Microsoft goes for Apple in new product blitz

Microsoft may appear a little preoccupied with the low-priced smartphone market, but they’ve been able to pull themselves away just in time to release a brand new flagship Lumia.

On the flip side, Redmond kept its Surface Book laptop completely under wraps until the end of its October 6 media event.

I have a Surface Pro 3 with its optional Type Cover keyboard and while it works OK on a desk or table, it flops around if I try to use it on my lap or in bed. But this hybrid functionality aside, when the keyboard and screen are together it really does look like a laptop.

It is powered by the latest Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, from the Skylake family. The former is the immediate contender of the MacBook Pro, while the Surface Pro 4 is up to compete with iPad Pro and Chromebook Pixel.

Microsoft’s managed to gain quite a few interest over past couple of days with the launch of the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book.

The new Microsoft Band 2 includes “a new curved screen with durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3” with an improved touch display. Hurry up to be among the earliest ones to own the Microsoft Surface Pro 4!

Of course, the price of this new laptop from Microsoft might be a bit steep for a few.

When it comes to battery power, the laptop is set to keep running for 12 hours on a single charge. All these are enough to make Apple jolt in fear, especially the Surface Book, which is in direct competition of the Apple Mac Book Pro.

“With Windows 10 and these new Microsoft devices, you are at the centre of magical new experiences”, said Satya Nadella, chief executive of Microsoft. Microsoft graciously replied that the Windows 10 update will start rolling out this December.

Microsoft also announced updates to its HoloLens headset, revealing that a developer’s kit will be available in the first quarter of 2016 for $3000. However, there will be several features that will not be accessible and in order to get them, users will need advanced hardware. Interestingly, it’s both a laptop and a tablet, which sounds similar to the Surface Pro 4, but the two are somewhat different.