SAN ANTONIO - Microsoft is jumping into the tablet game with the launch of what they call “Surface.” Their sights are set on the iPad (or the new iPad or whatever silly name they’re calling it now).
This is a big deal.
As far as hardware and design are concerned, the Surface should be a winner. If Microsoft can live up to the hype of what Steve Ballmer previewed for the press in an Apple-esque press conference, the industry will take a huge leap forward.
The design of the magnetically attached keyboard/cover teamed with the kickstand seems simple, but it’s actually everything you could want in a tablet. The unit is slim, stylish and bigger than the iPad while weighing the same. The USB ports and ability to work with the Xbox already in your house are homeruns.
The launch will correspond with a new Windows operating system. This is where the real game will be played. Will Surface rely on yet another app store, or will this new version of Windows change the game? You see, the reason the iPad is so popular is the apps. The abundance of low cost or free apps is what changed a nicely designed piece of hardware into a must have item for middle to upper class families around the globe. The apps gave the iPad a little something for everyone.
So can Microsoft somehow flip the app store model and make it so every Windows program is now an app? If they can do something like that. Look out!
Cool (and free) apps..
Turntable – Free (iPhone & Android)
DJs join a room and share songs with an audience that can then vote on whether a song is Awesome or Lame. It's a great concept for sharing music.
Time2Go – Free (Android)
Notifications when it is time to leave to make it to your events on time.
-Syncs with your Google Calendar.
-Choose Driving, Biking, or Walking.
-Calculates travel time from your location to events in your Calendar.
-Gives a notification when it is time to leave if you want to be there on time.
