Ever since Microsoft announced its plans to release the Surface tablets on Monday, reactions have been fairly mixed. Given the lack of information on availability, pricing, and battery life - important factors that consumers consider when purchasing a tablet - some pundits have been curiously critical. Others have been quick to point out that Microsoft's still in the wrong for wanting to ship an Intel tablet that, not only has a fan and vents from a hardware standpoint, but also is host to a full-fledged version of Windows that has legacy apps along with the more touch-friendly Metro apps.
While Microsoft has been extremely busy over the past twelve months in developing and announcing new features and additions to its software roster, many were anxiously wondering when the Redmond outfit intended to whet the appetites of the gizmo-loving faithful with some new hardware, and yesterday at the rather unorthodox MSFT gathering, the software maker delivered with aplomb by announcing a unique device which not only threatens the future of the struggling ultrabook market, but also lights the proverbial blue touch paper at the tablet market, which currently only really consists of Apple's iPad.
If Microsoft is trying to keep its future plans regarding new products under wraps, then the company is doing a pretty poor job of it at present. With supposed details regarding the next-gen Xbox having surfaced a couple of days ago, another nugget of info has now emerged describing a new device, named "Xbox Surface".
Although Apple and Google have both been working tirelessly in efforts to improve their respective software rosters, neither have matched the work ethic of Redmond-based Microsoft, which has been announcing enhancements to its services on an almost daily basis. In the latest, the software maker has revealed, on its mobile updates history page, details of its forthcoming Windows Phone Tango update.
It really isn’t a secret that Microsoft has grand plans to roll out a next-generation gaming console, thanks to a number of technical and aesthetic specifications spreading across the world wide web in the last few months. The video game industry is staggeringly large and generates billions of dollars in revenue on an annual basis for the top players in the game, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Redmond based company have their Xbox department busy producing something remarkable to capitalize on the hype.
Desperately trying to stay relevant in an industry that is doing its best to leave them behind, Microsoft is set to hold an event on June 18th for what is being called a 'major new announcement' from the company.
With Apple's big iOS 6 reveal done and dusted, we can now focus our attentions on what Microsoft has in store with its ever-advancing Windows Phone platform. The Redmond-based outfit has been steadfast in its progress of Windows 8, and the mobile version will play a key role in its eventual success.
Microsoft has been somewhat coy with regards to Office 15, or Office 2013, but towards the end of its Tech-Ed 2012 keynote, it gave a little more insight into the upcoming version of Office. Set to be called Microsoft Office: Office 2013 RT, it was demonstrated only very briefly, but did appear to serve to confirm the rife rumors that it will indeed be landing next year.
In terms of Microsoft's market-leading Windows operating system, this year has rightly been dominated by Windows 8. The Metro-smothered interface of the upcoming OS has proved to be a huge hit among early samplers of the Consumer Preview released in February, and with Windows 8 tablets expected soon after the imminent launch, there's plenty to be excited about if you're a PC user.
Missed the recent media event in which Microsoft detailed SmartGlass, Kinect Voice, Internet Explorer and much more for the Xbox 360? Well, if you weren't around for the live stream, you'll be pleased to know that replays of the event are now available to view online.
