http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/ Engadget Comments for Microsoft: 'Second Light is not the next version of Surface' http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 4:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 8:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 5:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
I predict this will go nowhere.]]>Mar 19th 2009 3:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
What would you consider innovation then?
Releasing features for a phone in 2009 that were available on virtually every other phone in 2005?

]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/2005? i think thats 2002 when mms is out and siemens s55,SE p800 and other ones have this features(they even have bluetooth file transfer and ability to being a gprs modem for pc and so many others that apple will have sometimes in 2020.)]]>Mar 20th 2009 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
$8,000 if my memory serves me correctly.]]>Mar 19th 2009 3:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/

Hello Saad—

Thank you for your email inquiry regarding Surface availability in the UAE I am attaching some information here for your review on the product and its applications that I hope will be helpful to you .

Please note that as we are currently in a “seeding” phase in the UAE. This status allows us to accept pre-orders for Surface units in your country starting NOW to be shipped beginning in late January , 2009 from our warehouse in Germany . For your convenience, please find attached the Order Form for use in the Gulf Region required to be completed and submitted in order to reserve a unit for your company.

Here is some information you need to know before placing an Order:

• Public-facing deployments will need to be approved by the Surface Business Desk on a case-by-case basis;

• During the seeding phase, software will only be available in English;

• Shipping for orders and repairs will be available from Germany only. Applicable shipping charges to/from Germany will apply for orders and repairs requested by seeding countries;

• Customer Support Services will be available in the English language only for the seeding phase;

• There will be no local Microsoft Surface care providers for installation, maintenance and spare part sales during the seeding phase;

• The Order Form is a standard Microsoft form that we use to sell Microsoft Surface products. It includes all of the terms and necessary attachments to allow you to purchase Microsoft Surface products and use the accompanying software.

• Due to the high demand for Microsoft Surface, and our need to maintain consistency in the terms and conditions of the Order Form, we cannot accommodate changes to this form. The attached Order Form is a locked document that does not allow redlining. Please do not “redline” or attempt to “redline” the document. Microsoft will not review proposed “redlines”.

• Please electronically fill out the Pre-Order Form carefully and submit the completed form to the Surface Business Desk along with the Marketing Guidelines. You will receive notice in January when your unit is scheduled to ship.

We are thrilled to respond to your request, and we look forward to you joining in the Surface computing revolution. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Regards,
]]>Mar 19th 2009 3:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 3:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 4:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
I really think Microsoft is moving in the right direction. Vista and Win7 are both awesome systems that are great when used with the right hardware. I can only expect the best for this next dynamic setup. I can't wait to have a wall that is a PC - I can only imagine the possibilities.]]>Mar 19th 2009 4:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Hokey products like these (surface & second light) aren't going to do shit for them! Seriously - the trend in computers is getting them smaller (laptops, netbooks, and smartphones) - who wants a coffee table sized computer in their living room, or anywhere else for that matter? Especially a coffee table designed by Microsoft?
Microsoft needs to stick to what it does best; Ripping off other ideas, when they try to come up with their own they fail, as will both of these ideas. Wait and see.]]>Mar 19th 2009 4:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
XP, Vista and Win7 - nothing tremendous. Neither is OS X. I don't want to argue who has the better operating system because honestly, both are great. I mentioned Vista specifically because so many people refute that its a great system and don't know how to use it.

My point is that Apple gets all the buzz for innovation. Yes, Microsoft is seen playing catch-up in many situations (ie Zune, etc), but my entire comment is focused on the fact that this is a Microsoft innovation.

I agree, who wants a table? I want a desk, a wall, a workbench. Imagine having an entire wall in your office with widgets and open programs, the ability to compute on a mass scale using your hands on this wall... I think having that ability would be awesome. Imagine having that awesome netbook and walking into your house - it auto-syncs to your desk and you can just sit down and drag things around.

I don't think this innovation is a negative thing. The implications are vast and I can't wait to see them put into place. Surface won't flop like you hope it does - it will likely evolve into something more dynamic, but it won't go away.]]>Mar 19th 2009 4:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
I think you may be missing the mark a bit on what MS is trying to do with these rigs. Think about how these systems are named - Surface and Second Light. I do not think they are trying to push a gimmick on us for sales (though the overall goal of any company is to make money obviously). I think what MS is trying to do is look very long term. Sure right now we are all infatuated with mobile computing, but what if near everything was or could be an interface for not only the system there, but your own mobile device, or even another system distant from that interface. I think that is the point of surface, moving towards the point where we do a lot of computing from everyday common surfaces. With Second Light, I agree with DeoWulf that it is a way to display more content with limited real estate. It would be very nice to have that embedded information in things where you would not have to follow a link or pull up a Wiki to get deeper info. From an advertising perspective I think it would be fairly useful. It a static advert on the street (when the tech is cheap enough) you could get maximum effect by focusing only on the picture, and if people want to know more information they only need to use a paper or even look at the ad using a pair of sunglasses or something similar. In that case it is a gimmick but a useful one. I think it just may be difficult to see how any of this is useful, since it represents an entirely different way of computing. Go back to when cellphones were just getting to be mainstream and tell people the rough outline for an iPhone or a Pre (gotta give love to both) and image how they would react. They would put the mobile computing experience in terms with their own current tech and probably think it a gimmick. Once again I went on forever to make a simple point, but thats probably because I love to hear myself talk... er type.]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
I would never hire someone with that attitude.]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
the trend is smaller electronics? since when??
if the "small" was in, everyone would've bought the samsung juke, or the shuffle. no one would care for a 22 in screen or that 100 in tv

people dont want "small." and no one can get screen "big enough"
thats why companies are investing millions in bendable displays, and portable projectors.

the reason people buy those underpowered netbooks is because they are cheap - $300 and you got the mobility and the decent computing capabilities. I have a laptop. I also have a 22 in screen which i plug in as soon as i get home. which is why i hope they do figure out a way to fit 22 in screen into a 15.4 space,

]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/I agree that tech is going mobile right now and in the near future. But with mobile, comes a redistribution of resources. Currently processing power, memory, and storage are being moved to the "cloud". But with new methods of interfacing (Surface) and integrating different tech, there will still be a need for localized computing muscle within the office/home.
[Speculation] 15 years from now, the "gimick" will be a boxy computer, with an attached monitor/keyboard/mouse that is able to function independently of a greater connected network. Computing will be so integrated and fluid that it will be totally transparent. We can touch our mobile lives either through a mobile interface (what will become of cellphones) or through stationary interfaces (evolved workstations, surface appliances). Surface is just a tiny step into what could be the innovative move of computing since Al Gore brought the internet, or someone wondered why cell phones shouldn't have and ip address.]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 4:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 4:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
the worst comes the worst, u'll see 5 versions of the surface - from basic to ultimate. each meeting different needs and wallet size (probably depends on the size of the screen)

or could come in two flavors, just like the xbox
in anycase i hope i can afford one]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 4:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
It's hard to pull the gimmick from the practicality without destroying it's potential.

Yes, if it was a single screen without projectors, then it could be adopted for so many uses relatively cheaply and easily but I always find Surface and second light (especially second light) nout more than a visual play thing with little importance and practical use.

I hope I am wrong though. I do love Apples products, but I would love to see another company such as Microsoft come out with something amazing. Not because I want to see one company do better than another, but because I want to be able to use amazing products that enhance what i do in life, regardless of who made it.]]>Mar 19th 2009 5:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 5:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 5:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 6:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 7:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Mar 19th 2009 7:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/
What implication of Second Light am I missing here?]]>Mar 20th 2009 9:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/microsoft-second-light-is-not-the-next-version-of-surface/Why would anyone use this feature in real life?
I for one wouldn't like standing with a piece of tracing paper over a screen JUST to read a wikipedia page about cattle.]]>Mar 21st 2009 6:19PM