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Microsoft formally recalls Surface Pro power cords
Microsoft said it would recall Surface Pro power cords to head off potential fire risks, and it's following through on that promise. The Redmond crew has officially recalled about 2.25 million AC power cables for Surface Pro tablets sold before March 15th, 2015. If you own a Surface Pro 3 or earlier, you're likely due for a free replacement. There haven't been many reports of these cables catching fire (56, to be exact), but it's safe to say that you don't want to take a chance if you can avoid it.
Microsoft to recall Surface Pro power cords over fire risks
If you own a Surface Pro, you might want to be careful using it for the next little while. Microsoft tells Channelnomics that it's planning a voluntary recall for the power cords on every Surface Pro tablet released before the Pro 4 and sold before a certain period (March 2015 in the US, July 15th in Europe). The tech giant warns that the AC power cable could trigger a fire if it's wound too tightly or otherwise damaged. Only a "very small" number of people have reported problems, Microsoft says, but the company isn't taking any chances.
Engadget Daily: Russell Wilson on the Surface Pro 2, a beer that boosts creativity, and more!
It's true: Seahawks QB Russell Wilson used to be an Apple guy. This week, we interviewed the sports star at the Virginia Athletic Training Center to chat about how he prepares for game day with his Surface Pro 2. Catch all the deets, and more, in the gallery below. Enjoy.
The future of VR, how the NFL uses the Surface Pro 2 and other stories you might've missed this week
It's been a busy week, folks: We spoke with Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson about how the NFL uses the Surface Pro 2, interviewed RuPaul about "gaymers," learned that North Korea was the source of the Sony Pictures hack, and more. So sit back, relax and click on the gallery below. You know you want to.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 to hit 25 more countries as losses mount
Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 is set to arrive in 25 more countries including the UK, most of Europe and China on August 28th. It's been up for pre-order in many of those regions for a while now, but will finally start to ship by month's end. The 12-inch model has been treated more kindly in reviews than the previous two models, despite some keyboard issues. However, sales figures for the new model haven't been released, and past versions have fared poorly -- in fact, it just had to write off $38 million in unsold devices, including a model it didn't even launch. And according to Computerworld, the damage goes even deeper.
Buffalo Bills coach has issues in first NFL game with Surface tablets
Last night's Hall of Fame game was the first NFL preseason matchup of the summer. It was also the first time that Microsoft's new plan to replace binders of printed photos with a fleet of Surface Pros on the sidelines was put into effect. As you might expect, implementing the tech hit a few snags. The so-called Sideline Viewing System provides images for examining pre- and post-snap formations by the opposing team between series, but the option wasn't in the lineup at kickoff for Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone. "I was told mine was going to work, and mine didn't work," Marrone said in a post-game interview. After remedying the issue, the coach was able to leverage the system during the second half, adding "I like it a lot." Just like teams are ironing out on-field issues in the scrimmages leading up to week one, the new Surface system will need that time to smooth out kinks of its own.
Here's how Microsoft plans to take over NFL sidelines
Are you ready for some football? Because Microsoft most certainly is. To go along with the introduction of a new NFL app for Xbox One and Windows 8, the software giant has also revealed how it plans to help professional coaches and players during games. As part of an ongoing partnership with the National Football League, which began last year and was reportedly worth $400 million over five years, Microsoft created what it calls a Sideline Viewing System. Naturally, the company's own hardware is a key component to this; the new system is powered by Surface Pro 2 tablets, and it allows NFL teams to review photos of plays instantly on the sidelines and up in the booths. For instance, say the quarterback goes back to the bench, the Surface can then be used to see the opposing team's defensive formation during the most recent drive -- and the same goes for the coaching staff that keeps an eye on the game from higher ground. Players are also able to draw on these images, making it easier for other members of the team to see something which stands out and needs to be checked.
Surface Pro 2 prices drop in the US by as much as $200
If you've been hoping to score a deal on the Surface Pro 2 knowing that the Pro 3 is on the way, it's time to start spending. Much like it did in the UK, Microsoft has cut prices on its older Windows tablet, with the discount depending on the level of storage you crave. You'll save $100 if you can make do with a the 64GB or 128GB models, which now cost a respective $799 and $899. Spring for the 256GB or 512GB editions and you'll spend $200 less, with prices now sitting at $1,099 and $1,599. The cuts aren't all that dramatic, but they may be enough to help you resist the temptation of a newer, shinier slate. It's just as well -- Microsoft is already seeing 10-day shipping delays on the Pro 3, so this may be your best shot at buying a high-end Surface for a little while.
Microsoft slashes Surface Pro 2 prices by up to £150
Microsoft might be gearing up for the launch of its bigger, better Surface 3 tablet, but it still hopes to shift some older slates in the interim, with help from an enticing discount. In the biggest price cut we can remember since Surface RT received similar treatment, all configurations of Surface Pro 2 are now available through Microsoft's UK store for £140 or £150 off their normal cost. This means you can grab the base 64GB model for £569 (down from £719), up to the top-of-the-line 512GB unit for £1289 (reduced from £1439). Alright, so they're still not the most wallet-friendly tablets around, but if you want full-fat Windows 8.1 on a 10.6-inch slate, then at least these ones are cheaper than they were last week.
Microsoft discontinues its Surface wireless keyboard adapter
Remember the day Microsoft announced its new Surface tablets? Sure you do: there was all the usual pomp and circumstance, and even that keyboard cover that turned the Surface 2 into a portable DJ booth. One thing that may have flown under your radar, though, was the wireless keyboard adapter, a $60 cylinder-shaped thing that allowed users to control their Surface tablets from up to 30 feet away over Bluetooth (like you do with a 10.6-inch device?). In any case, it looks like the accessory never picked up much traction: Microsoft has discontinued the device, which is now showing up as "out of stock" on Microsoft's online store.
Microsoft Power Cover doubles the Surface's battery life for $200 on March 19th
With the right accessories, the Surface Pro makes a mean alternative to your average laptop -- but even with the second generation model's improved battery life, it doesn't last long outside of the house. Soon, that might be less of an issue: Microsoft is preparing to ship out the tablet's Power Cover keyboard later this month. The $200 Type Cover variant was originally announced with the Surface 2, but didn't make it to market with the new tablets. Now the company has given it a March 19th ship date, promising buyers 70% more battery life for Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 and RT-based Surface 2 slates. Pricey? A bit, but can you think of a better way to nurse your Windows 8 slate on an international flight?
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: winter 2014 edition
The tablet landscape is changing rapidly. It's now relatively trivial to find a cheap, full-featured Windows slate, and we've seen a number of smaller models that still manage to pack plenty of power. In light of those shifts, our tablet buyer's guide looks very different this winter. Dell and Nokia are on the list for the first time, and Windows tablets sit shoulder-to-shoulder with their mobile OS rivals. We've even brought back an older Nook that's received a new lease on life thanks to updated software and a significant price cut. Whether you're looking for a productivity machine or just something to watch movies on, we've got a tablet that should fit the bill.
FAA clears Surface for takeoff in US cockpits
Begun, the airline tablet wars have? Microsoft's Surface 2 has just joined the iPad on the FAA's list of approved pilot EFBs (Electronic Flight Bags) for all phases of flight. That follows Delta's recent announcement that it would deploy 11,000 of Redmond's hybrid tablets in its cockpits instead of the iPad, which it also considered. Apple's tablet is already used by American Airlines and others, but Delta said it preferred the readability, productivity apps and other features of the Surface 2. Pilots will now be able to switch from heavy paper charts and books, which will supposedly save millions in fuel costs once the transition is complete in 2015. It also finally puts the pilots on parity with their passengers, as the airline was one of the first on board with the expanded use of personal electronics. Update: The Surface 2 has been approved by the FAA, not the Surface Pro 2. We've revised the post to reflect that.
Microsoft fixes some of the Surface Pro 2's battery and sleep problems
Microsoft vowed that it would fix the numerous bugs plaguing the Surface Pro 2 in the wake of the flawed December update, and it made good on that promise by rolling out a patch this weekend. The company tells us that the update addresses the most serious problems for affected tablet owners, including reduced battery life and unexpected wake-ups. Future software will tackle the remaining glitches, Redmond says. The partial remedy isn't quite what some were hoping for -- we're still seeing a few complaints -- but it's at least a step in the right direction. Check out Microsoft's full statement below.
Surface Pro 2 tablet gets a quiet speed bump to 1.9GHz
Sometimes, it pays to avoid the bleeding edge of technology. Microsoft has confirmed to The Verge that newer Surface Pro 2 tablets are shipping with a faster 1.9GHz Core i5 inside instead of the 1.6GHz chip that came with the earliest models. The company isn't saying just why it rolled out the stealthy upgrade, although it notes that "routinely" tweaks designs based on part availability and customer value. The move may frustrate early adopters whose two-month-old Windows slates are already behind the times, but it's good news for latecomers who'll get more for their money.
Microsoft pulls Surface Pro 2 update after reports of battery and installation problems
We hope you weren't quick to leap on the Surface Pro 2 update that popped up last week; if you were, you may be regretting it for a while. The company has pulled the upgrade following reports of both failed installations and battery problems, including a reduced capacity and incomplete charges. A fixed release is coming "after the holidays," but there's no word of an easy way to roll back. Short of resetting the system or a convenient restore point, you may have to live with a buggy tablet for the next few weeks.
This week on gdgt: Surface Pro 2, Nintendo 2DS, and software updates
Each week, our friends at gdgt go through the latest gadgets and score them to help you decide which ones to buy. Here are some of their most recent picks. Want more? Visit gdgt anytime to catch up on the latest, and subscribe to gdgt's newsletter to get a weekly roundup in your inbox.
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: fall 2013 edition
Fall is the season of change, and tablet makers are embracing this concept with gusto -- Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and others have all refreshed their lineups. In many cases, , even, these refreshes are actually giant upgrades. The iPad mini finally has a Retina display, for example, while the Surface Pro 2 has the battery life we've wanted since day one. And prices are coming down quickly: Who'd have thought that we could buy a quad-core ASUS Windows 8 tablet for just $349? That's a lot of change to keep track of, but never fear. Whether you're doing some gift shopping or planning to treat yourself on Black Friday, we have recommendations for tablets in virtually every category.
Surface Pro 2 teardown reveals an especially tricky repair
iFixit wasn't a fan of the original Surface Pro's poor serviceability, and its opinion isn't changing much with the Surface Pro 2. The fix-it-yourself shop has rated Microsoft's newest tablet a 1 out of 10 for repairability after finding that many of the previous model's challenges still exist. The slate's display is very difficult to remove, and assemblers have glued numerous key components (including the battery) into place. More than 90 screws fasten down whatever's left. As iFixit notes, the Haswell-based processor is the biggest difference here -- virtually all of the battery life and performance improvements come from the CPU upgrade. If you're curious to see exactly what has changed, or just want to delight in iFixit's suffering, you'll find the full teardown at the source link.
Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets now available in 21 countries
The Nokia Lumia 2520 isn't the only high-profile Windows tablet launching today. As promised, Microsoft has released the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in the US and 20 other countries at respective starting prices of $449 and $899. A handful of accessories are also available alongside the slates, including the backlit Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2 keyboards ($120 and $130), a Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers ($60) and the Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition ($70). The Docking Station and Power Cover aren't expected to ship until early 2014, when they'll cost $200 each; the USB car charger arrives at the same time for $50. Most other countries will have to go Surface-free for the time being, although Microsoft will ship its new Surface models to mainland China in early November.
