Ingenuity is the brainchild of competition. With the extreme acceleration of technology, companies continually are vying to stay cutting edge and procure the affection (read: money) of customers. On June 19th, Microsoft threw its hat in the ring, announcing the Microsoft Surface. With the Surface, the tech giant competes with the behemoths of the tablet industry, Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy. This is the company’s first foray into Microsoft-branded PCs in its 40-year history. With this launch, Microsoft has moved from software to hardware.
Reports of the new gadget claim that the Surface looks to be more a hybrid, rather than straight-up tablet – marrying a tablet’s light-weight usability with a notebook’s screen and keyboard. Running on Microsoft 8, the Surface is light and comfortable to hold with sloped edges, assuring an easy grip. Adding to its comfort, the magnesium ally chassis is covered with a light coating making it feel pricey and durable. With a kickstand to stabilize, the Surface feels balanced and sturdy. Well-designed with attractive colorful components and accessories, Microsoft has also garnered praise for the built-in touch keyboard and touchpad. Unlike iPad, the Surface will run as a full-computer.
Shrouded in secrecy and with a Hollywood-like premier, the Surface took a page out of the Apple playbook – giving just enough information to fuel interest and speculation but not too much. Experts are figuring that the light-weight Surface weighs about 1 ½ pounds.
With Apple carrying a 63% of the tablet market, Microsoft’s Surface gives the iPad a run for its money. The release date is thought to be in the fall, along with Microsoft 8, and its price has not been stated. What is certain, however, is that the Surface has added intrigue to the tablet wars.
Michelle Mayer is blogger at Mijo! Brands Mexico.
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