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Microsoft intros an LTE version of the Surface 2, arrives tomorrow for $679
As hard as it is to believe, Microsoft has until now never put out a 3G/4G Surface tablet. But we knew one would come eventually: the company said it was working on an LTE-enabled Surface 2 and indeed, the thing recently surfaced (har) in FCC documents. Now it's finally here: Microsoft just announced that the LTE Surface 2 will go on sale tomorrow, and will be compatible on AT&T's 4G network here in the US. (Fun fact: its official name is literally "Surface 2 (AT&T 4G LTE)".) All told, it'll sell for $679 with 64GB of built-in storage. That's a $130 premium over the 64GB WiFi-only model which, if you're paying attention, is the same premium you'd pay for a cellular iPad over a WiFi one (it's worth noting, however, that the 4G Surface 2 is considerably less expensive).
Delta changes course on iPads in cockpit and moves to Surface instead
Amidst a number of Microsoft announcements on Monday, September 30, is Delta Air Lines plan to use the Surface 2 in its 11,000 pilots' electronic flight bag (EFB). Delta plans to deploy the devices running Windows RT 8.1 by the end of 2014, which will provide an electronic replacement to the normal 35 to 40 pounds of paper documents and charts used previously. In an interview with a Delta pilot, AppleInsider reports that the pilots are not pleased with the choice of the Surface 2 tablet over the iPad. "We fought hard for iPad," a pilot working for the airline told AppleInsider. He described the Delta deal as being about money, travel contracts and Delta's Information Technology staff historically being " in bed" with Microsoft. Delta's rollout of the Surface 2 to pilots is dependent on the FAA's approval of these tablets. Microsoft only announced the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 the week of September 23, so Delta plans "an extensive testing period onboard the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767," reports AppleInsider. The Delta Surface 2 deployment announcement was joined by Microsoft also announcing new commercial Surface 2 use by other industries including financial services, healthcare, retail, hospitality and automotive, plus commercial availability of the Surface in seven new worldwide markets. In addition, business-specific apps are available in the Windows Store, and SAP and Omega Group have joined the AppsForSurface ISV Program, as reported by The Next Web. [via AppleInsider] Related Stories Delta Airlines to distribute Surface 2 to pilots after iPad trial, AppleInsider, 9/27/13. American Airlines finishes rolling out iPad flight bags, Engadget, 6/24/13. Delta deploying 4500 Apple iPads at US airport restaurants, AppleInsider, 8/19/12.
Microsoft Surface 2 event now available for online streaming
We thoroughly covered this morning's Microsoft Surface event, but the company opted not to livestream it through its own channel. That doesn't mean the folks from Redmond didn't bring a camera crew to capture the entire thing, however, and now the resulting footage is available through the magic of internet streaming technology. If you want to hear every word Microsoft had to say (and see every detail) about the latest and greatest Surfaces, head here to take advantage of the opportunity.
Microsoft announces the Surface 2, the follow-up to the original Surface RT; coming October 22nd for $449
As promised, Microsoft has just revealed the Surface 2 here at its Surface-themed press event. Whereas the new Surface Pro 2 makes subtle changes to the original Pro, the Surface 2 is being billed as a revamped version of the Surface RT. As rumored, it moves up to a higher-res 1080p ClearType display -- the same one you'll find on the new Surface Pro 2. Performance-wise, the tablet now has a Tegra 4 chip (versus Tegra 3 in the last generation). Microsoft also says it's doubled the BUS speed for the WiFi and the memory, and the CPU speed has increased "dramatically" as well. Additionally, there's now a USB 3.0 port on board, a step up from the USB 2.0 connection used on the original. All told, says Microsoft, the new model should run three to four times as fast as its predecessor, and the battery life should be 25 percent longer too (up to 10 hours of video playback). As for the design, this looks similar to last year's RT, at least from a few feet away, but it's thinner (8.9mm), lighter (676g) and built from two pieces of magnesium, not three. And, of course, it sports the same two-stage kickstand as the new Surface Pro 2, which should make it easier to balance in your lap. As you'd expect, it also works with the new Touch Cover 2, which Microsoft also announced today. Oh, and it's available in white now too; not just black. Moving on, Microsoft also added a third-inch camera sensor to the front of the product to help manage the light in webcam videos, especially those recorded in dim light. Speaking of video chats, Surface owners will enjoy a year of free international calling and Skype hotspot access. Not enough freebies for you? Microsoft's also throwing in 200GB of SkyDrive storage, free for two years.
Microsoft Surface 2 liveblog!
Welcome to Microsoft's Surface 2 event in NYC! We'll be on hand to deliver updates on new hardware, pricing, keyboard covers and whatever else Redmond has in store. Stay tuned! September 23, 2013 10:30:00 AM EDT
