Microsofts Game Changer: Surface Tablet

Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft introduced Surface with a quote, "The Surface is a PC. The Surface is a tablet. And the Surface is something new that we think people will absolutely love." Surface is the result of some interesting Windows mobile development, using windows 8 as the operating system for the device. Windows 8 is Microsoft’s latest operating system designed for tablets, PCs and touch devices.

Surface, introduced with Wi-Fi, still holds the mystery whether it will support cellular connectivity or not. Though there are a few rumors flying about the Surface, some conformed features are explained below:

• Kickstand: Surface comes with an in-built kick stand for the ease of the user so that a user doesn’t need to hold it like a slate all the time, even when they are sitting down. Users do not have to dig-in and stress their neck area to use this tablet rather they can use it in a more comfortable position.
• Slim and Strong: The VaporMg technology used to build the casing of the tablet has made-it-easy for Microsoft to build slimmer and stronger tablet. This new tablet is 0.1 mm thinner than iPad and the edges, tilted at 22 degrees of angle makes this tablet appears even slimmer than the original specs.
• Cover-cum-Keyboard: Microsoft has smartly designed its tablet for optimum utilization of body parts. Surface comes with a multi-touch keyboard within its screen cover. It not only protects the screen from scratches but acts as an add-on for users, who prefer to type with a keyboard over the touch keyboard.
• Tap detection: Even smart-ness is also imparted in the tablet through the latest software development techniques in order to help the device to decide if the touch was intentional or accidental. Microsoft calls this feature as “tap detection”, as there may be a case while being in closed position, some events may be triggered from the device with some external forces.
• USB Support: Surface supports USB ports in it, having support for USB 2.0 in device operating on Windows RT and support for USB 3.0 on Windows 8 Pro device.
• Skype support: Surface has dual camera, specifically tuned for skype video calling. The front camera lens orientation has been done in order to facilitate user to video call hands-free, just by pulling the kickstand and placing onto some flat surface. The lens is tilted at an angle of 22 degrees to match the face level of user during a video call.
• Gorilla glass finish: It protects the screen from shocks and cracks from smashes when device might be dropped accidentally. This shock-proof glass is strong and equally clear to user’s perspective and looks and feels nice.
• The COOL factor: Surface for Windows 8 Pro, can run heavy applications which generate lots of heat. To allow users to easily accommodate the device under such heated conditions, Microsoft has introduced “perimeter venting” in its device. A groove that extends outside of the case to provide air flow to processor in order to minimize the heating effects.
• Optical Bonding: Microsoft has eliminated the various layers between the cover glass and screen and minimized the distance between them thus, a stylus user feels like inking directly onto the page. The distance between stylus’ point of contact and the point where ink is viewed is only 0.7 mm, the least in any tablet PC ever.

The above features for Surface makes it the most awaited product from Microsoft in a long time. We will have to wait for its launch to judge its actual performance. The tablet will be launched after the release of windows 8, expected at the fall of this year.