As heavily rumoured throughout the course of the previous day, Microsoft used its 'mystery' press conference in Los Angeles to unveil its own Windows 8 tablet, dubbed Surface.
The 10.6-inch device was revealed to the world by CEO Steve Ballmer, who after stressing the importance of Microsoft's OEM partners said Surface was to be a "stage for Windows."
Tablets for two
Indeed, Surface looks to be every bit the Windows 8 flagship.
The tablet, which is 9.3 mm thin, comes with a built in kickstand and features a Gorilla Glass 1920x1080 display, will be available in two variants: an ARM-based device running Windows RT, and an Intel-equipped alternative, sporting Windows 8 in full and a ClearType Display.
Other headline-grabbing features include a cover that clips onto the display and operates as a 3mm thin full multitouch keyboard when required, and pen input, allowing users to annotate across the screen with digital ink.
Game on?
Despite early chatter suggesting the device could even be Xbox branded, no specific mention was given as to game support or Xbox 360/Windows Phone connectivity, though as with all Windows 8 devices Surface will have full access to apps from the Windows Store.
Surface will come in 32GB or 64GB versions for Windows RT, with Intel editions sporting higher, but so far undefined, storage capabilities.
Pricing, or indeed a specific launch date, was not mentioned, though Ballmer claimed its debut would dovetail will the official roll-out of Windows 8, expected before the end of 2012.
Surface's impact on Windows 8 tablets from third-party manufacturers - including close ally Nokia - will be a point of interest for commentators in the coming months, with several vowing to have tablets ready for day one.
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
24 minutes ago
Star Wars: Hunters ranked No. 1 for App Store game downloads in the US, UK and Canada on launch day
News
2 hours, 9 minutes ago
Why Dlala Studios pitches its next game at least 18 months before finishing development
Feature
3 hours, 39 minutes ago
Hot Five: Squad Busters’ supercharged launch, Pokémon’s record revenue, and Star Wars: Hunters finally hits the target
News
Jun 7th, 2024
Week in Views - The hunt for the new Star Wars game, Xbox goes handheld, and cats versus monsters…
Events
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |
Steam Next Fest: June 2024 Edition | Jun 10th | |
WN Conference Istanbul 2024 | Jun 11th | |
GamesForum Hamburg 2024 | Europe | Jun 11th |
ESI London 2024 | Europe | Jun 13th |
Game Con Canada (GCC) 2024 | North America | Jun 14th |
Indie Dev Play 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |