Microsoft has posted the complete Keynote Presentation, of their announcement of the Microsoft Surface tablet, which they announced in Los Angeles on June 18th.
If you don’t want to watch the entire keynote, you can get a summary of all of the features in Microsoft Surface, here.
Also for your enjoyment is a (rather pointless) 64 second Dubstep video of the Microsoft Surface.
The new Microsoft Surface, running Windows 8; Image via CNET
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The Microsoft Surface with all of the various keyboards that will be offered; Image via The Verge
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.
Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Orlando (Image via Universal Studios)
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the third Wizarding World theme park is coming to Japan in Osaka’s Universal Studios.
The theme park will be opening hopefully in 2014. You may remember that in October 2011, it was announced that the Wizarding World would be coming to Los Angeles as well in 2016. The reason that Japan will get the park earlier, is because it will be put on pre-existing land, unlike in LA.
Universal Studios Japan on Thursday will unveil plans to build the first international version of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the blockbuster attraction that has drawn millions of fans to Universal’s Orlando resort and is coming to Los Angeles.
The Osaka destination — expected to begin construction in the next few weeks with a planned opening in late 2014 and an expected cost of about $500 million — brings Hogwarts Castle and rides including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to the boy wizard’s biggest market outside of the United States.
J.K. Rowling commented on the Park Opening as well.
And though there are few rival parks, outside of ones owned by rival Disney, that would be natural homes for Potter rides, the studio already has its eye on eventually launching more Wizarding Worlds.
“A lot of work goes into building these parks, so we’re probably at the limit of what we could manage at the moment,” said Brad Globe, Warner Bros. Consumer Products President. “But if some other great opportunity for Harry Potter presents itself, we would certainly take a look at it.”
In a statement, Rowling gave her stamp of approval to the newest addition to her Harry Potter empire:
“I was delighted to experience and enjoy the attention to detail, creativity and superb craft that went into the first Wizarding World in Orlando,” she said. “I am equally delighted that the same level of expertise and enjoyment will translate to the new park in Japan.”
More news to come… Where do you think more parks should open?
Image Via Hypable
Universal has made the official announcement today that they will be opening another Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but in Los Angeles (Not London or India, or as I hoped, Toronto).
Below is the official press release from Universal Parks and Resorts and Warner Bros:
Hollywood, CA (Dec. 6, 2011) – Warner Bros. Entertainment and Universal Parks and Resorts today announced a partnership to bring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – the enormously popular themed entertainment environment which debuted in Orlando in June 2010 – to Universal Studios Hollywood.
The two companies also announced their plans to significantly expand The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be as impressive as what has been created in Orlando – and is expected to transform tourism in Los Angeles for decades to come. It will be a fully immersive environment for the entire family that brings the stories of Harry Potter to life and is faithful to the visual landscape of the
James and Oliver Phelps at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for today's announcement
films, including a majestic Hogwarts castle to serve as the centerpiece of the themed environment. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood will be created with the same commitment to authenticity and the same level of talent and resources as its Orlando counterpart.
“I am delighted that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been so popular with fans since the opening in Orlando last year and I am sure that the teams at Universal and Warner Bros. will bring their expertise and attention to detail to Hollywood to make this new experience equally as exciting,” said J.K. Rowling.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort opened in June 2010 and immediately captured global attention. It is a spectacularly themed land that includes Hogwarts castle, Hogsmeade and multiple themed attractions. Specific details of its expansion will be announced over time. Continue reading
