Microsoft Announcement

[mrwoooooooo]

So Microsoft are announcing something 'Huge' tonight at 11:30

Any guesses as to what? Most people seem to think its a tablet but I dont think it is, as they'd have too many win8 tablets to compete with.

[Kieran]

So Microsoft are announcing something 'Huge' tonight at 11:30

Any guesses as to what? Most people seem to think its a tablet but I dont think it is, as they'd have too many win8 tablets to compete with.

I reckon it could be the tablet to be honest.

Off topic:
Just noticed you're from N-U-L :o

[Futz]

probably a new tablet that you can watch tv on while hooked up to your mobile device which is being controlled by your satnav which is hooked up to your oven all while sitting in your refrigerator

[lTraditional]

Probably a new tablet to be honest however if they do release a tablet then it better be good. With an app to shoot justin bieber.

[LiquidLuck.]

Probably a new tablet to be honest however if they do release a tablet then it better be good. With an app to shoot justin bieber.

I'd so buy it!! xD

[xxMATTGxx]

I don't know what this has to do with Justin Bieber but whatever. I hope the announcement is pretty good...

[lTraditional]

I don't know what this has to do with Justin Bieber but whatever. I hope the announcement is pretty good...

That was a joke. Anyway, hope it is something good and would have to be unique. Could be a new pointless console?

[xxMATTGxx]

That was a joke. Anyway, hope it is something good and would have to be unique. Could be a new pointless console?

Won't be a console as such as Microsoft have the next gen Xbox planned for next year. It could be something related to the platform though.

[iBlueBox]

Won't be a console as such as Microsoft have the next gen Xbox planned for next month. It could be something related to the platform though.

Wait next gen Xbox next month? what am I missing here?!

[lTraditional]

What is the big announcement then I wonder? It is past 11:30! :)

[Kieran]

They're late... not impressed!

The doors only opened for the reporters at half past... could be a while before they start :l

[mrwoooooooo]

it sounds like something they think someone else was going to announce a product, so decided to announce their version first

[The Don]

the suspense is killing me

---------- Post added 18-06-2012 at 11:49 PM ----------

It has started! :D

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6248/Screen_Shot_2012-06-18_at_3.45.54_PM-verge-560.jpg

if we don't find out till then i don't think i'll be waiting up for another 2 hours...

[xxMATTGxx]

Wait next gen Xbox next month? what am I missing here?!

Sorry! I meant next year, I should have checked on what I posted :P

[The Don]

Starting to look like those who predicted a tablet announcement were correct with these latest images...

[xxMATTGxx]

This is clearly going to be some sort of tablet, could be related to the Xbox platform? Or maybe not

[The Don]

This is clearly going to be some sort of tablet, could be related to the Xbox platform? Or maybe not

4:04:57 PM PDT
There are strong hints here of a dual-screen device. We're on the edge of our seats

It is amazing how technology has advanced that we're able to get live updates with pictures etc as it happens...

[sex]

probably like that wii u tablet ting?

[mrwoooooooo]

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6263/verge-lb-695.jpg
Ballmer like a boss!

[The Don]

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6263/verge-lb-695.jpg
Ballmer like a boss!

what a hero.

"It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned."

"It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned."

JUST SPIT IT OUT ALREADY

[xxMATTGxx]

Microsoft branded tablet for sure? Since the video they are showing is all the past hardware they have made.

[The Don]

could it be the new xbox announcement?!

"Our most successful hardware has been the Xbox. Developers are pushing it to do more."

[xxMATTGxx]

could it be the new xbox announcement?!

"Our most successful hardware has been the Xbox. Developers are pushing it to do more."

I just can't imagine it being the next Xbox. Something that connects to the platform? Maybe but won't be the next-gen.

[mrwoooooooo]

microsoft surface?

A tablet!

[The Don]

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6281/verge-lb-838.jpg

---------- Post added 19-06-2012 at 12:23 AM ----------

have a look at this...

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx

[xxMATTGxx]

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6288/verge-lb-870.jpg

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6289/verge-lb-872.jpg

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6292/verge-lb-881.jpg

---------- Post added 19-06-2012 at 12:26 AM ----------

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6297/verge-lb-902.jpg

[mrwoooooooo]

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx

[The Don]

10.6 inch display
1.5 lbs
9.3mm
"To stream well, Surface has great Wi-Fi. It has the best of any tablet today."

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6299/verge-lb-908.jpg

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6300/verge-lb-910.jpg

[GommeInc]

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/whatissurface.aspx?movielinkid=experiencemovie

^ I assume that's what they're advertising. Looks like Samsung has got in there :P

[The Don]

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6305/verge-lb-930.jpg

Amazing

---------- Post added 19-06-2012 at 12:32 AM ----------

I don't think i'll be getting an Ipad anymore...

[xxMATTGxx]

And there's the pro version!

[The Don]

How much do you think it'll cost?

[Stephen!]

$1000.

[mrwoooooooo]

The Pro version is going to be very expensive, RT probably half as expensive

[peteyt]

Kind of tablet meets laptop - I'd get sick of touch screen all the time so handy. Could definitely give the iPad a run for its money

[The Don]

You can see the ££ signs in their eyes haha

http://d35lb3dl296zwu.cloudfront.net/uploads/photo/image/6340/verge-lb-1076.jpg

[iFlame]

Sounds good, but ittle cost alot hah

[Jordy]

$1000.Is that just a guess?

I'm assuming it's going to undercut the rather expensive iPad if it wants to succeed. Any words on specs of it yet?

It all looks quite impressive so far I have to say, and I thought there was no hope for Microsoft competing anymore...

[The Don]

Is that just a guess?

I'm assuming it's going to undercut the rather expensive iPad if it wants to succeed. Any words on specs of it yet?

It all looks quite impressive so far I have to say, and I thought there was no hope for Microsoft competing anymore...

No way will this be cheaper than an Ipad.

The keyboard for it will probably cost £100 extra

[GommeInc]

It would be interesting to see how much this sells for. If they want to compete, it will have to be similar in price to the iPad, perhaps even a bit cheaper - if the margins allow it.

[mrwoooooooo]

Ouch, on par with ultrabooks, so around £800+ for windows 8 version, £400 for RT

[xxMATTGxx]

No price actually given to the devices apart from:




Surface for Windows RT available in 32GB and 64GB — priced to competitive rates with ARM tablets.


Intel version will have higher storage capacities... also priced to compete. So, no idea.

[GommeInc]

No price actually given to the devices apart from:
The Pro will be priced in the same range as Ultrabooks, to add to your list :)

EDIT: And in 64GB to 128GB models.

[xxMATTGxx]

Here's a question for you all actually as I've seen on twitter that MS shouldn't compete with their partners so I ask you this:

Do you think Microsoft should compete with it's partners in terms of doing hardware like this? Or should they just leave it all to the OEM's like they have done many times before?

[lawrawrrr]

OOOO I LOVE THE LOOK OF THIS

[mrwoooooooo]

Here's a question for you all actually as I've seen this on twitter.

Do you think Microsoft should compete with it's partners in terms of doing hardware like this? Or should they just leave it all to the OEM's like they have done many times before?
Why not? Apple do it, albeit with no OEM's...

There's serious money to be made and Microsoft want more than just the license for Windows 8

[The Don]

Here's the video for it...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dpzu3HM2CIo

[GommeInc]

Here's a question for you all actually as I've seen on twitter that MS shouldn't compete with their partners so I ask you this:

Do you think Microsoft should compete with it's partners in terms of doing hardware like this? Or should they just leave it all to the OEM's like they have done many times before?
Isn't this a Samsung device they're advertising at the moment, or was the spec page on the Surface website talking about the first Surface released years ago? :P

[xxMATTGxx]

Why not? Apple do it, albeit with no OEM's...

There's serious money to be made and Microsoft want more than just the license for Windows 8

Apple do it because they are the only people to create it, they don't have OEMs. But Microsoft has a ton of partners and relationships could be ruined in a sense. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, it's just Paul Thurrott seems to think MS shouldn't do this.

---------- Post added 19-06-2012 at 01:07 AM ----------


Isn't this a Samsung device they're advertising at the moment, or was the spec page on the Surace website talking about the first Surface released years ago? :P

The old "Microsoft Surface" was Samsung, no mention of Samsung today and it seems to be all Microsoft.

[mrwoooooooo]

Apple do it because they are the only people to create it, they don't have OEMs. But Microsoft has a ton of partners and relationships could be ruined in a sense. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, it's just Paul Thurrott seems to think MS shouldn't do this.

---------- Post added 19-06-2012 at 01:07 AM ----------



The old "Microsoft Surface" was Samsung, no mention of Samsung today and it seems to be all Microsoft.
What's the worst that can happen? They all pull out and leave Microsoft to get ALL the money?

[GommeInc]

The old "Microsoft Surface" was Samsung, no mention of Samsung today and it seems to be all Microsoft.
Ah it did seem weird there was no mention of Samsung. They sort of merged the two Surfaces together on the webpage for it.
I'd imagine they will get other companies involved. They kept mentioning Intel and ARM devices in a mass-production sense of the word, and thanked their partners: HP, Lenovo etc. Unless that was a "thanks but we don't need you now". Like you said, it could hurt so many relationships.


What's the worst that can happen? They all pull out and leave Microsoft to get ALL the money?
Worse, more anti-competition cases and possible patent-war ammo - because they'll find a way, they always do :(

[xxMATTGxx]

It could also be a wake up call for partners and telling them to design devices with those good looks or even better.

[HotelUser]

I wish they did this last year. I just bought a "New iPad" (love it) but I would of liked to compare it to Microsofts tablet. Interesting how they'll be competing with their own OEMs but I don't think Microsoft is stupid enough to go through a clone wars like their counterparts did in the 90s.

It will be a fun tablet I'm sure, and I'll only be jealous if it runs an n64 emulator (the one for iOS is awful). I don't think Microsoft will keep this tablet line for the long hull, though. I think they are marketing the tablet themselves to promote Windows 8 by ensuring that one of the first windows 8 tablets is really good, as so people get a good impression of the OS, and to pressure the likes of Samsung into pushing out equally good devices out as opposed to just cheap crap which would make Windows 8 look bad.

[Richie]

Looks brilliant. I didn't read through the entire thread. Does anyone know how much it'll retail for?

[Jack!]

Looks brilliant. I didn't read through the entire thread. Does anyone know how much it'll retail for?

Nope.


Looks like a sexy device. Needs a local windows shop now, would love it to be next door to apple, be like bad neighbors. :rolleyes:

[Chippiewill]

Do you think Microsoft should compete with it's partners in terms of doing hardware like this? Or should they just leave it all to the OEM's like they have done many times before?
I think it's more like Google, this is the *official* experience and it guides what the OEMs should be doing with their tablets.

[lTraditional]

Going to be interesting and looks very sexy. Will need to retail around £500 to compete with the iPad 3 which was released earlier this year.

[Recursion]

I think it's more like Google, this is the *official* experience and it guides what the OEMs should be doing with their tablets.

Agreed. Think of this tablet a bit like Google's Nexus phone series. Setting the hardware standard for the totally stock experience.

[DPS]

Looks pretty good imo and i like that it comes in diffrent colours.

[Chris]

Watched the recorded announcement video today and it looks very impressive. I want. Now. :(

[dbgtz]

Not a bad device, but the name is god awful.

[Chippiewill]

Not a bad device, but the name is god awful.
Nobody had issues with it when it was a table..

[GommeInc]

Tablets seem to have awful names which will grow on you. The iPad used to sound like an intelligent panty liner, now it's perfectly acceptable. Surface doesn't really have any dodgy implications, it's just an odd name for a tablet :P

It's such a tempting looking device. If it works out like the Nexus does for Android devices it will really improve Windows devices and their standards. If I need to replace this laptop it's definitely something to consider :P

[HotelUser]

I just watched the entire keynote, poor nervous Steven and his stuttering, I laughed when his original tablet wouldn't work :P

[GommeInc]

I just watched the entire keynote, poor nervous Steven and his stuttering, I laughed when his original tablet wouldn't work :P
Oh so that's why people were referencing one of Microsofts original keynotes where the PC BSoD in front of hundreds :P Poor Steven. There's too many Steves :/

[HotelUser]

Oh so that's why people were referencing one of Microsofts original keynotes where the PC BSoD in front of hundreds :P Poor Steven. There's too many Steves :/

The youtube video of Job's bloopers at keynotes is hilarious, so is the Windows printer BSOD and speech to text.

Anyway this keynote said a lot, but it didn't say much about what the most important thing is to me: battery life. I like my iPad for its wicked battery life, but the surface pro packs a lot of features. If it's coming out soon and has comparable to iPad battery life I might be at a cross road.

[GommeInc]

The youtube video of Job's bloopers at keynotes is hilarious, so is the Windows printer BSOD and speech to text.

Anyway this keynote said a lot, but it didn't say much about what the most important thing is to me: battery life. I like my iPad for its wicked battery life, but the surface pro packs a lot of features. If it's coming out soon and has comparable to iPad battery life I might be at a cross road.
Indeed, it seems everyone wants to know the price and the battery life at the moment. I can't imagine what the battery life would be like on the Pro, all those features look as though they will hinder battery life. If it has an amazing battery life then it one ups the iPad and Android tablets.

[HotelUser]

Indeed, it seems everyone wants to know the price and the battery life at the moment. I can't imagine what the battery life would be like on the Pro, all those features look as though they will hinder battery life. If it has an amazing battery life then it one ups the iPad and Android tablets.

Meh, I'm quite happy with the New iPad anyway. In a few years when I'm looking to upgrade again the market is going to be pretty good due to competition (no doubt Microsoft will market to gain market share and compete even if that means a profit loss to start with). Now Apple and Google/Samsung will have to compete more intensely.

What I'm really hoping for is for someone to come out with a super super thin keyboard for the iPad. I don't like the current ones because they're too bulky. I had a relatively nice sized one for the iPad 1, but I hate the fact that they run on bluetooth and have to be frequently charged. Typing on the screen is great and really easy, but after seeing this keynote I don't see why I can't have a keyboard case for the current (or future) versions of the iPad.

[Stephen!]

I called it! $1000!

http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2012/06/22/microsoft-surface-pricing-said-to-be-599-for-windows-rt-999-for-windows-8-pro-models/

[Chippiewill]

They should have tried to get the RT down to $499, even if at a loss it would have set it up against the iPad better. Although it does have more space to begin with I guess.

[peteyt]

I've heard rumours that the first edition will only have WI-Fi no 3g etc