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Microsoft Surface 2 event wrap-up
We weren't surprised when Microsoft unveiled new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets at its New York City event. However, the company still had a few surprises up its sleeve, including a Music Kit, significantly improved keyboard covers and a 4K-ready docking station. You may have missed out on a few of the announcements the first time through, but don't worry -- we've rounded up all of the Surface news in one place, including our hands-ons and post-event commentary. Check out the stories linked after the break and you'll know what to expect when Microsoft ships its second-generation Windows slates.
Microsoft's Surface 2: New tablet, same problems
What's the definition of insanity? Trying the same thing several times and expecting a different outcome. While we wouldn't suggest that Microsoft's finest minds are in need of urgent medical care, it does seem as if the company's executives have failed to heed the lessons doled out this summer. After all, it was only a few months ago that Microsoft had to admit that very few Surface RT tablets had been sold, and booked a $900 million loss on inventory that remains rotting in warehouses. At today's launch of Microsoft's second Windows RT-running slate, Surface chief Panos Panay opened his remarks by saying that the "Surface 2 is not subtle, but is a revamp. It is not the simple changes that everybody wants, but it's the changes people need." Unfortunately, the changes that he then went on to describe involved making the device thinner, faster and giving it a full-HD display -- criticisms that few had leveled at the first generation of the hardware. No, the problems that every critic had were the limitations of the Surface's operating system: Windows RT. Not that you'd know it from today's event. In fact, Microsoft went out of its way to downplay the fact that the Surface 2 runs RT, mentioning the ambitious Windows-on-ARM project only three times in an hour. But why was the star of the show reduced to such a bit-part role?
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.
Hands-on with the Surface Music Kit, a digital audio workshop aimed at beginners (video)
We were expecting new tablets at today's Microsoft Surface press event, but this? This was a surprise. In addition to unveiling the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, the company showed off the Surface Music Kit, a special version of the company's Touch Cover keyboard that's specifically meant for music production. Actually, it would be more accurate to say that it includes both a Touch Cover and an app (called the Remix Project) that lets beginners experiment with remixing. Inside the application, you'll find "stems" (things like the bass track of a song), "clips" (the intro to a pop song, say) and "oneshots," which include sound effects like claps. From there, you can drag and drop the tracks into a workshop area, not unlike the way you'd handle media in a video-cutting program (or any other digital audio workshop, really). What's especially cool is that the Touch Cover here is pressure-sensitive, just like the new Touch Cover 2, so if you want a light drum sound, you can tap it lightly; if you want something more intense, just start mashing it with your fingers.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 hands-on (video)
Here it is: Microsoft's powerhouse Surface Pro 2. As we've seen and heard already, Microsoft's follow-up to the Surface Pro is thinner and considerably faster. We got our hands on a 256GB model to form some initial impressions and begin to determine whether this guy is worth the $899-and-up going rate, a $100 jump from the original Pro's current pricing scheme. Head past the break to dive in.
Microsoft Surface 2 hands-on (video)
Microsoft just announced the Surface 2, the successor to the original Surface RT tablet. So of course, we did exactly what any self-respecting Engadget editors would do: we muscled our way to the front of the demo area and made sure we were the first to get our hands on it. As you can see, we've got a gallery of hands-on shots below, as well as our first impressions.
Microsoft reveals Surface Music Cover, gives DJs and producers more musical tools (updated)
The new Surface Pro 2, with its prodigious computing capabilities, has been built as a computing productivity machine for just about anyone. Spreadsheets, editing video and mixing music are all in the new Pro's wheelhouse, and that last task is why Microsoft is also revealing the Surface Remix Project and the Music Cover to go along with it. The Music Cover, as you might expect, comes with pressure-sensitive buttons that allow budding DJ's to craft and fine tune their next remix. It has 16 programmable pads for easy access to instruments and sounds, while there are pause / play and slider controls to adjust the volume and tailor transitions to your liking. And, just like the regular typing cover, it's backlit, so you'll be able to mix on the fly at any late-night sonic soiree. There is one downside, however: the Music Cover only works with the Surface 2, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2, so original RT owners need not apply come October 22 when it goes on sale. Update: It turns out, the Music Cover will be distributed as a kit (for free!) to select musicians with the launch of its Remix Project on the 22nd, but we don't know when the rest of us will get a crack at it. Want to know if it's worth your dollars when the time comes? Check out our hands-on of the new hardware and software right here.
Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 buyers get 200GB SkyDrive storage for two years, free international Skype calls for one year (updated)
Need another reason to pick up Microsoft's latest iteration of the Surface tablet, the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2? How's 200GB of free SkyDrive storage for the first two years, plus what Microsoft's calling "the best of Skype" (free international calling and WiFi hotspot access) for the first year? Because that's exactly what you'll get when you plunk down the $450 / $900 for the new Windows tablet line later this year. Both of Microsoft's services -- SkyDrive for cloud file saving and Skype for online phone / text / video chat -- are part of the purchase price apparently, though that comes with a limited time plan. But is it enough to entice consumers who were already burned once by the first Surface line? That's a question that only time can answer, but we sure don't mind the bonus stuff! Update: Microsoft's official PR says the deal applies to both versions of the new Surface (RT and Pro) and we've updated our post accordingly. Additionally, that free Skype international calling works for "calling to landlines in more than 60 countries," and the Skype WiFi deal offers unlimited access for that first year. Update 2: Oh, and should you decide you want to keep that capacious storage in the cloud past two years, or don't want to buy a Surface to get it in the first place, Microsoft's announced that users can add 200GB to their SkyDrives for just $100 a year.
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 announces Surface Pro 2 accessories including a docking station, Power Cover and Type Cover 2
In addition to introducing the Surface Pro 2 this morning, Microsoft also trotted out a smattering of accessories for its new slates including the new Power Cover and a docking station. The former offers up a keyboard for workstation-like setup and extends battery life 2.5 times for the Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro and Surface 2. For those looking to anchor down for a spell, the Surface Pro 2 dock wields three USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 jack, a mini DisplayPort, Ethernet connection and audio input / output. The peripheral can also power up 3,840 x 2,160 resolution display -- something Microsoft is touting as "the full power of a PC in a tablet form factor." There's also the new Type Cover 2 that's 1mm thinner (2.5mm total, to be exact) than the previous model and packs a whopping 1,092 sensors for a better typing experience and touch gestures. This one is backlit (the first for a Surface tablet) and dims intelligently with the help of a proximity sensor. At $130, it offers 1.5mm of travel for what should be improved ergonomics for longer typing sessions on both the Surface Pro 2 and the Surface 2. The Touch Cover 2 is also thinner and lighter than its predecessor while getting the backlit upgrade and a $120 price tag. Rounding out the lot is a $60 Bluetooth wireless adapter for the covers, a USB car charger and a Surface Edition of the Arc Touch Mouse priced at $70.
Microsoft's new Surface Pro 2 gets official
The Surface RT's full-fledged Pro counterpart just got an update. Today, Microsoft unveiled the follow-up to that x86 / Windows 8-compatible tablet: the Surface Pro 2 and it still comes with a stylus. According to Microsoft's claims, this new tablet boasts 50 percent more color accuracy, better graphics performance, an improved speaker setup and some speed gains -- it's purportedly 20 percent faster than the original. For those wondering, the Pro 2's display has been kept consistent with the original, which means it remains a 10.6-inch 1080p panel, and it's even been ported to the new Surface 2. Battery life has gotten a significant 75 percent boost as well thanks to the 1.6GHz Core i5 Haswell processor inside and now runs much quieter. The Surface Pro 2 can also be paired with Microsoft's new Power Cover to give the tablet 2.5x its standalone battery life or the Type Cover 2, which is now 1mm thinner and backlit. The kickstand has also been revised for the refresh, as it's now a two-stage affair, addressing the issues many users had with the old Pro's awkward angle. As for ports, Microsoft says the Surface Pro 2 is loaded up with support for three USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio in/out and, of course, charging. The Surface Pro 2, when docked, can output up to a 3,840 x 2,160 resolution on an external display and is capable of editing 6K video, backing up the company's repeated assertion that this tablet is actually a "full power PC." Pre-orders for both of Microsoft's next-gen Surface tablets go live tomorrow, the 24th, at 8AM EST with units set to ship to 21 markets on October 22nd. Pricing for the base Surface Pro 2 (i.e., 64GB / 4GB RAM) starts at $899 (the same as the original Pro), although that retail sticker shock will climb depending on the model -- it'll be available in configurations of up to 512GB / 8GB RAM.
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
Catch our Surface 2 liveblog tomorrow at 10:30 AM ET!
Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to meet the follow-up to Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet? There's most definitely new Surface (and likely Surface Pro) hardware in store at tomorrow's NYC event, so you'll want to tune in as Ballmer and co. unveil the goods. Keep your browsers locked here from 10:30 AM ET and on -- we'll be updating you live from the NYC launch! September 23, 2013 10:30:00 AM EDT
