Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199?

We’ll admit to being a little blown away when Microsoft launched the Surface — it was an impressively polished tablet that we had heard barely a whisper of leading up to the mysterious launch event. But, there was one thing that we were still left wondering: how much would it cost? Now, with Acer getting all in a huff about competition and Microsoft conceding that some OEMs might be a little upset when this thing ships, we might just have an idea for you. According to an inside source, a session was held at Microsoft’s recent TechReady15 conference in which all the launch details were laid out. If things go according to the plan detailed then, the Surface for Windows RT tablet will be launching October 26th — no surprise there — at a compelling price of $199.

That MSRP, almost certainly lower than Microsoft’s own cost, would line it up against the Nexus 7 and even the Kindle Fire. It would put Windows 8 on the map in a big way and give a lot of people a lot of reason to try out an operating system that is going to feel rather different than previous incarnations. The question is: will it drive enough sales of media and apps for Microsoft to recoup its loss? Or, will companies like Acer put up enough of a fight in the months between now and October to keep Microsoft from undercutting its own partners? We’ll find out soon, dear readers.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Microsoft Surface for Windows RT tablet coming October 26th for $199? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft’s next Windows update codenamed “Blue”

Microsoft will be ready to launch Windows 8 on October 26th, but already details are emerging of the company’s next iteration of the OS. ZDNet reports that there are several references to Windows 9 already doing the rounds, but that the next version of the operating system won’t carry that name. Instead, sources indicate that the next version is codenamed “Blue”. The update is due to land sometime next year, but it most likely won’t include a major overhaul.

Two possibilities are on the table for Blue. The first may simply be that Microsoft is accelerating its release schedule to match that of mobile operating systems. Android and iOS typically see big updates around once per year, whereas Windows often goes several years without a major update, instead relying on smaller upgrades and service packs to keep the OS up to date.

Blue could be what Microsoft would consider to be a service pack, applying updates and fixes for issues in Windows 8 that the company will no doubt keep track of after the OS has launched in October. It could also be a feature pack, adding new features into the mix on top of fixes. Whatever the case may be, Blue is currently on target for a Summer 2013 release, according to ZDNet’s sources.

Microsoft will officially roll out Windows 8 on October 26th, offering Windows 7 users the chance to upgrade for $39.99. Anyone currently using the test versions of Windows 8 will also be able to upgrade for the same price and carry over some information between installs, although user critical information will be wiped in the process. Microsoft’s Surface tablet will also be released around the same timeframe to tie in with the Windows 8 launch.


Microsoft’s next Windows update codenamed “Blue” is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Microsoft Windows RT to get Dell, Lenovo and Samsung hardware

When Microsoft launched its Surface tablets, a lot of observers were skeptical about its move, saying that it was a “mistake” to compete with its traditional hardware partners. While perceived as an awkward stance, the Microsoft position is actually not about competing with hardware sales in my opinion. Instead, I think that Microsoft wants to set the bar and make sure that its partners can match or even surpass its own tablet. What Microsoft wants is to make sure that Windows 8 for ARM architecture provides a great experience, and as one would say: if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Microsoft reportedly changing “Metro” to “Modern UI Style”, Microsoft reportedly rebranding Metro to Windows 8,

Lenovo hits Windows 8 with IdeaPad Yoga

Lenovo has been showing a lot of support for Windows 8 lately, and today it showed even more. ABC News reports that the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga will be running the Windows RT version of Windows 8 when it arrives later this year, but that isn’t all, as Lenovo is apparently preparing multiple versions of the Yoga for release. Even better is that the IdeaPad Yoga is expected to launch around the same time Windows 8 does, which is on October 26.


According to ABC, Lenovo is making two versions of the Yoga: one with an ARM NVIDIA Tegra processor, and one with that uses the more powerful line of Intel processors. The ARM-based model will have a longer battery life, obviously, and sources say that it can last up to two times longer than Intel-based models. Earlier reports suggested that Lenovo was working with NVIDIA to build a Windows RT tablet, and ABC confirms that the tablet in question is indeed the Yoga.

The Lenovo Yoga was announced at CES earlier this year, and is something of a laptop-tablet hybrid. The unit looks like a laptop, but comes with a rotatable screen that can flip over and fold in on the keyboard, turning it into a tablet (get it? Yoga?). The unit is 0.67-inches thick and weighs in at just over three pounds, so despite the 13.3-inch screen, it’s definitely a very portable device. It also supports up to 8GB of RAM and comes equipped with a 256GB SSD, so you probably won’t want for speed when using the Yoga.

Sadly, we don’t know the exact date the Yoga will be available, nor do we know specific pricing details for all models. Intel-based Yogas will cost somewhere in the area of $1,199, but there haven’t been any such estimates for the price of the ARM-based Yoga. With the launch of the Yoga apparently just around the corner, expect Lenovo to unleash those details soon. Stay tuned to SlashGear for additional information.


Lenovo hits Windows 8 with IdeaPad Yoga is written by Eric Abent & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Microsoft Might Be Rushing Out Its Windows 8 Sequel [Rumors]

Windows 8 is coming. But the next version of Windows might not be far behind. According to the super well respected Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft could release the next version of its OS within the next year—a turnaround time that would be pretty much unprecedented for Redmond: More »

Here’s Who Your Windows RT Tablets Will Come From [Windows 8]

Looks like Surface didn’t scare everyone off like Microsoft said it might, because today the company announced some official Windows 8 partners. More »

Microsoft trumpets Windows RT OEM partners, lists ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung

Microsoft trumpets Windows RT OEM partners, lists ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung

Following sharp comments from Acer’s JT Wang surrounding Microsoft’s decision to compete with vital OEM partners in the tablet space, Mike Angiulo — the vice president of Microsoft’s Ecosystem and Planning team — has stepped to the plate with a resounding “thank you” to those very associates. Aside from praising those who will be helping to make Windows RT more than a passing fad, the company affirmed that ASUS, Dell, Samsung and Lenovo will all be shipping ARM-based products with the aforementioned operating system onboard. This pretty much confirms that the Yoga will indeed ship as a WinRT variant, and it also makes clear that Dell’s hard work for a spot in the lineup paid off. Exact model details aren’t being disclosed, nor are ship dates, but it’s becoming abundantly clear that Microsoft is working overtime behind the scenes to give its allies equal footing come October 26th.

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Microsoft trumpets Windows RT OEM partners, lists ASUS, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo’s Windows RT tablet will be ARM-based IdeaPad Yoga

Last week it was reported that Lenovo was working on a convertible tablet that would run Windows RT, Microsoft’s ARM-based version of Windows 8. The concept was the same as the IdeaPad Yoga first shown off at CES 2012, but instead of running full-blown Windows 8 and using Intel’s Core i5 chip, the tablet would be utilizing one of NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processors and running Windows RT. ABC News corroborates the report, saying that the tablet will carry the IdeaPad Yoga branding.

Lenovo’s plan is to release two versions of the convertible tablet, with the NVIDIA-based version to feature “double the battery life of the Intel version.” According to ABC News, the tablet should hit the market around the same time as the general Windows 8 release on October 26th. At a Lenovo event last Wednesday, the company dropped a hint that that it was working on a Windows RT product, but declined to give specifics.

The IdeaPad Yoga that was shown off earlier in the year was a convertible ultrabook featuring one of Intel’s ULV Core processors. The device functions as a normal laptop, but the screen can be folded backwards, transforming the notebook into a tablet, allowing users to interact with Windows 8 using the touchscreen. The Intel version is said to cost around £1,199 (~$1,880).

ASUS is also working on a similar product, having shown off the TAICHI at Computex back in June. Featuring an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, the TAICHI comes with dual 13.3-inch and 11.6-inch displays, both running a 1080p resolution. The 13.3-inch screen serves as a regular display when in notebook mode, while the 11.6-inch display serves as a touchscreen (complete with stylus support) when the laptop is closed.

[via The Verge]


Lenovo’s Windows RT tablet will be ARM-based IdeaPad Yoga is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.


Switched On: Surface damage

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

DNP Switched On surface damage

As Switched On discussed a few weeks ago, and as Microsoft noted in its recent 10-K filing, it is an unavoidable truth that the company getting into the hardware market will cause conflict with its partners. The extent of that conflict, though, depends on many variables and Microsoft can — and must — take steps to ameliorate it.

Continue reading Switched On: Surface damage

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Switched On: Surface damage originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo reportedly prepping Intel and ARM versions of IdeaPad Yoga transforming tablet

Lenovo reportedly prepping Intel and ARM versions of IdeaPad Yoga transforming laptop

We’ve known for a while that NVIDIA is working with Lenovo (and ASUS) on a Windows RT Tablet, but ABC News believes that we might already have seen the mystery device in action. Its sources have let slip that alongside the Intel-powered IdeaPad Yoga laptop / tablet hybrid (LapLet? TabTop?), the company will release a Tegra-powered version running Windows RT, combining the same sexy hardware with ARM’s power-sipping technology. If true, then we might have a very tough purchasing decision on our hands when the gear arrives — with the launch date still expected to be on October 26th.

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Lenovo reportedly prepping Intel and ARM versions of IdeaPad Yoga transforming tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 00:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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