Microsoft Took A Subtle Shot At Apple During Its Surface Event Today
Microsoft and Apple could not be more opposed in their view of the tablet market, right now.
Apple believes that tablets are single purpose devices that should have their own operating system. Microsoft thinks tablets should be hybrid devices with an operating system that acts like a tablet sometimes, and a laptop other times.
Last year, Apple CEO Tim Cook said, "Our competition is confused. They're turning tablets into PCs and PCs into tablets. Who knows what they're going to do next?"
And he flashed this confusing road sign:
AP
Today, Microsoft responded to Cook and his sign.
At an event in New York City, Microsoft doubled down on its strategy of making a laptop-tablet hybrid. It introduced the Surface Pro 3, which is a 12-inch tablet that also works as a laptop.
While introducing the product, Microsoft's Surface leader Panos Panay noted that everyone in the room was typing on a laptop. His point was that the laptop isn't going anywhere despite all the predictions that tablets were going to kill traditional PCs.
While introducing the Surface Pro 3, he flashed the following sign. The not-so-subtle implication is that Microsoft isn't confused. It's offering users two routes on one product.
Microsoft / screengrab
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley