Microsoft Surface Coming Soon to a Tablet Computer
Microsoft unveiled the Surface on Monday, a new tablet computer that's expected to compete with Apple's iPad. The Surface is 9.3 millimeters thick and works on the Windows RT operating system.
What's the big deal about getting rid of the computer? So far manufacturers attempts to converge mobile operating systems with computer operating systems have been awkward. That said ...
Microsoft introduced on June 18, 2012 a line of tablet ultra-portable PCs -- Surface -- designed to work with Windows RT and Windows 8 operating systems. Versions will be available featuring ARM and Intel CPUs. Displays feature a 10.6", 16:9 widescreen HD Display for the RT version, or a full HD Display for the Pro version. Surface models feature a USB port, a micro-SD slot, and a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the 'Touch Cover' and 'Type Cover'. Two cameras, front-facing and rear-facing are also included. No pricing information or release dates were declared on June 18, 2012.
Windows RT, announced on April 16, 2012 and known during development as Windows on ARM, is a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system for ARM devices -- namely tablets. Windows RT will officially only run software available through the Windows Store or included in Windows RT including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote as standard. Microsoft will only be selling the operating system to device manufacturers directly, and not as a stand-alone product to consumers.
Windows Store is an upcoming digital distribution platform, similar to Apple's App Store, developed by Microsoft Corporation as part of Windows 8 for Metro style applications. The Windows Store will also allow developers to advertise their desktop applications. Windows Store will support both free and paid applications. Developers will also be able to offer free trials. The Windows Store was made available concurrently with the release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which was released on February 29, 2012.
Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language created by Microsoft, originally for use in Windows Phone 7, but now includes
A key design principle of Metro is better focus on the content of applications, relying more on typography (using design principles of classic Swiss graphic design) and less on graphics. As the saying goes "content before chrome".