Microsoft has announced a new tablet. This is only the second piece of hardware Microsoft has released, the other being the XBox.

The tablet comes shocking, as the invitations cam out last-minute to the press. Rumors immediately claimed it would be a tablet.

Technically Speaking…

It has USB 2, 10.6 inch display at 16:9. We are assuming it is 1080p (which is nothing in comparison to the iPad 3′s retina). It also has Gorilla Glass 2, and the latest Intel CPU (Ivy Bridge). And Intel Core i5.

It’s too bad that they couldn’t go with USB 3, and retina.

Microsoft was boosting it’s Wi-Fi stating that it had the best Wi-Fi of any tablet.

The Hardware

Microsoft also boosted its kickstand on the back, which will be great for “sitting back and watching movies”.

One of the really interesting things about the Microsoft Surface is the cover, which has a built-in backlit keyboard. Which they claim is twice as efficient as typing on glass.

Besides the kickstand, on the back of the Surface is a Camera.

The tablet is less than 2 lbs and less than 14mm. It is also using a stylus (which they are calling a pen), with Digital Ink.

Featured Apps

The tablet also has the new Windows Reader for (surprise!) reading.

They also spoke about a Netflix app, and how it is has the new Microsoft Office ’15.

“This spine feels like a book. You’ll hold it like a book. It will feel like it’s another book when you carry it with books.”

Pricing, Models and Availability

Now, the Microsoft Surface comes in either 32GB or 64GB. Pricing will be announced when we come closer to Microsoft Surface’s availability, but it will be similar to other tablets running ARM.

Microsoft has already launched the Microsoft Surface’s official website here. And has a Press Release here.

What do you think of the new Microsoft Surface? For more photos, check out the Gallery below.