Microsoft and Apple have long been rivals, and on Monday,
Microsoft made its push to match and possibly dethrone the popular Apple iPad. The
new Microsoft Surface, unveiled in Los Angeles, is a touch screen device
reminiscent of the iPad, but with a few marked differences.
Running a mobile version of the new Windows 8 operating
system, the Surface tablet will be a major move for Microsoft into the hardware
industry. While Microsoft is largely thought of and marketed as a software
company, Apple’s recent surge into the market has forced it to begin moving out
of its niche and into new areas if it wishes to keep its super-giant presence
in the technology field.
With a built in kickstand and keyboard, the Surface tablet
is catered to business and personal life as an accessible and highly versatile
device. The keyboard is implemented as a detachable screen cover that can fold
out, with touch-sensitive areas for the keys. This particular feature makes in
very useful in environments where quick, easy access typing is necessary.
One of the big pushes behind this new product is the functionality of Microsoft's new flagship OS, Windows 8. Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, said "We want to give Windows 8 its own companion hardware innovations."
In the build-up to the reveal of the Surface, the company was very secretive as to its plans. They called reporters with the date of the event, but did not tell them when or even exactly where until Monday morning.
For Microsoft, this is a huge leap into the hardware industry, and for those who enjoyed the funtionality of the iPad, the new Surface could provide an even stronger platform to stand on. That said, it could also be a colossal flop. Only time will tell.
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