Ina Fried

Recent Posts by Ina Fried

Microsoft to Debut Second Generation of Surface Products at September 23 New York Event

Microsoft plans to introduce a new wave of its homegrown Surface hardware at a Sept. 23 event in New York.

Despite significant speculation about a smaller-size Surface tablet, the company is not expected to introduce a “mini” version, though it is likely to offer updated versions of the current lineup, which includes the Intel-based Surface Pro and ARM-based Surface RT.

The launch shows Microsoft’s commitment to the hardware effort despite weak sales of its first try, the Surface RT tablet. Microsoft had to take a $900 million charge to cover losses on that product.

That said, Microsoft has doubled down on becoming a “devices and services” company, announcing last week its plan to acquire Nokia’s phone business as part of an expanded push into hardware.

The Surface era began with a June 18, 2012, launch in Los Angeles, where Microsoft previewed the first two products — Surface RT and Surface Pro.

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Another gadget you don’t really need. Will not work once you get it home. New model out in 4 weeks. Battery life is too short to be of any use.

— From the fact sheet for a fake product entitled Useless Plasticbox 1.2 (an actual empty plastic box) placed in L.A.-area Best Buy stores by an artist called Plastic Jesus