Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft pushed out a firmware update today (Patch Tuesday) for its hybrid laptop/tablet, the Surface RT. The update brings with it a variety of performance improvements, according to preliminary reports from users. There were a total of eight updates released for the device, four of which corrected some issues and improved performance, as well as a firmware update and some security-related downloads.

According to ZDNet, the four updates include an update that addresses “Favorites” not showing up in Internet Explorer 10 and a fix that enables WinRE using the out-of-the-box wizard in Windows 8/Server 2012. Also part of the updates was an update for files containing a digital signature in Windows 8/Server 2012, and a Windows 8/Server 2012 cumulative update. You can download these updates for your Surface via Windows Update.

The first update listed above is self-explanatory, while the second update corrects the problem caused by an issue with the Boot Configuration Data store. The update for files containing a digital signature is due to files expiring prematurely on Windows 8/Server 2012 systems. And finally, the cumulative update enables the ability to customize the lock screen, fixes the problem that can cause Apps to be installed incorrectly, and improves performance upon waking the device and when the device is asleep, which ultimately improves battery life.

Now that the update has been out for a bit, reports are rolling in from users who say their devices are running faster and smoother. Some users say that app transitions seem “snappier” as well, and that Internet Explorer 10 is running better after the update. Have you updated your Surface? Let us know what improvements you’re seeing in the comments!

[via ZDnet]

Surface RT gets performance boost from updates is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Earlier today, we reported that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was quoted as saying that sales for the company’s new Surface tablet were “modest,” with the potential of sales picking up when the Surface Pro launches early next year. However, Microsoft says that he was actually referring to the ramping up of Surface production when he said “modest”, not sales numbers.

According to a follow-up statement from Microsoft, “Steve’s use of the term “modest” was in relation to the company’s approach in ramping up supply and distribution of Surface with Windows RT.” The statement continues by mentioning that while the company’s “approach has been modest, Steve notes the reception to the device has been “fantastic”.”

We’re not sure if Ballmer said something he wasn’t supposed to and the public relations team tried to spin the CEO’s quote afterward, or if Ballmer just wasn’t being clear enough with his words. Either way, Microsoft is sure to clear the air about their Surface tablet and wants to reinforce that sales are doing well.

Ballmer also spent a lot of time focusing on the company’s upcoming Surface Pro. From what Ballmer says, it will essentially be a “high end” and “unique” product, which will feature a higher-resolution Full HD display, and will also run the full version of Windows 8, as opposed to the tablet-optimized Windows RT that’s currently running on the Surface.

[via Pocketnow]

Microsoft: Production efforts with Surface are modest, not our sales is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is an able champion for his brand, but even he couldn’t muster up much enthusiasm over sales of his Surface RT tablet in a recent interview with a French newspaper. Unless something was seriously lost in translation, sales of Microsoft’s slate have been “modest” so far—but just you wait until its big brother gets here. More »

Microsoft‘s latest product, the Surface tablet running Windows RT, might be generating a lot of hype, but early adopters are already noticing some issues with the tablet and its accessories. Specifically, some users are witnessing the edges of the Touch Cover splitting to expose the wires just days after having begun using it.

A number of users are reporting the problem on the Microsoft Surface Forums, and the issue has also been witnessed by writers and developers alike. The interesting aspect about the issue, is that all reports seem to be identical of one another: The cover starts to split at its seam where it would magnetically attach to the tablet.

Microsoft has not made an official statement about the issue, but users have been told to return their faulty Touch Covers to Microsoft for a replacement, including at Microsoft Stores where the company has been swapping faulty covers for users at no charge. Obviously, we’re not sure how many users have been affected.

It’s also unclear whether the issue is due to just a faulty batch of Surface tablets, or if it’s more widespread and affects every unit eventually the more the user handles the device. However, users in both the US and UK have reported the problem, so that may suggest that it’s not isolated to just a single faulty batch.

[via The Guardian]

Microsoft Surface Touch Covers already experiencing issues is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

While Apple‘s many commercials can be considered “cute,” if you will, some may say that they’re still missing a little bit of pizzazz that would make them even more attention-getting. From the guys who brought you those funny Siri parody commercials, comes a new fake advertisement for the Microsoft Surface tablet.

The fake ad commercial is based off of Apple latest iPad mini ad where it plays a piano duet next to the 10-inch iPad. The folks at LaughPong decided that the ad needed a bit more Microsoft Surface mixed in, so they made a quick parody ad that makes you wonder why Microsoft didn’t come up with a similar idea in the first place.

The fake ad definitely portrays the Surface tablet as an all-out, in your face device that’s ready to take on the world, while the iPad remains a subtle piece of technology in the background. Obviously, that’s not how it is in the real world, but I’m sure Microsoft would love to think of it in that way.

Honestly, the fake commercial is so good that if it were actually real, it would probably convince us to go out and buy a Surface tablet right now. We all know advertising can reel us in using mysterious tactics, but after watching that, we wouldn’t care one bit. However, let’s hope that Microsoft can make a dent in the tablet market with its new offering anyway.

[via Cult of Mac]

Microsoft Surface parody ad takes on the iPad is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.