Microsoft unveils tablet “Surface” in Los Angeles
Posted June 18, 2012 10:12 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Tech giant Microsoft has entered the tablet market.
CEO Steve Ballmer was on hand in Los Angeles to announce the tablet, calling it part of a “whole new family of devices” the company is developing.
Microsoft’s “Surface” has a 10.6″ display screen, weighs only 1.5lbs, and is 9.3mm thin. This makes the “Surface” larger and lighter than the iPad.
One version of the device will work on the Windows RT operating system while the other version will work with Windows 8 Pro.
The tablet will have a kickstand as well as a removable touch keyboard, which also functions as a cover for the device.
Windows 8 is designed to run on desktop, laptop and tablet computers. PC makers are hoping it offers them a better chance to compete with Apple Inc.’s iPad. Windows 8 is expected to be released in September or October, in time for devices that ship for the holiday season.
The announcement did not come as a big surprise. In April, Microsoft announced a $300-million, 17.6 per cent stake in Barnes & Noble’s Nook e-book business.
At the Xbox E3 press conference, Microsoft officials announced the introduction of SmartGlass which is a companion app that would enable players to use mobile devices and PC’s in conjunction with their Xbox. During the presentation, a tablet using Windows 8 played a dominant role sparking rumours that Microsoft may enter the tablet market.
The announcement was is being kept under such tight wraps that the company declined to provide its location until Monday.
“This will be a major Microsoft announcement – you will not want to miss it,” the company said in an email invite to the media on Thursday. A company spokesman declined to comment further.
Although no price was given for the “Surface” officials said it would be “priced to compete.” As for the release day, the official Microsoft website simply says “Coming Soon.”
