work as well as play. “The tablet supports more software features for office work, things that you would actually use,” he told IDG. “Basically, Microsoft is reinventing the tablet, because now people are used to using their tablets as toys, and only use them to play games. These tablets lack features to do work for the office.”

Cook

Of course, Microsoft is late to the game when it comes to tablets, with Apple’s iPad dominating the market since launch day in 2010, and other big-hitters such as Amazon and Google already in the business. Apple CEO Tim Cook wasted little time in throwing in a few choice comments about Microsoft’s new arrival, telling analysts during an earnings call Thursday that though he hadn’t yet had a chance to use it, he was getting the impression from reviews that Microsoft’s new tablet “is a fairly compromised, confusing product.” But he would say that, wouldn’t he.

It’s the opinions of ordinary consumers that really matter, and these will soon begin filling forums across the Web. Only then will we have a better idea if the Surface is going to sink or swim. Or simply be used as a skateboard.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/as-surface-hits-stores-in-china-apple-ceo-calls-it-compromised-confusing/

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Behold! The Microsoft Surface skateboard

During its Surface press conference today, Microsoft showed off the most capable tablet ever made. The new Surface is actually a skateboard.

Today, Microsoft unveiled one of the most expensive skateboards ever made. After demonstrating the durability of the Surface tablet by dropping it on stage (onto carpeted floor, might we add), Microsoft’s Panos Panay showed us another way he and Windows 8 chief Steven Sinofsky have been testing the durability of the new magnesium-encased tablet. The team pasted skateboard trucks onto a regular Surface and converted it into a skateboard. A skateboard! Though they didn’t do any kickflips or ollies on stage, we did see a picture of Sinofsky sporting a massive helmet standing on the homemade sports equipment. For some reason, it didn’t seem too crazy that tablets can become laptops, and since laptops have learned Yoga, why can’t a Surface become a deck?

No, you can’t buy a Surface skateboard, but we wish you could. It could be one hell of an optional accessory. Maybe the trucks could attach with industrial grade magnets like the TouchCover. And you don’t have to worry about falling after a tough grind either. The Surface can hit the ground in 72 different ways without breaking, or so we learned today. Actually, after three hours of Microsoft press conferences, this might have been the only thing we actually learned. But… skateboard! That’s hip, right?

Somebody should call Tony Hawk. He may have found the next great way to make a skateboarding game.

(GIF credit: @strngways)

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/behold-the-microsoft-surface-skateboard/

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Microsoft Windows RT vs. Windows 8: What’s the difference?

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Microsoft is releasing its Windows 8 RT Surface tablet, but what's the difference between Windows 8 RT and Windows 8 Pro, and what do you need to know before buying a Windows 8 tablet?

Microsoft Surface RT tablets are set to hit shelves this week. The tablet is beautifully designed and competitively priced to go head-to-head with the iPad, Kindle Fire HD, and the legions of Android tablets currently on the market. But buyer beware: Microsoft and other Windows partners also plan to release Windows 8 Pro tablets that run the full version of Windows 8. To the untrained eye of a consumer looking to buy a new tablet, the differences between the two types of devices may be a bit confusing. We break down the difference between Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro tablets to help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Let’s take a deeper look at the two tablets to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Processor

When Windows RT was announced, it was originally called “Windows on ARM,” denoting the type of processor it uses. In short, the ARM processor enables RT tablets to be cheaper and use less power when running — which means a longer battery life for your tablet. Microsoft touts 8 to 13 hours of battery life for its Surface RT tablet. The Windows 8 Pro tablets will have Intel or AMD processors that are more powerful and can run more applications, but will be more expensive than an RT tablet with just an ARM processor. The battery life of Pro devices also won’t be as good as RT devices, with an estimate of 6 to 8 hours of battery life.

Software and apps

Microsoft claims that both RT and Pro devices are extensions of the PC, but to make things less muddy, RT is the “tablet OS” that only runs touch-friendly mobile apps available through the new Windows Store. This means that an RT tablet will only be able to use apps downloaded from the Windows Store, in which there are currently about 5,000 apps (90 percent of which are compatible with RT). RT users won’t be able to download any third-party apps from the Web, which currently includes popular apps such as Facebook and Spotify. There will be developers that only create apps for RT, and there will be some developers that will also make an RT version of their desktop applications so people with RT devices can use a streamlined mobile app version instead of the full-blown software application.

Microsoft will offer a mobile version of its popular Microsoft Office suite that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for its RT tablets, which will give those who choose an RT tablet the ability to do many (but not all) of the operations they’ve come accustomed to on their desktop or laptop running the full software. 

Pro tablets will run the full desktop version of Windows 8 (32 and 64 bit), so consumers can use all of the RT apps, plus any of the software they currently have on previous versions of Windows all the way back to XP. Windows 8 Pro will allow users to download any third-party app, as well as anything from the Windows Store. 

Price

If you’re looking for a price-point comparable to that of the third-generation iPad, Microsoft Surface RT will be $499 with 32GB of storage without a Touch Cover or Type Cover. No word on how Microsoft will price the Surface Pro when it arrives in approximately three months, but Windows partners who have thumbed their noses at Microsoft and will compete with Win 8 Pro tablets of their own (in all sorts of shapes, fashions, and forms) are starting around $800, which puts Pro tablets directly in competition with traditional laptops. Is this the real start of the post-PC era?

Windows RT or Windows 8 Pro?

Since Apple redefined the tablet category three years ago, people have primarily used tablets as media consumption devices — with a smidge of productivity thrown in. Tablet screens are larger than smartphones (with the exception of some Samsung mobile devices), so doing things like Internet browsing, shopping, reading, and viewing videos and movies is ideal on a tablet. There are some pretty powerful apps out there that will help you get some work done and even create content, but a tablet hasn’t come along that has made us rethink the idea of a tablet being more than a consumption device… yet. So for those people who use tablets just as a means to break away from the daily grind, a less-expensive Windows RT tablet with strong mobile roots will be the best bet for their needs.

With all the power that current mobile devices are packing, there appears to be an evolution on the horizon, where a desktop or laptop may not be the only way to get real work done. Consumers want speed and power, but in a lightweight and compact form factor. A tablet with all the capabilities of a laptop may just be what people are referring to when they mention the post-PC era. For those who are looking forward to that do-it-all, all-in-one device that’s a workhorse at the office — but still has the convenience of consumption device — a Windows 8 Pro tablet capable of handling all of what Windows 8 has to offer is the obvious choice.

Whichever side you’re on, it looks like Microsoft and its device partners have you covered. Remember, you do have a choice if you decide to purchase a tablet powered by Windows, and you may just have to calmly convince the retail associate, who is determined to sell you an extended warranty plan, of that choice.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-windows-rt-windows-8/

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Microsoft Stores have stashes of vouchers for the Surface RT tablet

Microsoft is excited to release its tablet line-up along with Windows 8 next week, but it want to make sure it gets the Surface in as many hands as possible. Reports show a voucher program that may be in place to move units on launch day.

The happiest moment of Charlie Bucket’s life was finding the Golden Ticket that allowed him to tour Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Microsoft fans are finding their dream ticket is more of a light blue color. PC World is reporting a post on the WPCentral forums has revealed a voucher that is redeemable for a Surface RT tablet on its launch day, October 26.

There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the actual program that the certificate appears to be a part of, but the directions on the card make its purpose pretty clear. The holder of the voucher is guaranteed a Surface with Windows RT as long as he or she shows up before noon on October 26. Obviously, purchase is still necessary, as the voucher isn’t currency. 

The original poster in the WPCentral forums stated his belief that it is likely early in the voucher-for-tablet program as his particular voucher was stamped with a “002″ at the bottom, signifying it is one of the first his particular retailer had given out. Follow up research has yielded information that supports this idea, as it seems most Microsoft Store employees haven’t even heard of these certificates. They are not a part of a pre-order program and appear as though they weren’t meant for mass consumption — they were meant to be handed out by managers, likely as a way to incentivize launch day purchases.

Sales shouldn’t be a major issue for Microsoft, as it appears on its site that the 32GB model of the Surface with Windows RT without the cover already has a 3 week shipping delay due to demand. Pre-orders are still available for launch day for the 32GB model with a Black Touch cover and 64GB with Black Touch Cover.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-stores-have-stashes-of-vouchers-for-surface-rt/

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Why I won’t be buying a Windows RT tablet (And why Microsoft doesn’t mind)

Windows RT tablets will be crippled out of the gate by a lack of applications, making holding off a wise choice for smart consumers.

Microsoft yanked back the veil obscuring its Surface RT tablet earlier this week, and if you ask me, it’s the finest example of tablet hardware that we’ve seen to date. Microsoft poured a ton of mental and engineering resources into the Surface, and it shows; the Surface tablet and its oh-so-attractive Touch Cover keyboard is one of just three tablets to ever make me drool with desire. It even has Office 2013! And the new-look Windows is actually kind of awesome on mobile devices once you make a few tweaks.

Even still, I won’t be buying a Surface RT tablet on October 26th. The same goes for any Windows RT tablet. There’s no chance. Nada, nil, zero.

My reluctance doesn’t have anything to do with pricing concerns. Some people think the Surface RT is overpriced at $500 to start, but not me. The Surface RT is a top-tier piece of hardware worthy of a top-tier price point. My concerns lie in Windows RT’s crippled nature, and before you grab your pitchforks, they have nothing to do with the Modern-style overhaul.

Here’s the kicker, though: Microsoft doesn’t need me or you or anybody to buy Windows RT tablets on October 26th. They can be a complete flop in the short term and still be a massive success in the long run.

Let me explain.

Why I won’t buy a Windows RT tablet

In a word: apps.

Windows RT and Windows 8 may look the same on the surface (get it?), but they’re two totally different beasts under the hood. Windows 8 runs on x86-based processors, which means it can run both the new Modern-style Windows apps as well as the programs currently available for Windows 7 PCs.

Windows RT, on the other hand, runs on the ARM-based processors — such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon and Nvidia’s Tegra 3 — that thoroughly dominate the mobile gadget world. That makes Windows RT tablets incompatible with the legion of programs written for past generations of Windows-based operating systems. Basically, Windows RT can only run the new Modern-style apps.

Modern-style apps can only be purchased through the Windows Store, and as it stands today, there simply aren’t enough Windows apps — either in quality or quantity — to make purchasing a Windows RT tablet worthwhile. Not even the breathtaking Microsoft Surface RT with its baked-in Office app.

The vast majority of 4,326 current Windows Store apps are tablet-style games or instantly forgettable novelties. (Fart Soundboard, anyone?) Aside from standout apps by Netflix, Evernote and Slacker, most of the must-have essentials aren’t there. I’ve spoken to several developers about the situation; it seems as though quite a few apps are waiting in the wings, set to appear in the Windows Store when it officially launches on October 26, but I don’t expect the Windows Store selection to skyrocket out of the gate.

That’s a big problem

Windows 8 devices can lean on the current Windows programs we know and love until the Modern-style apps hit full speed. Windows RT tablets don’t have that luxury.

Knowing that, the little flaws in Windows’ new Modern-style apps take on a whole new light. Intel CEO Paul Otellini was recently reported as saying that Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 before it’s ready — a statement that Intel didn’t exactly deny — and I’m inclined to agree with him. As a whole, Windows 8 is a joy on a tablet, but odd little quirks occasionally prove frustrating.

Those rough edges could be a whole post in and of themselves — tune in next week! — but let’s talk about a particular frustration that highlights Windows RT’s issues: The native Mail app’s complete lack of POP3 support. A recent update to the Mail app fleshed out support for the vastly superior IMAP protocol, but if your email provider only provides POP3 remote access (as is the case with many Internet Service Providers, including Comcast and Fairpoint) you’re in trouble.

Windows 8 users can just switch to desktop mode, download Thunderbird or one of the dozens of other freely available POP-compatible classic Windows programs, and start slinging messages in no time. Windows RT users are just screwed unless they switch to a webmail service or perform complex workarounds that Everyday Joe would never figure out for himself.

Nope, Windows RT just isn’t worth the hassle. Gimme a Nexus 7 for half the price instead.

Getting Over the Hump

Manufacturers aren’t stupid. They know Windows RT tablets will be limited at the outset. That’s why we’re seeing an overload of x86-based Windows 8 devices, but only a handful of Windows RT tablets. And that’s totally fine; Windows RT tablets will have their day in the sun. Microsoft’s very future depends on becoming as mobile-friendly as possible — and the company knows it.

Even if Windows tablets fizzle from the get-go, Windows 8 will still be installed on damn near every PC and laptop sold after October 26. Even if traditional computer sales are somewhat lagging, hundreds of millions of them are sold year in and year out.

Nothing attracts developers faster than a massive user base; Windows’ tremendous desktop presence will eventually draw them like flies, and Microsoft is doing everything it can to make developing Windows apps as painless as possible. Modern-style apps and their associated Live Tiles are the heart of the new Windows experience, and those apps will come. There’s no way the major software and service providers will leave the world’s most popular desktop operating system by the wayside.

Sure, those Modern-style Windows apps might be developed to satisfy the hordes of PC users clamoring for Modern-ized versions of classic Windows programs, but they’ll work just as well on mobile devices — regardless of whether those devices run on ARM or Intel processors. Microsoft and its partners don’t need to sell a single Windows RT tablet; a year or two down the line the Windows Store will be packed with Metro apps even if Microsoft’s initial mobile ambitions flop.

It’s genius.

So no, I won’t be buying a Surface RT tablet on October 26, even though the thought of holding it makes my fingers twitch with excitement. Microsoft’s mobile future — its entire future — hinges more on what I will be doing that day, anyway: Taking advantage of the dirt-cheap upgrade offers to upgrade some of my secondary PCs to Windows 8.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/why-i-wont-be-buying-a-windows-rt-tablet-and-why-microsoft-doesnt-mind/

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Nokia CEO invites a Microsoft Surface smartphone

The more handsets the merrier

Nokia CEO Stephen Elop seems to be tempting fate, encouraging Microsoft to make a Surface phone of its own.

While Microsoft is launching the Surface tablet with Windows 8, the company has not announced any plans to make its own Windows Phone 8 handset.

Elop thinks it would be a good idea, not just for Microsoft, but for the whole Windows Phone 8 ecosystem.

"It's certainly a stimulant to the ecosystem," Elop told investors in a conference call.

"We're encouraging of HTC and Samsung and Microsoft or whomever to have devices in the market and to be making whatever investments that helps spur the ecosystem on," he continued.

Surface phone for 2013?

Microsoft may not have announced a Windows 8 smartphone, but recent rumors suggest a Surface-branded handset could still be on the way.

Such a move would fit the company's lead-by-example approach to hardware that it's taking by launching the Windows RT Surface tablet alongside competing OEMs.

However, if a Microsoft-made Windows 8 handset is coming, it will not arrive before the end of the year.

That leaves Nokia in a comfortable position with its own Lumia line of smartphones having a healthy head start over any potential Microsoft offering.

Nokia should not be too comfortable though, as it will still launch against the Huawei Ascend W1, Samsung Ativ S, and the flagship Windows Phone 8 HTC 8X.

But as Elop says, more competition is good for the Windows Phone 8 ecosystem as a whole, and with the launch coming soon the competition is about to ramp up.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nokia-ceo-invites-a-microsoft-surface-smartphone-1105423

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New Surface ad launches, this time more than just dancing (and clicking)

Microsoft has launched a second ad for its Surface tablet, which launches next week. The new ad highlights some of the device's features and contains no dancing.

The first ad for Microsoft’s new Surface tablet may have been an all-clicking all-dancing affair, but its second has a little more substance. For a start, there’s a voiceover telling us a few things about the device, and look, occasional text appears on the screen too – words like “sleek”, “light”, and “durable”.

Most of the ad’s participants seem to be aged around 20 to 40. There are no kissing senior citizens in the 97-second promo, nor any dancing schoolgirls – both of which featured in the first ad, in case you thought I was just mentioning some odd, random scenarios.

The Redmond-based company is still going big-time with the Touch Cover and and kickstand, two features which it believes help make it stand apart from competing tablets. According to a report yesterday, however, it seems most people pre-ordering the device are going for the lowest-priced $499 Surface, which comes without the Touch Cover.

The new ad takes time to mention some of the features of the new tablet, which launches on October 26, including its HD video-out port, USB 2.0 port and microSD card slot.

“From touch to type, office to living room, from your screen to the big screen, you can see more, share more and do more with Surface,” the voiceover tells us at the close of the ad.

If you thought Microsoft’s first ad for the Surface was a bit light on information (like, there wasn’t any information), you’ll definitely prefer this one.

And if gradually increasing the amount of information while decreasing the amount of fluff is going to be a trend with these Surface ads, perhaps the next one will feature Steve Ballmer in a sparsely furnished room sitting at a desk staring straight down the barrel of the camera explaining in no uncertain terms exactly what’s so darn great about Microsoft’s new tablet. Without that clicking sound.

[Image: Imagemaker / Shutterstock]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/new-surface-ad-launches-this-time-more-than-just-dancing-and-clicking/

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Surface envy: Apple is trying to ruin Windows 8′s launch

Apple has announced its latest media event a week before Microsoft's big Windows 8 party. This show of aggression may be designed to crush the threat of the Surface tablets early on, but could have been made out of fear rather than aggression.

Apple hates Android and wants to undermine Google at every opportunity. The evidence is everywhere, from Steve Jobs’ infamous willingness to “go thermonuclear” on the OS, to the banishing of Google Maps and YouTube from iOS 6. But it’s been more than a decade since Apple has appeared to loathe Microsoft. Yes, they used to be bitter rivals, but that was in a different time. Or, at least, we thought it was. But with Apple holding a major press conference on October 23, just three days before Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and Microsoft’s Surface tablets go on sale, it’s apparent that it once again considers Microsoft a threat.

Microsoft has been building up to this moment for a while, and make no mistake the Oct. 26 launch of Windows 8 is the company’s big moment of 2012, and possibly 2013 too. Windows 8 is the basis of the Microsoft’s strategy and product plans for the coming years, and it’s vitally important that it succeeds and gets good buzz.

Apple however, wants to assert its position, and will do so on Oct. 23, regardless of the products it launches. If the rumors are true and it shows a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, a new Mac mini, or a curvy iMac, Apple will be saying “Computers? We do them better.” If it’s the iPad Mini, Apple will be reminding Microsoft that it has been making its own touchscreen hardware for a long, long time, and it can still suck up all the buzz and press, even when all it announces is a smaller, cheaper version of an existing product.

This is Apple flexing its muscles, arming its warheads, positioning the fleet, and pointing the finger directly at Microsoft. The sad thing for Microsoft is, it’s not even that aggressive a move. It’s as if Apple doesn’t really want or even need to spend much energy deflecting Microsoft’s efforts. A single press conference and product might do it. Even the event invitation’s slogan, “We’ve got a little more to show you,” makes the whole thing sound like an afterthought.

Apple to Surface missiles

What’s Apple’s problem, then? Apple is winning in smartphones and tablets — 85 million-plus iPhones sold in the US alone, 68-percent market share in tablets — and while Windows may dominate the home PC market, Mac OS X’s market share has been improving. Not that improving PC sales mean much. As we all know, PC sales are going nowhere but down at the moment.

Is this all about the Surface? Possibly, yes. Apple probably doesn’t relish the idea of another competitor trying to steal away some of its precious market share, and it’s obviously worried enough about the impact of cheap Android tablets to introduce a cheaper, smaller iPad. Microsoft has confirmed that it’s targeting the iPad with the official pricing of its tablets, with the 32GB Windows RT Surface going for $500, $100 less than the equivalent iPad. In the UK, that same 32GB Surface is £400, exactly the same price as a 16GB iPad.

It’s a sound business decision on Apple’s part to crash Microsoft’s party, but we can’t help but wonder if Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s words from an interview earlier this year initially woke the beast. Speaking to CRN.com, Ballmer was referring to Apple’s lead in innovation when he said: “We are not going to let any piece of this go uncontested by Apple, not the consumer cloud, not hardware or software innovation. We are not leaving any of that to Apple by itself. Not going to happen. Not on our watch.”

Now that’s just asking for trouble.

But looking back, perhaps Apple did land the first blow. In April, during a quarterly earnings call, CEO Tim Cook criticized Microsoft’s attempt to merge tablets and PCs with Windows 8. “You can converge a toaster and a refrigerator, but you know those things are probably not going to be pleasing to the user… And you wouldn’t want to put these things together because you wind up compromising both and not pleasing the user. Some people will prefer to own both, and that’s great there. But I think to make the compromises of convergence, we’re not going to that party. Others might. Others might from a defensive point of view, particularly. We’re going to play in both.”

A carefully crafted strike

The timing of Apple’s event is no accident: it’s a carefully crafted pre-emptive strike against Microsoft, which it hopes will crush any resistance that may be forthcoming. Apple wants to dilute whatever buzz surrounds Windows 8 and keep the eye of attention on itself throughout the holidays. It’s all very “shock and awe,” but Apple is proving that it’s has its eye on the steadily rising wave of competition. Is all this noise and brashness merely to cover up a degree of fear creeping in at Cupertino? If so, it needs to be careful. Predators can smell fear from miles away.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-trying-to-ruin-windows-8-launch-for-microsoft/

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Delivery of cheapest Surface slips to three weeks, Touch Cover rejected by consumers?

Of the various Surface models currently available, it appears the early adopters have been most taken by the cheapest, $499 32GB version. And that's the one without the Touch Cover keyboard, an accessory which Microsoft has been promoting hard since the tablet was first unveiled.

Anyone considering placing an order for the least expensive version of Microsoft’s new Surface tablet (ie. the $499 32GB model running Windows RT that comes without the ultra-thin Touch Cover keyboard) might have to wait as long as three weeks to receive the device, according to its page on the Microsoft Store website. It originally showed October 26 – the day the tablet officially launches – as the delivery date.

The $599 32GB version with the Touch Cover, and the $699 64GB version also with the Touch Cover, are, at the time of writing, still showing a “by October 26” delivery date.

It’s tempting to think there’s been an early rush by consumers for Microsoft’s new tablet, but as noted by Cnet (via Neowin), without knowing exactly how many of the tablets are built, boxed and ready to ship, it’s hard to accurately gauge how much demand there really is for the device at this early stage.

It does appear, however, that the early adopters are ignoring the Touch Cover, opting for just the tablet. If they change their mind at a later date, they can of course pick up a Touch Cover for $119, or a Type Cover, best described as a more conventional keyboard compared to the Touch Cover, for $10 more.

This may be of some concern to Microsoft, which has been making a big deal of its accompanying cover/keyboard since it first unveiled the Surface back in June – indeed, an ad for the new tablet, shown for the first time Monday night, featured the cover/keyboard as much as the tablet.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the computer giant has placed orders to manufacture between three and five million Surface tablets from now until the end of this year. But whether Microsoft can persuade people to part with their cash for one of them is what industry watchers are waiting to find out.

One thing’s for certain though – consumers looking to purchase a tablet this holiday season will be spoilt for choice, with big-hitters Microsoft, Apple, Google and Amazon, as well as a slew of other tech companies, all set to battle it out in the coming weeks in what has suddenly become an incredibly busy, as well as crowded, tablet market.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/delivery-of-cheapest-surface-slips-to-three-weeks/

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Microsoft reveals Surface tablet will start at $500

Microsoft has revealed that the pricing for its Windows RT Surface tablet starts at $500, with an added $100 if you want to shell out for a keyboard cover.

The pricing and specifications of the new Surface tablets were briefly revealed at Microsoft’s online store today on a page that was quickly pulled. The 32GB version of the ARM-based Surface tablet running Windows RT (a version of Windows 8) will set you back $500. If you want the TouchCover keyboard case in black then you can add another $100. The 64GB version with the black TouchCover keyboard case will set you back $700.

You’ll be able to pick up additional TouchCovers in a range of colors for $100 a pop and the TypeCover keyboard will go on sale at $130.

Microsoft is gearing up for a major advertising push into the holiday season and The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the company has placed orders to produce 3 to 5 million of these devices in the fourth quarter. That’s reportedly on a par with the numbers Amazon and Google ordered of the Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 respectively, but way below the 10 million iPad minis that Apple has supposedly ordered.

We expect the tablets to go on sale on October 26 in Microsoft stores immediately following the Microsoft Windows 8 event on October 25.

The 32GB Surface RT is hitting the same price point as the iPad 16GB at $500. The tablet war is well and truly on. The speculation about the pricing for the Surface tablets has been rife; at one stage we were hearing a possible price of just $200. With the long-rumored iPad mini widely expected to be announced on October 23, Microsoft could have a hard act to follow. Can the Surface make a splash at this price point? We’ll find out very soon.

In the meantime, check out the first Surface TV ad which ran on U.S. television on Monday night.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-reveals-surface-tablet-price-tag/

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A whole lotta clickin’: Microsoft launches its first Surface ad

A week before its new Surface tablet hits the market, Microsoft has launched its first ad for the device, giving nothing away about its price....or anything else for that matter.

OK here we go, it’s lift-off for Microsoft’s Surface ad campaign, a week before the tablet is due to launch.

Microsoft’s first ad for its new tablet is a stylish 60-second skit, an all-clicking, all-dancing affair featuring, among others, young families, business workers, dancing schoolgirls, smooching senior citizens and a whole lot of colorful Surface tablets. The wide range of participants in the ad is the Redmond-based company saying, “Hey, this tablet’s for you (oh, and you and you and……).”

It’s more of a teaser than anything else – there’s nothing about specs and no pricing information – designed to create awareness and make those who haven’t heard about Microsoft’s first foray into the tablet world look up and say, “What’s that all about then?”

The ad starts in silence – you might think your video player is on mute at first. Then things start to make sense. It’s all about the click – the click the tablet makes when it connects with its magnetic Touch Cover keyboard; the click it makes when the kickstand is put into action. Within seconds, the screen is filled with a mass of dancing people clicking their tablets to the music. And, well, that’s about it. You can check out the new ad below.

Microsoft’s upcoming Surface tablet has a 10.6-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes together with the Touch Cover click-on (yes, it clicks on, did we mention that?) keyboard. The tablet comprises two models, one powered by Windows 8 Pro and a more basic version running Windows RT.

The RT model launches next week while the Surface Pro is expected to be available early 2013.

The Surface’s price tag is still a mystery, though last month Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer dashed hopes of a cut-price tablet when he suggested a likely launch price of between $300 and $800. C’mon Steve, you could’ve narrowed the range a little, no?

Next week looks set to be a busy one in the world of tablet computers, with Apple reportedly unveiling (no, really, it might be happening) its iPad Mini on October 23, three days before the launch of the Surface.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/a-whole-lotta-clickin-microsoft-launches-first-surface-ad/

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No, really this time, the iPad Mini is coming on October 23

This week, the iPad Mini is rumored to be launching on October 23, just a few days before Microsoft will fully reveal its Surface tablets.

Now it’s October 12, and no iPad Mini invitations have fallen on to expectant doormats, it’s safe to say the Bigfoot of the tech world still isn’t quite ready to make its debut, despite the last rumor on the subject. If indeed, it ever was.

Since then, there has been talk of the tablet entering production, experiencing problems, and of Apple ordering 10 million units. All this without anyone setting eyes on the thing.

Not to worry though, you can leave the disappointment of October 10 behind and concentrate instead on October 23, as according to AllThingsD’s sources — unnamed, naturally — that’s the real date for the iPad Mini’s unveiling. Apple usually likes to distribute invitations to events a week or so before they take place, so they could begin to appear next Tuesday, October 16.

As the world has done a solid job of promoting the iPad Mini for Apple over the last months (and no, the irony of this statement hasn’t been lost on me), the company will save its money and won’t be inviting the Foo Fighters to return, or even bothering to pop down to the Yerba Buena Center, as the event will be “an intimate affair held close to home.”

Let’s take a moment and say that the iPad Mini is real, and that it will be unveiled on October 23. This is about as close as Apple would dare get to Microsoft’s Windows 8 event, stopping short of erecting a marquee outside Pier 57 on the big day and launching it there.

Microsoft’s Surface tablets are expected to be one of the day’s major subjects, where we’ll finally get to know how much they’ll cost, all ready for a midnight launch. The furore caused by an iPad Mini announcement certainly wouldn’t assist in Microsoft’s quest for column inches or tablet sales.

Right, now you can go back to the iPad Mini being just a rumor. Until October 23. Possibly.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/no-really-the-ipad-mini-is-now-coming-on-october-23/

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Microsoft to hold a Windows Phone 8 event on October 29

With its Windows 8 and Surface tablet launch event detailed, Microsoft has spilled the beans on its Windows Phone 8 launch event as well.

Taking place in San Francisco on October 29 at 10:00 AM, the event will give us the long-awaited details on Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has been very secretive of the latest iteration of its mobile OS, so it's going to be quite an event.

Be sure we'll cover the Windows Phone 8 launch event and give you as much detail on what Microsoft has been cooking for the smartphone users as possible.

Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/microsoft_to_hold_a_windows_phone_8_launch_event_on_october_29-news-4901.php

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The 12 hottest tablets coming out soon

We take a look at some of the hottest upcoming tablets, from Windows 8 designs like the Surface to the rumored iPad mini.

Tablets are invading our schools, our offices, and our homes. Back in June, we heard that nearly a third of U.S. Internet users already own a tablet. The vast majority of them have an iPad, but Apple is no longer the only company at the table and we’re seeing more and more tablets announced every day. If you’ve yet to take the tablet plunge, or perhaps you’re looking to snag a second tablet or upgrade, we’ve got a roundup of the best upcoming tablets (and rumored tablets) for you. 

If you can’t wait, be sure to check our list of the our favorite tablets currently on the market.

Dell Latitude 10

There has been a strong consumer (you and me) focus with most of the tablets released so far, but we also know that many businesses are trialing and adopting them. The Dell Latitude 10 aims to target that market with a functional aesthetic and Windows 8 Pro, which means it’s also pretty much a full-functioning PC. Unusually, it has a removable battery and a “productivity dock” so you can transform it into a desktop. It is packing Intel’s Atom Z2670 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive with up to 128GB of storage capacity. For the security conscious business crowd there’s TPM 1.2, file-level encryption, and optional fingerprint and smartcard readers.  Dell, Intel, and Microsoft are a strong trio and this could turn heads in IT departments across the land.

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9

At the other end of the spectrum we have the extremely consumer-focused Kindle Fire HD 8.9 from Amazon. This is essentially a window to serve you a steady stream of content from Amazon’s all-you-can-eat buffet table of books, movies, music, and more. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS), has an 8.9-inch, 1920×1200 pixel touchscreen, and packs a 1.5GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with 1GB of RAM. Battery life is good, it has 32GB of storage, and there’s a 4G LTE version. You can get your hands on one from November 20. (Check out our review of the smaller Kindle Fire HD 7.)

iPad mini

Source: Gizmodo

Rumors about a smaller iPad have been circulating for a long time now. They are nothing, if not persistent. The latest iPad mini rumor concerns an Apple event on October 10 and production lines starting up. For a while, we thought we might see the new iPad at the last Apple event where it unveiled the iPhone 5, but there was no mention of it. If it does ever become a reality, we can expect a smaller and cheaper version of the current iPad with a screen around the 8 inch mark. Beyond that we’ll just have to wait and see.

Microsoft Surface

We’ve known about the impending Windows 8 release for a long time now, but Microsoft caused a splash with the news that it would release its own self-branded tablets. There are two flavors – one running Windows RT with 32GB or 64GB storage, and one running Windows 8 with a bigger battery and 64GB or 128GB storage. Both will feature a 10.6-inch touchscreen and an innovative Touch Cover that protects the tablet and doubles up as a keyboard. The big question is – what will they cost?

Barnes & Noble Nook HD+

Barnes & Noble’s answer to Amazon’s new Kindle HD is the Nook HD and HD+. The larger Nook HD+ has a 9-inch touchscreen with a 1920×1280 pixel resolution. The processor is a 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP 4470, there’s 1GB of RAM, and it will run Android 4.0 (ICS), but don’t expect to run any Android apps. Barnes & Noble, like Amazon with its Kindle Fires, has stripped out all Google services and replaced them with its own. It’s 16GB or 32GB, but it does have a microSD card slot. It also features multiple log-in support and Nook channels for curated recommendations. This is serious competition for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 and might be the tablet to have if reading is your priority.

Samsung ATIV Tab

The Ativ Tab is 10.1-inch slate running Windows RT; we forgive you if it reminds you of the Android Galaxy Note 10.1 when you look at this. It has a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a screen resolution of 1,366×768 pixels, and it comes in 32GB or 64GB varieties. Battery life looks to be a highlight as Samsung is promising 12 hours of movie playback. The drawback is that it might be expensive (no official price yet), and the keyboard dock is an optional extra.

ASUS Vivo Tab (810)

The impressive Asus Vivo Tab brings us an 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 Super IPS+ display, 2GB of RAM, and 64GB of solid state storage. It runs full Windows 8 and also boasts NFC support, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Naturally it has a keyboard dock which transforms it into a laptop and will come as standard. There’s a Windows RT version with a 10.1-inch touchscreen which will be cheaper, but no price or release date has been confirmed for either just yet.

Wikipad

Here’s a curveball for all you tablet hunters out there – the Wikipad is a dedicated gaming tablet running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). It has a 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 resolution touchscreen, the Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, and 1GB of RAM. The USP is the attachable controller frame that the tablet slides into for comfortable gaming and enhanced sound. It also has 16GB storage, a microSD card slot, and an 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. A partnership with Gaikai for streaming premium console and PC games from the cloud could make this the perfect gamer’s choice, but has it done enough to justify a $500 price tag? We’ll find out.

HP ElitePad 900

If the Dell Latitude didn’t tickle your fancy, perhaps the HP ElitePad will. This is another business tablet and it has optional accessories including the “Productivity Jacket” which essentially transforms it into a laptop, the docking station which makes it a desktop, a tough case, an extended battery case, and a stylus. It has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, an Intel Atom Z2760 processor, 2GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of internal SSD storage. Pricing is unknown and this one won’t hit the market until January 2013.

Kobo Arc

Third in the e-reader race behind Amazon and Barnes & Noble we find Kobo puffing and panting its way along. The Arc is another Android tablet that is aiming to compete with the Fire HD and the Nook HD. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS), has a 1.5GHz dual-core Texas Instruments processor, along with 1GB of RAM, and a 1280×800 pixel 7-inch touchscreen. Pricing and specs are competitive for this November release so it could help close the gap on the frontrunners.

Archos 101 XS

Here’s another 10.1-inch tablet with a keyboard cover that transforms the tablet into a netbook. The Archos 101 XS uses a magnetic design and it is very thin and light if you remove the keyboard cover. It runs Android 4.0 (ICS) with the standard 4.1 (Jelly Bean) upgrade promise, but since it is vanilla Android that upgrade should happen soon. There’s nothing remarkable in the specs, but they are solid. There’s a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 1280×800 pixel resolution 10.1-inch touchscreen. It has 16GB storage, but there is a microSD card slot. It should be available in November.

Lenovo ThinkPad 2

This Windows 8 tablet has a 10.1-inch 1366×768 pixel touchscreen and boasts ten hours of battery life. It comes with a stylus and there’s an optional keyboard attachment. You can get a good look at it in out Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 hands-on. It has NFC and 4G LTE support, as well as an 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Early rumors suggested a frighteningly high $800 price tag with the keyboard attachment, which could make it a bit too expensive, but from our early hands-on, it does appear to be one of the best Windows 8 tablets coming out, complete with a stylus.

Are there any other new tablets on the way that you’re excited about? Post a comment let us know about your upcoming tablet pick.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-upcoming-tablets/

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