Microsoft Surface

Adult Video Games Approved for Windows 8

2012-12-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Microsoft shut the door to 18+ rated games in Windows Store back in October, claiming that such titles do not comply with the guidelines and therefore cannot be listed for download on Windows 8 devices.

The company, however, has changed its mind today and Ted Dworkin, director of program management, Windows Store, officially announced that games with a rating of PEGI 18 are now welcome in the Store.

"In welcoming PEGI 18 games into the Store, we again reinforce two principles-flexibility and confidence-fundamental to the Windows Store, We recognize that people have come to expect and appreciate rich gaming experiences on Windows and this includes games rated PEGI 18, We also want to ensure that every customer using the Store can browse and acquire apps with confidence," Dworkin said.

What's more, Dworkin also revealed that Microsoft has partnered with game publishers to bring world-renowned desktop titles to the new Windows 8 platform, including Grand Theft Auto IV and The Witcher.

Even more games will be announced soon, the Microsoft official said. "Windows has long been a favorite platform for games of all types, and age rating support for PEGI 18 is another step forward in a rich tradition of supporting gaming on Windows," he continued.

Microsoft has also revised the Windows 8 app certification requirement to clearly state that apps with a rating of PEGI 16 are not allowed in the Store unless they are a game.

"Apps with a rating over PEGI 16, ESRB MATURE, or that contain content that would warrant such a rating, are not allowed, unless the app is a game, is rated by a third party ratings board, and otherwise complies with these certification requirements, Metadata and other content you submit to accompany your app may contain only content that would merit a rating of PEGI 12, ESRB EVERYONE, or Windows Store 12+ or lower," the updated guidelines now read.

Source: news.softpedia.com

Microsoft puts a price on Surface RT

2012-10-17T01:22:00.001-07:00

Microsoft puts a price on Surface RT: starts at $499, or $599 with Touch Cover

With a stamp from the FCC on its passport, and some fancy new TV ads, the smell of Microsoft's Surface tablet is thick in the air. Until now, however, price has been a mystery. Microsoft has just revealed, via its own store, that if you want a slice for yourself, you can do so starting from $499. That price will get you the 32GB version, without the touch cover, with pre-orders available now, penciled in for a 26th of October delivery date. If you must have that cover, it'll set you back another $100, and the same amount again if you want to hop up to 64GB of memory. With the current status of the larger-memory version showing as out of stock though, those with a thirst for storage still might have to wait a little longer.

Update: It looks like Microsoft might have pulled the listing for now. Perhaps the pages weren't meant for prime-time just yet.

VIA: engadget

SOURCE: Microsoft Store

Microsoft Surface Tablet, Windows 8 Coming Oct. 26

2012-10-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Microsoft Surface Tablet, Windows 8 Coming Oct. 26

Microsoft is planning to hold a press event on Oct. 25 in New York City. The software giant is expected to launch its new operating system Windows 8 the following day, along with its new Surface tablet.

Microsoft's head of Windows Steven Sinofsky announced during a sales meeting in July that Windows 8 will ship on Oct. 26.

A report by The Verge suggests that Microsoft will start selling the Surface tablet at midnight on Oct. 26 at its holiday pop-up shops. The company plans to open over 30 of the mini retail locations across the United States and Canada.

Windows 8 features a tablet-friendly design and is a complete departure from previous versions of the ubiquitous operating system. Icons are now large tiles. There is full touch screen support and a multi-touch on-screen keyboard.

Microsoft's Surface tablet features a 10.6-inch display, a full version of the Windows 8 operating system, Gorilla Glass, a built in kickstand and a tactile multi-touch keyboard.

Two versions of the Surface are planned: an Intel-powered Surface Pro and the Surface RT, which is powered with an ARM chip that runs Windows RT - a version of Windows 8.

Microsoft has not confirmed a price for the Surface tablet, but rumors have circulated that the device will cost about $199. If the purported price of the Surface tablet is correct, it will be the cheapest full-sized tablet to be released this fall.

For comparison, Apple's newest iPad retails for $499, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 starts at about $400, the Kindle Fire HD+ starts at $299 and Barnes & Noble's Nook HD+ starts at $269.

Microsoft announced the Surface tablet in June. This will be the company's first hardware launch.

Source: www.wibw.com

Steve Ballmer reveals Microsoft Surface price range

2012-09-25T01:46:00.001-07:00

Steve Ballmer reveals Microsoft Surface price range (Hint: it’s more than $200)

Microsoft has remained silent about the price of its forthcoming Surface tablet, but the company’s CEO Steve Ballmer did recently discuss a price range for the new device.

“If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between, say, probably $300 [and] $700 or $800. … That’s the sweet spot,” Ballmer told the Seattle Times in an interview yesterday.

Previously, there were rumors speculating that the Surface Tablet would retail between $600 and $1,000 for the two different versions. But neither option comes with a built-in 3G/4G wireless connection feature, which Apple uses to justify a higher price for its line of iPads. Even at $800, the Surface will have to offer a pretty amazing experience for consumers to justify buying one.

Ballmer did however dispel the notion that Microsoft would offer a sub $200 tablet, while eating some of the hardware cost in exchange for generating revenue through apps and digital media sales. Ballmer compared the company’s logic for this by saying that he doesn’t think most people believe the iPad to be an expensive device and that any tablet that costs less than an iPad is “chintzier” or cheaper.

Comparing a yet-to-be-released device to the iPad is a pretty bold move for a company that’s never produced its own tablets before. Still, we know that Ballmer is serious about targeting Apple’s iPad rather than the less expensive Kindle Fire and Nexus 7 products.

Source: venturebeat.com

Microsoft Surface to retail at $199

2012-08-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Poisonous Price Tag Of $199 Damages Microsoft's Surface RT

“Microsoft Surface to retail at $199!” The various headlines around the web (here’s Engadget’s as an example) are going to cause problems for Microsoft.

I’ve no inside information on the launch price of the Surface RT, but let’s assume it’s true. Is Microsoft taking $80 out of that price to pay for the operating system? Probably not, so right there they’ve got an advantage of almost a third of the retail price over their hardware partners. The price is comparable to the Nexus 7, but the bill of materials is likely much higher.

Can Microsoft make it up on the back-end, relying on sales through the Windows 8 app store and Xbox Live annual memberships to reach a break even point? Even if they can manage to make it, I doubt their hardware partners can come close to matching them while paying for the OS with none of the post-sale income streams to help boost the bottom line.

The $199 is challenging in more ways than one, but if it Microsoft does release the Surface at that price point, it’s an incredibly aggressive move on their part to grab market and mind share.

On the flip side, if the perception of the Surface RT costing $199 manages to establish itself, then any price above that is going to make consumers think twice about buying the tablet. Even a $299 price tag, which right now seems a reasonable number, is going to make the Surface RT look expensive.

By leaving a void of information around the price Microsoft has left itself open to this problem – saying ‘competitively priced’ is not enough when you have the Nexus 7 at $199, the Apple iPad available for upwards of $800, and the Surface RT will be somewhere in-between.On the flip side, if the perception of the Surface RT costing $199 manages to establish itself, then any price above that is going to make consumers think twice about buying the tablet. Even a $299 price tag, which right now seems a reasonable number, is going to make the Surface RT look expensive.

Microsoft needs to get on top of this story and ensure that people are delighted when they see the price of the Surface RT, not shocked. Expectations need to be set, and then exceeded at the point of delivery.

By: Forbes

Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Mouse, Microsoft

2012-07-31T16:55:00.000-07:00

Check Out Microsoft’s Brilliant Keyboard for Windows 8 Tablets [VIDEO]

With Windows 8, Microsoft wants customers to think of tablets as much more than just “consumption” devices, but also machines that you can use to do actual work. It’s an open question whether consumers will share that view, but with great accessories like the Wedge Mobile Keyboard, Microsoft is giving it every chance.

The most interesting product in a grab-bag of mobile accessories Microsoft unveiled this morning, the Wedge Mobile Keyboard looks like a pretty unimpressive gray slab when you first lay eyes on it, but the good stuff starts when you remove the rubberized cover. Taking it off turns the Bluetooth keyboard on — a pretty smart way to conserve battery power and eliminate the need for a power switch.

It gets better. That cover has a flexible hinge-like seam in the middle. Folding it over turns it into a convenient stand for your Windows 8 tablet, easily adjustable to any angle you prefer. The bottom of the keyboard has a rubberized wedge (which doubles as a battery compartment) that props it up, shaped to help you grip it when carrying with a tablet (see the video).

While the Microsoft Surface tablet was lauded for its innovative cover, which has a keyboard built in, that solution won’t necessarily satisfy all. The Wedge aims to fill that gap while at the same time providing an excellent option for all other Windows tablets. It costs $79.95 and should be available at various retailers in the coming weeks.

Besides the keyboard, Microsoft is also launching a Wedge Touch Mouse, which shares the triangular wedge shape. Like its keyboard cousin, the mouse uses Bluetooth to connect to your tablet (or laptop) and its battery compartment is cleverly designed so there are no parts you can lose, the battery sliding out out of the side.

As the name implies, the Touch Mouse incorporates a touchpad, capable of touch scrolling and navigation in all four directions. It uses BlueTrack technology, which Microsoft says will work on “virtually” any surface. It’ll also automatically power down when the computer it’s tied to goes to sleep or shuts off. The price is $69.95.

In addition to the Wedge devices, Microsoft’s also launching the Sculpt Touch Mouse, with a four-way touch scroll strip, and the curved Sculpt Mobile Keyboard, a full-size keyboard with a removable wrist rest. Both cost $49.95 and connect via Bluetooth.

Finally, Microsoft is updating the drivers on its Microsoft Touch Mouse, which will give it new touch settings for Windows 8. Now, all multi-finger gesturing will be supported, including two-finger swipes that will bring up either the “charms” main menu (from the right side) or scrolling through active apps (from the left).

What do you think of Microsoft’s new hardware — the Wedge keyboard in particular? Think you’d buy it to complement your Windows 8 tablet? Browse all the new stuff in the gallery, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source/s: Mashable

Surface to arrive with Windows 8 on 10/26, says Microsoft

2012-07-30T00:57:00.002-07:00

Microsoft's Surface tablet will land on the same date as Windows 8. A lot is riding on Windows 8 and Surface, as Microsoft makes clear in its annual report.

Microsoft Surface: shown here with the accompanying 3mm-thick, pressure sensitive cover that doubles as a keyboard and trackpad.
(Credit: Microsoft)

Though it's not exactly an earth-shattering revelation, Microsoft has confirmed that Surface tablets will arrive October 26 along with Windows 8.

"The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," Microsoft said in its annual report filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Microsoft has said before that Surface products "would be available the same time that Windows 8" was launched, but it's reassuring to see the date in writing.

And, remember, those are Windows RT tablets only. The Intel-based Surface Pro is expected about 90 days later, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft has also peppered disclaimers throughout the annual report (these appear often in SEC filings) about the success, or lack thereof, of Windows 8.

In fall 2012, we are launching Windows 8...Its success depends on a number of factors including the extent to which customers embrace its new user interface and functionality, successfully coordinating with our OEM partners in releasing a variety of hardware devices that take advantage of its features, and attracting developers at scale to ensure a competitive array of quality applications. We expect to incur substantial marketing costs in launching Window 8 and associated services and devices, which may reduce our operating margins."

That last part about "may reduce operating margins" is something Wall Street will of course be watching closely. In short, if Windows 8 is not relatively successful, this may fuel doubts about Microsoft's viability in the age of the iPad and Android.

The Surface products will be offered in basically two forms. One is expected to be a more price-friendly version running Windows RT on top of ARM chips. The other, likely a bit pricier, will run Windows 8 Pro on top of Intel "Ivy Bridge" processors.

And pricing? While there's a lot of whacky speculation about sky-high pricing, Microsoft's own guidance portends a more rational pricing scheme.

"Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC," Microsoft said in a statement.

Based on that statement, a back-of-the-envelope estimate could put -- the operative word here is "could" as this is simply speculation -- Windows RT products as low as $500-$600 and Windows 8 Pro Intel-based products ranging up to $1,000, or possibly higher.

That said, Microsoft's pricing plans are undoubtedly in a state of flux, and we won't know until the company tells us.

by Brooke Crothers

Source: Cnet

Windows 8 Release Date is October 26

2012-07-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft's Windows division, made the announcement during the company's annual sales meeting, according to the Windows Team Blog. The company had already announced late October availability for the new operating system, but did not give a specific date until today.

The release date applies to new Windows 8 PCs and to upgrades, which will cost $40 through January 31 for users running Windows XP or later. No specific launch day hardware was mentioned, but Microsoft's Surface Windows RT tablet should be available around that time.

Microsoft still hasn't announced non-upgrade Windows 8 pricing for users who build their own PCs or want to run the OS on Mac hardware. There's been some chatter that Microsoft will sell a "System Builder" or OEM version of the OS, but not a standalone full retail version.

Windows 8 is a major overhaul, with a new Start screen optimized for touch screens and an app store for tablet-friendly "Metro-style" programs. The Consumer Preview for Windows 8 is still available for anyone who wants to give it a try, or you can read up on PCWorld's impressions.

Source: PCWorld

Microsoft Just announced Self Branded Tablet, Surface

2012-07-28T21:01:00.004-07:00

Finally it’s all mystery behind the big guesses has been revealed, Microsoft just announced WindowsTablet, SURFACE which will come in two versions. One running Windows RT and other running Windows 8 Pro. Below are the known Specs and you should also read on which version you should buy.

Surface for Windows RT

OS: Windows RT
Light(1): 676 g
Thin(2): 9.3 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
Energized: 31.5 W-h
Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

OS: Windows 8 Pro
Light(1): 903 g
Thin(2): 13.5 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
Energized: 42 W-h
Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

Official Website for Surface is here | Official link to Event Video

Video of The Keyboard / Touch Cover / Type Cover

Microsoft Touch Cover uses unique pressure sensing technology which interprets typing as gestures. This means unless you start moving your finger, it will not type anything. This allows you to type 52 Words a minute. Type Cover is like the real keyboard, still thinner, but allows you to go 62 words a minute.

Source: technospot

Microsoft Surface price revealed by Swedish retailer

2012-07-28T20:49:00.003-07:00

A Swedish online retailer has posted the Microsoft Surface tablet on its site, with a price tag surpassing those of rivals such as the new iPad and Asus Transformer Pad Infinity.

According to Webhallen.com, the Surface tablet pricing will start at around £650 (that's about $1,000) for the 32GB Windows RT model – which is significantly more expensive than the majority of tablets on the market.

The price rises to a staggering £1,389 ($2,100) if you want the 128GB Windows Pro version – although at that price we can't see too many people jumping at the opportunity.

Not even a keyboard included

Adding insult to injury, it doesn't even look like you get the special keyboard attachment for the eye-watering prices quoted on the site.

Of course there's no guarantee that these are the official prices for the Microsoft Surface, as we've seen sites in the past put up tentative product pages with over inflated price tags ahead of launch – so fingers crossed this Swedish retailer has got it horribly wrong.

Last month we heard that the Surface tablet might start at $599 (around £380) and go up to $999 (around £640) for the top model, and while this would still be a lot of money, it's far more palatable (and believable) than this latest leak.

By John McCann July 26th

Source: Techradar

Microsoft's Surface tablet might cost between $1K and $2K

2012-07-28T20:35:00.002-07:00

Pricing on a Swedish Web site shows that the software giant's much anticipated tablet might cost far more than previously predicted.

Microsoft's forthcoming Surface tablet.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Despite all chatter about Microsoft's upcoming Surface tablet being competitively priced, rumors are swirling that it might cost $1,000 at the cheapest, according to The Next Web.

This news comes via a Swedish Web site that lists prices for all four of the future models, including the Windows RT and Window 8 Pro editions. The cheapest of the four models has the price tag of 6,990 kroner, which is $1,002, and the most expensive is 14,990 kroner, equaling $2,150.

Of course, the tablets could cost less in countries with a lower cost of living than Sweden. However, the iPad is significantly cheaper in Sweden; in the online Apple Store, the most expensive iPad is 7,195 kroner or $1,032 but the cheapest is 5,395 kroner or $773.

Microsoft has been vague about the pricing of the Surface tablet, and so far has said only: "Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT." This suggests that the Windows RT would probably cost about $500 and the Pro version would flirt a bit beyond the $1,000 mark.

The Surface will be different than tablets that just run Apple's iOS and Google's Android, since Microsoft is adding in a special keyboard accessory with tactile keys and a full version of Windows. However, it is still slated to compete with the iPad. That means that besides being slick, pretty, and hi-tech, it also needs to be in a similar price range.

Microsoft declined to comment for this article.

Source: Cnet