Microsoft’s foray into consumer electronics, which also includes the Xbox 360 and Zune, continued Monday as the company unveiled a new tablet in the rapidly growing market. The Surface tablet will have some features which its rivals lack, including a keyboard that also acts as a screen cover and an integrated back stand for watching media hands-free.
“It embodies hardware and software working together,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the showing of the device in Hollywood, California. The company plans to release two models, a lighter weight “RT” model which is Metro-only and a “Pro” model which features the touch-friendly Metro as well as the traditional Windows look with a desktop. Both should be released before the end of the year alongside the launch of Windows 8.
According to Huffington Post, “Both of the models feature what is likely the hallmark aspect of the Windows Surface tablet: a built-in keyboard. The back cover can be folded under the tablet and becomes a super-thin (3mm) QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard attaches to the case magnetically and comes with an accelerometer that tells the tablet when it is activate, and when it is folded into the back of the case. The so-called Touch Cover will be available in five colors, including black, blue, and hot pink.”
