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Microsoft Surface review

Microsoft Surface review

The release of the Microsoft Surface is a much bigger deal that the average consumer might perceive it to be. You see, Surface marks Microsoft's entry into the PC market. That might sound odd, but it's true--Microsoft may be the maker of Windows, but it's always been Microsoft partners who build the PCs. I'm talking about companies like Samsung, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, and others. Now, Microsoft is competing directly with its partners, hoping that consumers will flock to its Surface in a major way.

Similar to Apple's approach, Surface is the marriage of first-party software with first-party hardware. Microsoft controls the whole platform. If devices like the Mac, iPhone, iPad, and even Microsoft's own Xbox 360 have shown us anything, it's that when you have the ability to control the whole device as it pertains to software and hardware functionality, you can generally make a better product than you could using third-party ingredients. It's never a guarantee, but we think it puts you in a better spot to shine. That is the hope that Surface brings. Does Surface succeed in carving out its own niche, and filling a need that consumers are willing to pay to remedy? That's what we are here to discuss, so following along with us for our Microsoft Surface RT review.

Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface review


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Unboxing Live 099: Microsoft Surface tablet

Microsoft's Windows 8 has arrived, and alongside it, the Microsoft Surface tablet with Windows RT has been released! Surface is Microsoft's first first-party tablet PC device that it has ever released, and we were able to get our hands on it a little early to give you a look at what you'll find in the box. While we prepare our full Surface review, check out our unboxing video above where we give you a look at the tablet, the Touch Cover, and the setup process!

Big thank you to GoToMeeting for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! GoToMeeting with HDFaces provides rich, super-simple collaborative virtual meetings.


Microsoft Surface RT starts at $499, Touch Cover sold separately

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Corporate News, Handhelds, Microsoft,

Surface RT tablet $499

Microsoft's Surface RT tablet is set to go on sale in just 10 days, and the company is finally ready to reveal price details and tech specs. It's official: Surface RT will sell for $499 for the 32 GB model, $599 for 32 GB with black Touch Cover, and $699 for 64 GB with black touch cover. Pre-orders begin today at 9:00am PT.

What about all those colorful Touch Covers that the company showed off at the Surface unveiling? Those will be sold separately for $120 each. If you prefer the Type Cover, which features mechanical keys, you're looking at $130. Many were speculating that Microsoft would bring Surface to market at an incredibly low $199, but obviously, that extremem measure of cost-cutting just isn't possible. Wanna pre-order one now? Head on over to the Surface page to do so.

Read More | Microsoft

Google Street View comes to iOS web app

Posted by Ponzi Black Categories: Apple, Google, Internet,

Google Street View

iOS 6 and iPhone 5 users now have a popular Google Maps feature available to them again--Street View. Google Street View is available in the Google Maps web app in Mobile Safari, as well as in the Chrome app. Users can save the web app to their Home screen for quick access to Google Maps. Not as elegant as a native app, but definitely usable.


Amazon Kindle Fire HD review (7-inch)

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, Handhelds, Product Reviews,

Kindle Fire HD 7 review

When Amazon announced the new Kindle Fire HD, it took a firm step into its transformation into a major player in the consumer electronics space. Jeff Bezos sold the fact that Amazon was in the unique position that allowed it to create a device that was about more than just the gadget itself--Kindle Fire is all about the services that are tied to it, and the Fire HD in particular is the cream of Amazon's tablet crop. Then the price was announced, and at $199 heads turned and ears perked. A high quality tablet that is completely tied in to Amazon's ecosystem with a great display, rock solid Wi-Fi, and stereo speakers for $199? Is it too good to be true, or is the Kindle Fire HD the king of the 7-inch tablet roost? Read on for our full Kindle Fire HD (7-inch) review.

Click to continue reading Amazon Kindle Fire HD review (7-inch)


Microsoft Surface for Windows RT to launch Oct. 26 for just $199?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, Rumors,

Surface Tablet $199

When Microsoft revealed Surface to the world, we were pretty impressed. It looked like a highly-capable platform that, if it lived up to its promises, would be a major player in the tablet space. However, we also know that the iPad rules the roost. In fact, most consumers don't want tablets so much as they want iPads. What would Microsoft do with Surface to gain attention as a solid differentiator? It looks like it's gonna compete on price.

Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface for Windows RT to launch Oct. 26 for just $199?

Read More | Engadget

Google Fiber to bring 1000 Mbps speeds, TV, free Internet to Kansas City

Google Fiber

Today Google finally took the wraps off of its long-awaited Google Fiber service. Focusing on Kansas City, Google Fiber is both an Internet service and television service, and Google showed off just how awesome the service will be.

First, the Internet speeds. Google Fiber provides gigabit speeds both up and down the pipe. That's 1000/1000 Mbps (which makes our 35/35 connection look atrocious.) The company detailed how far behind the USA is in terms of speed and pricing, and is looking to invoke some major change. Google Fiber Internet will also come with 1TB of Google Drive cloud storage, and there will be no bandwidth caps or overage fees. But that's not all…

Click to continue reading Google Fiber to bring 1000 Mbps speeds, TV, free Internet to Kansas City

Read More | Google Fiber

Google Nexus 7 tablet: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 7-inch display, NFC for $199

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Google, Handhelds,

Google Nexus 7 tablet

During this morning's Google I/O 2012 keynote, the new Nexus 7 tablet was revealed. This is the first reference Nexus tablet, and sports a 7-inch 1280 x 800 IPS LCD display. It will also be the first device to ship with the brand new Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, which was also detailed this morning. The Nexus 7 is manufactured by ASUS, and on the inside you'll find a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, 1.2 megapixel front camera, and NFC. Google seems to be putting this one agianst the Kindle Fire, pricing it at $199 for an 8 GB model, and $249 for 16 GB. You won't find another 7-inch tablet with better specs for the price. When you buy a Nexus 7 tablet you also get $25 in free Google Play credit, as well as a bunch of bundled content. If you wanna order one, pre-orders are now live in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, and they'll start shipping in mid-July.

Read More | Google Play

Watch this: Microsoft Surface tablet unveiling event

Microsoft Surface event video

Yesterday we told you all about the big announcements Microsoft made--the Microsoft Surface tablet was unveiled, along with the intriguing Touch Cover and Type Cover accessories. There was even an odd Surface intro video they teased us with. Now, you can watch the entire Surface event in its entirety after the jump.

Click to continue reading Watch this: Microsoft Surface tablet unveiling event


Microsoft Surface video introduction

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Handhelds, Microsoft, Videos,

Microsoft Surface White

Now that Microsoft has revealed its plan to do battle in the tablet market, Microsoft Surface (as well as its super-cool accessories, the Touch Cover and Type Cover,) we thought you'd appreciate a look at the teaser video that Microsoft put together to unveil the product. Check it out after the break.

Click to continue reading Microsoft Surface video introduction


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