Microsoft have announced a new tablet device called the Microsoft Surface – a handheld device through which you can access services such as Xbox Live.

Officially revealed to the world by Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Bullmer, the mysterious press conference initially kicked off with a look at the new Microsoft OS, Windows 8, an operating system designed for a world where most people’s computers are portable.

Steve Bullmer added:

“Today we want to add another piece to that Windows 8 Story”

Following a retrospective look at Microsoft hardware, from mice and keyboards through to the Xbox, the Microsoft Surface, and the Kinect, Microsoft announced its new hardware.

“We wanted to give Windows 8 its own companion hardware innovation.

“Something new, something different, it’s a whole new family of computing devices from Microsoft.”

That would be the Microsoft Surface – 9.3mm thick, with a USB 2.0 port, a detachable multi-touch keyboard (which forms part of the cover), smooth curved edges with a titanium case and weighing in at only 1.5 pounds.

Additional features include an HDMI port, and front and rear facing cameras. The optically-bonded screen allows for functions such as ‘digital ink’, which allows you to write on PDF documents for example, in a manner that looks particularly sharp.

While few details have emerged regarding just what this means for gaming, the Windows Surface website mentions that games, music and movies will be available for download through the Windows Store.

The Pro model will be available in 64GB and 128GB versions, while the Windows RT version will be available in smaller 32GB and 64 GB models.

 

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