The Apple versus Microsoft hardware double-standard rears up again with the latest Surface update

Across the last couple years, Apple's new Macs have been roundly criticized for raising their prices using flashy — rather than purely utilitarian— new features like the Touch Bar, while delivering only incremental improvements in performance due to a reliance on Intel's processors. Yet when Microsoft follows the same playbook, suddenly high prices are reasonable, flashy but unnecessary features are a sign of innovation, and big performance gains aren't really necessary.

Daniel Eran Dilger 7 years ago 62

Microsoft unveils Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2 & Surface Studio 2

At a Tuesday press event Microsoft revealed three new computers in its touch-capable Surface line, leading with the Surface Pro 6, a competitor to both iPads and MacBooks.

Roger Fingas 7 years ago 53

Where is Apple's innovative iPad, MacBook Pro hardware to rival Microsoft's Surface?

Despite getting lighter, thinner and faster, Apple's iPad tablets and MacBook notebooks haven't dabbled into entirely new desktop computing form factors and experimental hardware concepts the way Microsoft has with its Surface business segment — and for good reason. Here's a look at why.

Daniel Eran Dilger 7 years ago 89

Microsoft's low-cost Surface Go takes aim at Apple's entry-level iPad

Microsoft is angling for a bigger piece of the tablet market with Surface Go, the smallest — and cheapest — of the company's two-in-ones to pack the usual assortment of hybrid internals into a sleek reference design.

Mikey Campbell 7 years ago 50

Microsoft's next Surface product might be just pocket-sized

Microsoft's long-rumored "Andromeda" device will be a "pocketable" Surface product, further smearing the line between phones, tablets, and laptops, according to a leaked internal document.

Roger Fingas 7 years ago 48

Microsoft to reportedly target iPad with cheaper Surface tablets

Microsoft is reportedly looking to challenge Apple head-on in the tablet market by once again producing a cheaper Surface option, which would compete against Apple's $329 entry-level iPad.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 49

April Fools: get ready for the worst jokes in the tech industry

Every year, several companies—most notoriously Google—float various unfunny, excessively long dad jokes on April Fools Day. But rather than waste your time detailing these latest flat attempts at humor in tech, why not take a moment on April 1 to take a look at the really foolish stuff the tech media serves up virtually every day?

Daniel Eran Dilger 8 years ago 64

Microsoft reveals Surface Book 2 hybrid tablets, claims they're twice as powerful as Apple's MacBook Pro

Microsoft is continuing its attempts to compete against Apple's MacBook Pro and iPad Pro lines with an updated version of its tablet-notebook hybrid, with the Surface Book 2 boasting a new larger model and a USB-C port, alongside expected performance improvements.

Malcolm Owen 8 years ago 67

Leaked Microsoft memo points to high initial return rates for Surface Book & Surface Pro 4

Problems with the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 may be responsible for Consumer Reports's recent decision not to recommend the Surface line as a whole, a leaked Microsoft memo suggests.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 28

25% of Microsoft Surface owners report problems within 2 years, Consumer Reports finds

A new, large survey of Microsoft Surface owners found that a quarter of those using the hybrid devices experience problems by the second year of ownership, raising questions about the reliability of the company's iPad and MacBook competitors.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 50

Microsoft website reveals Touch Cover keyboard for Apple's iPad

A reference to an iPad keyboard accessory from Apple rival Microsoft was discovered on the Windows maker's website, suggesting the company may have a new wireless accessory in the works for the market's top tablet.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 12

Microsoft launches 'Surface Plus,' adapting iPhone Upgrade Program concept to PCs

Microsoft on Tuesday introduced "Surface Plus" and "Surface Plus for Business," two ownership plans that appear to mimic Apple's strategy with the iPhone Upgrade Program.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 21

Microsoft revenues up on cloud & Office 365, slowed by phones & Surface

Apple rival Microsoft's revenues were up 13 percent year-over-year to $23.3 billion in the June quarter, with profits of $6.5 billion — driven largely by its cloud and Office businesses however, as some hardware efforts struggled.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 34

Microsoft unveils new Surface Pro ahead of Apple Mac & iPad Pro refreshes

At a Tuesday press event in Shanghai, Microsoft revealed the long-awaited fifth-generation Surface Pro, hoping to steal some thunder away from Apple ahead of Mac and iPad Pro refreshes that could come as soon as next month.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 80

In two-pronged attack, Microsoft intros low-end Windows 10 S, high-end $999+ Surface Laptop

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the Surface Laptop, a new PC aimed at the educational market, despite having a $999 base price tag with 4 gigabytes of non-upgradeable RAM and 128 gigabytes of storage.

Roger Fingas 9 years ago 81

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