Surface 2 is updated, but here is update coming for Surface Pro 3

Microsoft kicked off the usual firmware updates dedicated to the Surface tablet released in conjunction with the regular patch Tuesday, distributed on the second Tuesday of each month. October, rewards the owners of the Surface 2, the second model based on Windows 8.1 RT, while holders Surface of the original RT, the Surface Pro and Pro 2 jump the appointment.

Regarding the most recent incarnation of the series 'pro', or Surface Pro 3 , the Redmond, while not making available any update in the day today, announced that in the coming weeks will be issued a further update that will improve in the first , the performance of the WiFi connectivity , in addition to introducing the periodic bug fixes.

Returning to ' update dedicated to the holders of Surface 2, the innovations documented by official change log include:

• Surface 2 UEFI update version 4.22.500 fixes a problem with the battery level that falls below 0% and does not allow the charging
• Aggregator System Firmware update version 1.0.51500.0 improves the overall reliability and compatibility with Surface Cover Type Pro
• Surface Power Platform Driver update version 2.0.716.0 regulates the current minimum charge to correct the problem that the battery level drops below 0%, thus preventing charging, and improves overall system stability
• Surface Accessory Device update version 2.0.671.0 improves the user experience with a Surface cover
• Audio and Display driver set version 9.17.13.2822 improves video and audio performance and fixes a problem with the display driver that caused instability in the process of waking from standby
• Surface Cover Click version 2.0.643.0 update improves the user experience when connecting and disconnecting the Surface Cover Type Pro
• Surface Cover Type Filter Device version 2.0.682.0 adds support for a Pro

Surface Cover Type Japanese to non-Japanese Surface 2 updating the Surface 2 can be accomplished through Windows Update. It should be noted that the update is deployed in stages and is therefore not the term physiological context of the procedure. If the update does not result available yet, we invite you to be patient.

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Dismantling Surface Pro is extremely difficult to repair the equipment within 90 screws

iFixit recently dismantling Surface Pro, results showed tablet internal Almost all adhesives fixed, users want to repair extremely difficult, much higher than the iPad. IFixit repair-ability score, Surface Pro scored only 1 point in 10 points, For example, a single open flat, surrounded by the four lines around the display, would cut off a little careless. Battery and display adhesive display is extremely difficult to replace. Equipment within 90 screws, iFixit believes that an unusually large number for such equipment.

In contrast, the four generations of Apple iPad rated 10 points to 2 points. IPad repairable from a ratings point of view is not much advantage, much higher than the iPad Surface RT repairable, more expensive Surface Pro score lower, which some people disappointed. In fact, not surprisingly, Microsoft's efforts in the small tablet loaded with more features. Nevertheless, iFixit still think Microsoft in order to save space, some move is no necessary, such as the battery grip, that is that the intentional degradation "totally supererogatory.

Surface bulk buyers return plates Microsoft

Surface RT is not in great demand among buyers. Thus, analysts IDC found that Microsoft has shipped a total of 900 000 of its tablets. Moreover, the company from Redmond faced with the fact of mass return device buyers.

Experts from another company, IHS iSuppli, claim that Microsoft has shipped about 1,250,000 Surface RT. But to end users reached only from 680 000 to 750 000. The remaining plates are still gathering dust in warehouses of retailers, so the first quarter of the manufacturer made a small order for the production of these devices.

But it's much worse for Microsoft is that analysts say the high level of return Surface RT. And the main reason for this is not the gadget, and its operating system. Users unhappy interface Windows RT and the very limited number of available applications. Because of the very high percentage of returning American corporation was forced to allow the company store to accept Surface with already opened.

As disadvantages Surface RT also called lack of a standard e-mail client Outlook and compatibility with the familiar desktop Windows operating system software. Experts said a similar problem affected and some recently introduced Android-tablets.

The analysts point out that the iPad do not stay in stock and almost immediately sold them off. For comparison, in the last quarter Apple sold 22.9 million of its tablet, leaving other manufacturers only a small part of this market.

NIBIQU: Keyboard Case for iPad with technical style of Microsoft Surface

Designer Diego Rivas has developed case for iPad, which acts as an external keyboard, and stand for the device. Constructively and bright colors accessory product recalls from the Redmond company, easily making "apple" into a kind of tablet Microsoft Surface.

Case has a thickness of 3.5 mm and is a logical extension of iPad. NIBIQU allows you to switch to the analog keyboard when you need it. It's enough to connect a L-shaped element, which is in the set and gadget attaches to the tablet using magnets.

When used as a stand accessory angle plate can be adjusted from 50 to 90 degrees. In addition, NIBIQU easily replace the cover Smart Cover.

Spanish design weighs only 7 grams and is available in five colors - dark gray, white, pink, blue and green. Shades practically coincide with shades keyboards for Microsoft Surface, but the iPad to connect NIBIQU possible, both vertically and horizontally.

NIBIQU: compatible with the iPad last three generations. Now designer develops an option accessory tablet on Android. If successful, the project financing gadget can be purchased for $150.

Users of the 32-gigabyte version of Surface available 16 GB

Surface has been in the hands of iFixit, who studied it with passion for maintainability. Then the cost of components gadget experts evaluated the company IHS iSuppli. In the first two cases, the device did not bring big surprises, in the context of available hard disk space Microsoft new tablet pretty distinguished.

For buyers device was a big surprise, that is available for their use only half of the available memory Surface. In particular, many are unhappy with the fact that the model with 32 gigabytes of storage capacity offers at least 16 gigabytes of space. Surface users with 64 GB of "missed" about 18 GB.

Microsoft today explained the mysterious disappearance of gigabytes. Thus, when expressed in radix 32 gigabytes become in fact the 29 GB and 64 GB reduced to 59 gigabytes. About 5 GB borrow backup OS and another 8 GB to the operating system and associated applications.

What if the remaining 16 GB of anything missing? In Redmond advised to use the "cloud" storage SkyDrive, as well as memory cards and USB-drives.

Specialist disprove the statement of the advantage of Microsoft Surface screen on Retina-display iPad

Specialist research firm DisplayMate denied approval Engineer Microsoft Research Department, Who said that the tablet screen Surface superior in quality to the Retina Display iPad.

Statement that used in the operating system Windows ClearType technology is the best available today for making font smoothing and allows the screen Surface surpasses the number of characteristics Retina-matrix iPad 3, was Microsoft earlier this week.

DisplayMate specialist decided in practice to check the word Redmond company, which compared the iPad 2 with display 1024 x 768 pixels (density of 132 ppi) and third-generation iPad, has a screen 2048 x 1536 pixels (density of 264 ppi), with display ASUS netbook based on the new Platform Windows. The unit has about the same screen as the Surface: 10 inch, 1366 x 768 pixels (density 130 ppi) and support for the smooth ClearType.

In all three devices professionals launches a web browser and open the page with the small print to see what the screen will show a clearer picture. According to experts, in this respect, ASUS netbook display was better than the iPad 2, but it is much worse than the Retina in the third-generation iPad.

It should be noted that the engineer Microsoft, proclaimed the superiority of the screen Surface, later corrected his message. Now he claims that in some cases it would be better to look ClearType, in other - Retina, and in others - the difference will be noticeable at all.

Microsoft: Surface screen tablet better Retina-display iPad

Engineers Research Department, Microsoft said that the tablet screen Surface superior display Retina, used in the new iPad. According to experts, for example, to read LCD Panel Microsoft mobile gadget is more appropriate than screen tablet Apple.

"With an increase in screen resolution and pixel density (dpi), the human eye captures less detail. For this reason, the degree of brightness of the room, and reflections on the screen have a significant effect on the contrast. Even a barely discernible reflection can significantly reduce the contrast and perceived image resolution, "- said an employee of the research department Microsoft Stevie Basich.

In his view, ClearType technology is the best of currently existing solutions for font smoothing and shows a different approach from the proposed Apple, which tends to increase the pixel density. Basich pointed to the advanced technology that is applied to create screens for Surface.

"Many people have noted the fact that the screen Surface RT shows more detail than the displays iPad", - the expert said, citing the results of a user survey.

Recall display resolutions Surface tablet running Windows RT, is 1366 × 768 pixels. While not yet officially announced the device on Windows 8 have screens of 1920 × 1080 pixels. iPad boasts a resolution of 2048 × 1536 pixels.

Microsoft officially declared the price of the Surface plates

Among the first wave of devices running Windows RT, without a doubt, is the most anticipated tablet from Microsoft - the company decided to encourage attention to the new platform in such a way that not all evaluated positively (especially negatively responded partners Microsoft). The success of the iPad competitors on the basis of Windows RT depends largely on the success of the Surface, and the latter, in turn - the price.

Today, Microsoft, finally officially announced the cost of new tablet PCs Surface on Windows RT. Younger version with 32 GB of internal memory will cost $ 499. High-end model with 64 GB of internal memory and a keyboard included valued at $ 699. Buy plates with a magnetic cover Touch Cover can pay another $ 99.

Microsoft also called the price of Touch Cover with touch sensitive keys and Type Cover with mechanical, which will be sold separately. The first device can be purchased for $ 119.99, the second - for $ 129.99. Touch Cover will be available in white, red, black, blue and purple colors, while Type Cover only in black.

Journalists on the eve of The Wall Street Journal found that the Redmond company has placed orders for IV quarter in just 3 - 5 million Surface. Sources claim that the mass release tablets began in the first days of this month, and the company in the near future will begin accepting pre-orders for the novelty.

It is expected that Surface will be available after October 26, when is the official release of Windows 8. Note earlier rumors, which are partly corroborated statements Microsoft head Steve Ballmer that Windows RT version of the tablet with 32 GB of memory will cost $ 299.

Microsoft Surface will begin selling in the night from 25 to 26 October at a price of $ 350

It would seem, for the announcement of Microsoft Surface tablet computers almost there: the official website launched a section on these devices in the U.S. open additional outlets, which are designed to cope with the influx of customers and undermine the market position of competitors. The main intrigue is still a retail price tablets Surface, but before the announcement of a few weeks.

Speaking to reporters The Seattle Times, the head of Microsoft Steve Ballmer called the approximate cost of Surface. According to him, customers will be able to get a new product, paying 300 to 800 dollars. This, apparently, is the cost of the young and old models of the mobile computer. Edition Dummies, citing an anonymous source, to name more specific figures. According to the site Surface retail value will start with $ 350.

Recall that the budget model Surface, represented Microsoft, has a thickness of 9.3 mm body, weighs 676 grams and is equipped with a screen diagonal of 26.9 cm. It is also equipped with memory capacity of 32 or 64 gigabytes. In turn, the "professional" version that has Windows 8 massive: they have a thickness of 13.5 millimeters and weighs 903 grams. The volume of their memory will be 64 or 128 gigabytes. It also features plug USB, dual antenna Wi-Fi, multi-keyboard and touchpad.

It is learned that some stores will sell Microsoft Surface tablets already on the night of 25 to 26 October, while in most retail outlets devices can be purchased directly on October 26 during office hours. Will a new category of products for Microsoft to create around the same hype as the iPhone and iPad? Apparently, the company nurtures some hope in this respect, or else run the nightly sales would not make sense.

Microsoft should "think twice" about plans for the Tablet Surface

Head of Acer JT Wang said that the release of Microsoft Surface plate "negative impact on the global ecosystem," leading to a negative reaction from OEM-partner of Redmond on the equipment.

According to Wong, release of Microsoft's own "pills" will lead to irreversible changes in the market of mobile computers, as well as the impact on the software giant's relationship with its partners.

"This will have serious negative consequences for the entire ecosystem, and may provoke negative reactions from other manufacturers. You are in the (production units - approx.) Is not very good, so please, think twice - said Wong. - If Microsoft will make the device what to do to us? Should we continue to rely on Microsoft or start looking for other options? ".

Recall, Microsoft introduced its own tablet in the middle of June, showing the two versions of the device - Surface and Surface Pro, differing versions of the operating systems and processors. Version of Surface, built on the Nvidia Tegra processor will be available simultaneously with the release of Microsoft Windows 8 in late October , while the Surface Pro, equipped with the Intel chip and Windows 8 Pro, will be on sale three months later.

The problem is very simple. Surface designed to seriously compete with iPad, but none of the partners of Redmond on the equipment did not know about them before the announcement. Companies - vendors of personal computers from around the world, such as Acer, Asus, Samsung, HP, Dell, Toshiba, Lenovo, can do the release tablets on Windows 8 and Windows RT, but they will have to lay in the cost price of the license for the OS, which comes to $ 90. Clearly, Surface-related products will be more expensive than Microsoft-plates - so whether or not to buy them at all?

Previously, some sources have reported that Microsoft partners are unhappy with plans for an American company. According to rumors, manufacturers of devices on the mobile platform, Windows “feel betrayed.”

Microsoft has revealed the touch keyboard and mouse for tablets [picture]

Microsoft introduced a keyboard and mouse started to work with the new tablet Surface, working on Windows 8, and mobile devices from other manufacturers.

 

The keyboard called Wedge Mobile Keyboard features a folding hard cover that protects the accessory from damage during transportation and serves as the base for the Surface. The device can be placed on a table or other flat surface. The panel has a button “Windows 8” and the multimedia keys, and connects to the wireless technology Bluetooth.

 

Wedge Touch Mouse repeats the concept of Apple Magic Mouse, offers the user a touch surface that replaces the standard scroll wheel. This surface allows you to scroll and navigate to Windows 8 in the four directions. Accessories also uses Bluetooth. The battery is placed in the side of the mouse, which prevents it from accidentally falling out.

Another feature is the mouse sensor technology BlueTrack. As explained in the company, it allows you to use a manipulator to almost any surface. In Microsoft said another function device Backpack Mode - Mouse will automatically go into sleep mode when the user turns off the plate.

 

Recommended retail price Wedge Mobile Keyboard is $ 80, and Wedge Touch Mouse - $ 70. The company did not specify when the new accessories will be available.

In addition to Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Wedge Touch Mouse, Microsoft has announced yet another keyboard and one mouse - Sculpt Mobile Keyboard and Sculpt Touch Mouse.

 

Sculpt Mobile Keyboard has a curved shape (the angle of curvature of 6 degrees). Connecting to a computer by using Bluetooth. Battery life - up to 10 months. Sculpt Touch Mouse also supports scrolling, and navigation in the four directions.

Recommended price Sculpt Mobile Keyboard and Sculpt Touch Mouse - $ 50.

Tablet Microsoft Surface will be released on the market October 26

Microsoft has announced that the Tablet PC Surface will be released to the market on Friday, October 26, along with Windows 8.

 

In the official report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, The Redmond company wrote:

"The next version of our OS, Windows 8 will be available to the public October 26, 2012. At this time we start selling Surface, developed and produced a series of Microsoft hardware. "

Previously it was assumed that the plates Microsoft debuts at the same time as Windows 8, but it is now clear date is confirmed. It is worth noting that this is only an ARM-version of "pills" that are running Windows RT. Surface Pro with Intel chips and Windows platform 8 will be released three months later.

It is noteworthy that in the Microsoft talks about the success factors of the new OS:

"In autumn 2012 we are running Windows 8 ... Its success depends on several factors, including the extent of users who take the new interface and functionality, successful co-ordination with our OEM-partners in the launch of the various functions of the OS using hardware solutions, as well as attracting a sufficient number of developers to create a competitive array of high-quality applications. We expect to incur marketing costs in the solid start Windows 8, related services and devices that can reduce the performance of our operating return on sales. "

The last word of a possible decrease in performance of the operating return on sales analysts on Wall Street embraced with caution. If the "eight" is not waiting for success, it may settle the new doubts about the viability of Microsoft in the era of the iPad and Android.

Microsoft Surface tablet on Windows 8 Pro will cost as much as three iPad

Tablet Microsoft Surface , competing with the popular iPad, may be too expensive for most consumers. If we believe the preliminary price tagListed on the site of one of Europe's retailers, even the basic version of the gadget will be a two-thirds more expensive than a similar version from Apple.

 

The cost of «Microsoft-pills," said Swedish site Webhallen.com. Cheaper version on the ARM processor and Windows RT with 32 GB of internal memory is converted to euros $ 1003. That's $ 400 more expensive than the price the iPad with the same memory and without 3G in the U.S.. Recall, Microsoft has no plans to equip the Surface of the first generation of mobile communication support. Tablet software giant will only work in wireless networks Wi-Fi, which is dictated by the desire to reduce the price of devices.

Nevertheless, for the cost model based on the Surface of Intel processors and SSD-drive capacity of 128GB can buy several iPad - a device first Swedes valued at $ 2152.

However, official confirmation of the price of Microsoft is not followed. Company representatives noted that the exact cost of devices will be named closer to the beginning of sales. The company also refuses to say who will produce the new product.

Microsoft, we recall, is preparing two basic versions Surface with 10.6-inch touch screen, one of them is executed on a processor with ARM architecture and uses a special build of the operating system Windows RT, the second - is equipped with Intel Core chip third generation, and the role played by software platform Windows 8 Pro.

As for the date, it is likely, ARM-version of the Surface will be available at the time, and when the new Operating System Windows 8, October 26. Intel-version is expected in early 2013th.

Bill Gates: Apple needs its counterpart tablet Microsoft Surface

Microsoft founder Bill Gates believes that the new Tablet Surface , presented his company in June, are quite unique products, despite the fact that formally they are not much different from most competing products. With the exception of desktop platform, and a physical keyboard included, Microsoft Surface is a regular Tablet PC with touch screen.

 

Nevertheless, in an interview on PBS, Gates said that the Surface - a new "wave" form factor. The gadget combines the advantages of a tablet and a traditional PC. According to the founder of the Redmond company, he had long nurtured the idea of ​​tablets, but Steve Jobs was able to get ahead. Now, Gates is convinced that Apple should release a device resembling Surface. Apparently, it is a Tablet PC-based operating system, Mac OS X.

 

The idea of ​​combining in one device, tablet PC and has repeatedly been criticized not only by Steve Jobs, Tim Cook and. In April, the acting head of Apple, made a sharp criticism of the devices, which are a hybrid of laptop and tablet, as well as the universal operating system for computers and mobile gadgets.

"You can force to connect anything, but the problem is that this will turn out - Cook responded to a question about the prospects of convergence of laptop and tablet in a single device. - You can even combine a toaster and a fridge, but the result will not be pleasant and useful to the user. "

Cook said "pills" suitable for people who are not burdened with "legacy PC", and Bill Gates believes the continuity of infrastructure perhaps the main advantage of the Surface. So Gates' predictions about the inevitability of new copy plates Microsoft by Apple is hardly realistic.

Microsoft’s part of their secrets surpassed Apple

Many observers surprised by the fact that Microsoft has managed to hide the creation of Surface plates until their presentation. The Corporation has managed to keep the development new device on Windows in a secret largely because the gadgets are created away from the eyes of the uninitiated in a special underground bunker.

 

First, let's say that Microsoft has its own design studio with 3D-printers and other equipment necessary for the design of prototypes. But the studio is not suitable for the plans Microsoft, which is expected to classify the most development. Therefore, the basic work to produce products were devoid of windows in the bunker.

The team designed Surface, initially worked in an underground room with no windows and only when she ceased to be enough room, Microsoft postponed the development of a special building with a high level of security. External inputs in this room have been equipped with the gateway, and to get to him it was only possible after passing through biometric verification. So the creators can be sure that no one is watching.

Heightened secrecy have allowed Microsoft to focus on small details. For example, developers could get rid of the clicking sound when you connect the keyboard to the tablet.

We add that Microsoft has not disclosed technical characteristics of new devices, as well as their prices. According to preliminary data, ARM-modified mini-computer, Windows will cost $ 599 in a configuration with 32 GB of integrated flash memory. The tablet with an Intel processor costs $ 999.

Out of gadgets on the market, which is also equipped with a hardware keyboard, it is expected this fall.

Wi-Fi Surface will cost more iPad with module 4G

According to informed sources, Microsoft has no plans to equip the Surface of the first generation of mobile communication support. New software giant plates can only work in wireless networks Wi-Fi, which is dictated by the desire to reduce the price of devices.

In the module, even without the price of the 3G/4G Surface is hardly accessible. According to preliminary data, ARM-modified mini-computer, Microsoft will cost $ 599 in a configuration with 32 GB of integrated flash memory. The tablet with an Intel processor costs $ 999.

This price is much higher than the cost of the last modification iPad: «Apple" product in its simplest configuration costs $ 499. Not to mention the previous generation of devices - iPad 2, which can be purchased for $ 399.

According to DigiTimes, collecting plates Surface trusted Taiwanese company Pegatron Technology. It belongs to the corporation, Asustek, previously noticed in collaboration with other IT-giant - by Google.

However, official confirmation of the price of Microsoft is not followed. Company representatives noted that the exact cost of devices will be named closer to the beginning of sales. The company also refuses to say who will produce the new product.

Microsoft, we recall, is preparing two basic versions Surface with 10.6-inch touch screen, one of them is executed on a processor with ARM architecture and uses a special version of the operating system Windows RT, the second - is equipped with Intel Core chip third generation, and the role played by software platform Windows 8 Pro. The yield tablets scheduled this fall.

See also: The tablet directly Microsoft Surface at presentation [video]

The tablet directly Microsoft Surface at presentation [video]

Yesterday, the presentation of the Tablet PC Microsoft Surface , functioning on Windows 8, which is positioned as a competitor to Apple iPad.

During the event were broadcast live on the Internet, and later appeared in the public domain 47-minute recording of the event, marking the ambitious claims of Redmond for a second seizure in the history of market leadership Tablet PCs.

Not without its curiosities. During the demonstration Surface, at the head of the Windows Steven Sinofsky several times had problems when trying to run the application on the tablet Explorer, Office and Adobe Lightroom. As a result, he had to urgently get a spare copy of the gadget.

Some of the moments on the record with 14:10.

Despite the great ambition of Microsoft, after a presentation to analysts were quick to pessimistic forecast: Surface risk of being an outsider among the tablet market. The main risk factor may be the narrowness of the user environment - lack of specialized applications and services that could give Microsoft Surface competitive advantage from the undisputed leader of the iPad.

While on the Surface is little known: the two "pills" work based on Windows, made of specially developed by Microsoft Magnesium Vapor MG and lightness reminiscent ultrabook.

A crucial role to play pricing Redmond, prohibitively was delayed entering the market Tablet PCs. The exact price of new items, as well as dates of commencement of sales, are not reported. We only know that the price will be comparable to the Surface price iPad.

In the presentation of Surface, Microsoft is inspired by Apple keynote

Surely you've read our blog on the new Surface, the first tablet with Windows 8 signed and designed entirely by Microsoft. Some of you have also witnessed live the live event and have noticed many similarities with the keynote carried out by the company's Cupertino - in this case from Steve Jobs - in recent years.

On the major social networks like Twitter and Facebook has been much talk of this similarity so much so that some foreign websites have made ​​some real ad-hoc video which displays the highlights of the announcement of two tablets of the most interesting moment : the 'iPad from Apple and Microsoft Surface.

We therefore decided to offer an interesting video made ​​by  ReadWriteWeb  , which compares the recent keynote, Microsoft and the company's Cupertino held a little over two years ago by the old CEO Steve Jobs in which it appeared to the world the first iPad generation. What do you think?