|
|
|
|
|
Microsoft Upgrades Surface Tablets
Published Sep 24, 2013
|
The Microsoft Surface 2 is an updated version of the Surface RT, though it nixed its former name. The 10.6-inch Surface 2 features 1080p ClearType display as well as a lighter, thinner and "sexier" body. According to the Microsoft Surface event live stream, Panay stated that the Surface 2 CPU speed was dramatically increased. The revamped tablet will feature the NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip for improved speed and performance.
Other refreshes made to the Surface RT include updates to the operating system and app ecosystem. The Surface 2 tablet will launch with Windows 8.1 with 100,000 apps available in the Windows Store. This is a vast update from its predecessor, which featured Windows 8 and 10,000 apps. Aside from the software, the Surface 2 device also got a new look.
The Surface 2 sports a silver magnesium case that is fingerprint-resistant and sturdier. The new tablet also got the kickstand update for optimal usability. For a more personalized tablet experience, Microsoft also announced new Surface Covers, the Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2. The Touch Cover is 1mm thinner, and like the updated Type Cover, it is backlit. It comes with numerous additional sensors as well as firmware upgrades. The Type Cover, on the other hand, features quieter keys and several color variants (purple, pink, cyan, black) for a more stylish appearance.
Both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 were also unveiled with new bundling options. Due to improved camera quality on the Surface tablets, Skyping in varying lighting conditions will no longer pose a problem to video calls. The new Surface tablets will come included with "Best of Skype" for one year, which features free international calling and Wi-Fi. Additionally, Microsoft is set to give consumers 200GB of SkyDrive for two years upon the purchase of the new tablets.
Overall, the new cover features, upgrades and redesigns for the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 improve performance and personalization of the tablets vastly. As Panos Panay describes it, the new Surface devices allow for better "lapability" and improved overall user experience. The Surface RT and Surface 2 come with Office 2013 RT. The Surface 2 and Pro 2 come with Best of Skype and SkyDrive 200GB. The Surface RT, Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 release date is set for October 22. Pre-order a new Microsoft tablet as early as Tuesday morning.
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
|
|
|
