ديجيتال فابلت

الوسم: Surface

  • Microsoft Surface Laptop And Pro Increase Prices For Budget Shoppers

    Microsoft Surface Laptop And Pro Increase Prices For Budget Shoppers


    Microsoft has launched an updated range of Surface computing devices available for pre-order, showcasing a new design aesthetic along with reduced pricing for its latest tablet and laptop models. Additionally, the company has removed the entry-level Surface Pro and Laptop models from its website.

    Currently, the Microsoft online store lists Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite variants starting at $1,199. Similarly, the price for the Surface Pro has been set at $1,199.99 for its most basic configuration.

    For the 15-inch Surface Laptop, the entry price has increased to $1,499. The Microsoft store lists the starting price at $1,299 for this model; however, the 256GB storage version is currently unavailable.

    The Surface Laptop 7 on a table in front of a window.
    Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

    Additionally, both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptops (13.8-inch and 15-inch) are no longer available in the 256GB storage configuration on Microsoft's website. When these devices were launched last year, both started at a price of $999 in the U.S. market.

    Related
    • Surface Laptop 13 is Microsoft’s lightest yet, with MacBook-beating battery life
    • Microsoft’s next Surface devices to be smaller, cheaper and Arm-ready
    • Acer to increase laptop prices as tariffs hit U.S. market

    What’s changing?

    This isn't strictly a price increase, as Microsoft has simply eliminated a low-storage option from its offerings. However, the price threshold for consumers has indeed risen. According to a statement shared with Engadget, the company reassures that the $999 models are still purchasable through third-party sellers.

    It’s worth noting that the pricing for charging accessories under the Surface brand has risen by about 33%. For instance, the price for the 127W charger has jumped to $175 from $125. The 65W charger has also increased, now priced at $90, up from $60 on the official store.

    The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window.
    Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

    The duration for which the $999 Surface Pro (13-inch) and Laptop (13.8-inch) will remain in stock is uncertain, as is whether Microsoft will restock the 256GB versions in its online store.

    What are your options?

    The latter scenario seems unlikely. Microsoft is now offering the new 12-inch Surface Pro and the 13-inch Surface Laptop at lower price points. Keep in mind that for the 13-inch Surface Laptop, customers will need to choose between SSD and UFS storage options, neither of which are user-replaceable.

    The new Microsoft tablet starts at $799, providing a competitive edge against the larger Surface Pro. This device boasts a fresh design for both the slate and its keyboard, equipped with Qualcomm's mid-range Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and a new magnetic charging system for the stylus.

    As for the 13-inch Surface Laptop, it seeks to compete with the MacBook Air, featuring a similar design and the same memory and processor configuration as the 12-inch tablet, with a price tag of $899. However, it lacks a high refresh rate display and does not deviate significantly from the limitations of its competitor.







  • Microsoft’s Upcoming Surface Devices: Smaller, Cheaper, Arm-Ready

    Microsoft’s Upcoming Surface Devices: Smaller, Cheaper, Arm-Ready

    As Microsoft gears up for its upcoming event on May 6, the tech giant seems poised to introduce a new range of Surface devices aimed at strengthening its presence in the Arm-powered PC sector. Reports from the German site WinFuture suggest that Microsoft is developing a new 12-inch Surface Pro and a compact 13-inch Surface Laptop, both utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus technology.

    The anticipated 12-inch Surface Pro brings back a smaller size reminiscent of previous models like the Surface Pro 3, yet it incorporates modern Arm-based hardware. It will feature a PixelSense Flow LCD display and be powered by the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 chip, which includes eight custom Oryon CPU cores and an integrated Hexagon NPU capable of reaching up to 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second) of AI performance.

    The device is expected to come with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and will offer storage options of either 256GB or 512GB using UFS technology, which is faster and more economical than traditional NVMe SSDs. However, this choice means that the storage will no longer be user-replaceable.

    Battery life is projected to be impressive, offering up to 16 hours for local video playback. The device will include two USB 3.2 Type-C ports and will be available in Ocean Blue, Platinum Gray, and Violet, all accompanied by matching accessories.

    A slide suggesting the new Microsoft Surface 2025 devices will not ship with a charging adapter
    WinFuture

    These new models reflect a strategic pivot for Microsoft, as they seem to be promoting a more accessible and energy-efficient Surface line, likely setting the stage for the next advancements in Windows on Arm expected in the upcoming major Windows release.

    The official announcement is anticipated during Microsoft’s event on May 6, where details regarding pricing, availability, and further specifications for these new Surface products may be revealed.

  • First Images Of Blue Ghost Lander On Moon’s Surface

    First Images Of Blue Ghost Lander On Moon’s Surface

    This past weekend marked a significant milestone with the successful landing of the Blue Ghost lander on the moon. Firefly Aerospace’s mission arrived at the Mare Crisium region on Sunday, March 2. Fresh images from the lander have already been released, showcasing its new lunar environment.

    Among the captivating visuals is a striking photograph capturing the lander’s shadow cast on the moon’s surface. Another image highlights the lander with Earth appearing in the night sky:

    This image illustrates the Moon's surface, with Earth visible on the horizon and the Blue Ghost’s solar panel and X-band antenna in the foreground.
    This image illustrates the Moon’s surface, with Earth visible on the horizon and the Blue Ghost’s solar panel and X-band antenna in the foreground. Firefly Aerospace

    The image also features two of the lander’s key instruments, the X-band antenna for transmitting data back to Earth and the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI). This telescope will utilize X-rays to investigate the interaction between solar winds and Earth’s magnetic field and is one of several NASA tools aboard the lander.

    NASA’s acting Administrator, Janet Petro, remarked on the landing, stating, “This incredible achievement demonstrates how NASA and American companies are leading the way in space exploration for the benefit of all. We have already learned many lessons – and the technological and scientific demonstrations onboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 will enhance our ability to not only discover more science but also ensure the safety of our spacecraft instruments for future human exploration – both in the immediate and distant future.”

    Another captivating image shows a bird’s-eye view of the moon’s surface where the lander’s thrusters are prominently displayed:

    This image captures the Moon's surface from above, focusing on the lander’s RCS thrusters amid sunlight glare.
    This image captures the Moon’s surface from above, focusing on the lander’s RCS thrusters amid sunlight glare. Firefly Aerospace

    The deployment of the lander’s instruments has commenced, and Firefly has announced that the X-band antenna is fully operational. This antenna provides superior image quality and transmits scientific data and videos, significantly better than the previous S-band antennas that delivered lower-quality images.

    “The science and technology we send to the Moon now helps pave the way for future NASA exploration and supports a long-term human presence to inspire generations worldwide,” stated Nicky Fox, NASA’s associate administrator for science. “Partnering with American companies for these payloads bolsters a thriving lunar economy.”

  • Gugu Mbatha-Raw Seeks Truth in Surface Season 2 Trailer

    Gugu Mbatha-Raw Seeks Truth in Surface Season 2 Trailer

    In the new trailer for *Surface* season 2, Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s character, Sophie, sets off on a journey to uncover the truth.

    After surviving what was thought to be a suicide attempt in the first season, Sophie is left with scant memories of her previous life. By the conclusion of the first season, she embraces her past identity as Tess Caldwell and chooses to return to the U.K. in search of Eliza (played by Millie Brady), someone from her former life.

    At times, revisiting the past is essential to advance, and that’s precisely what Sophie must do. She travels to London, where she reunites with Eliza, the affluent heiress linked to her family’s business. Tess had worked for Eliza’s family in their stables, but then vanished without a trace—until now.

    As Sophie delves deeper into her investigation, she suspects that Eliza’s family might have had a hand in her mother’s demise. Encountering a journalist who is also probing into the family, Sophie realizes she must exercise caution or risk a future fraught with peril.

    In the trailer, Eliza cautions Sophie, “You can’t fight my family. You’ll never win.”

    One woman looks stunned while another stands beside her in Surface.
    Apple TV+

    Olivier Jackson-Cohen returns to reprise his role as Sophie’s spouse, James Ellis. The ensemble cast for season 2 includes Phil Dunster, Gavin Drea, Rupert Graves, Tara Fitzgerald, Nina Sosanya, Joely Richardson, and Freida Pinto.

    *Surface* is brought to life for Apple TV+ by Veronica West, who takes on roles as writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Reese Witherspoon, along with Lauren Neustadter under her Hello Sunshine banner, also serves as an executive producer. Gugu Mbatha-Raw holds an executive producer credit as well. Directors for the second season include Ed Lilly, Lynsey Miller, Jon East, and Alrick Riley.

    *Surface* season 2 is set to debut on Friday, February 21, on Apple TV+. This season will feature eight episodes released weekly, culminating in the finale on April 11.

  • Is Microsoft Surface being discontinued?

    Is Microsoft Surface being discontinued?

    Microsoft Surface devices have carved a niche in the tech arena since their inception, combining innovation with versatility. However, recent rumors and reports have sparked concern among users and potential buyers alike regarding the future of the Surface lineup. Are these devices facing discontinuation? Let’s delve into the current status of Microsoft Surface and what the future might hold.

    Recent Developments in the Surface Lineup

    Launch of New Devices

    Microsoft continues to innovate within its Surface range, recently releasing updated models of popular devices. Highlights include:

    • Surface Pro 9: Featuring enhanced performance and battery life with the latest processors.

    • Surface Laptop 5: Updated with sleek designs and improved display options.

    • Surface Studio 2+, a refresh for creative professionals boasting better graphics and processing capabilities.

    These releases suggest a commitment to the Surface brand rather than a shift toward discontinuation.

    Market Position and Sales Trends

    Despite challenges in the broader PC market, Microsoft Surface remains competitive. Key points include:

    • Consistent sales growth in the premium segment, challenging traditional laptop manufacturers.

    • Strong user satisfaction ratings, particularly among professionals and educational institutions.

    Microsoft’s strategic focus on Surface devices indicates a long-term vision rather than a short-term phase.

    Addressing the Rumors

    Sources of Speculation

    Several factors have fueled speculation about the potential discontinuation of Surface devices, such as:

    • Increased competition from rivals like Apple and Chromebook manufacturers.

    • Changes in Microsoft’s overall business strategy focusing on cloud solutions.

    However, it is essential to assess these claims critically.

    Official Statements from Microsoft

    Microsoft has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to the Surface brand through various channels, including:

    • Earnings Calls: Executives have highlighted the importance of Surface in driving revenue and brand recognition.

    • Public Announcements: Regular updates regarding product innovations and future releases demonstrate ongoing support.

    Features That Set Microsoft Surface Apart

    Versatility and Portability

    One of the most compelling aspects of Surface devices is their ability to cater to various user needs:

    • 2-in-1 Functionality: Combining tablet and laptop features allows users to adapt their devices for different tasks.

    • Lightweight Design: Ideal for professionals on the go, making them easy to transport without sacrificing performance.

    Integration with Microsoft Services

    Surface devices are designed to work seamlessly with Microsoft services, enhancing their appeal:

    • Windows 11 Optimization: These devices come pre-installed with the latest Windows features, ensuring an optimal user experience.

    • Microsoft 365 Integration: Users can maximize productivity with pre-installed software and features tailored for collaborative work.

    Unique Accessories and Enhancements

    The Surface ecosystem includes various accessories that enhance functionality:

    • Surface Pen: Offers precise control for artists and note-takers, distinguishing Surface tablets from competitors.

    • Detachable Keyboards: Allow for a customizable computing experience, catering to different usage styles.

    Conclusion

    The rumors surrounding the discontinuation of Microsoft Surface devices seem to lack substantial evidence, given the company’s latest product launches and strategic focus on this segment. With innovative devices continually emerging, Microsoft appears dedicated to maintaining its presence within the tech landscape. Users can expect more advancements and enhancements in the Surface lineup, ensuring it remains a formidable choice in personal computing.