TAIPEI, Taiwan — June 5, 2013 — In his first COMPUTEX keynote address as head of Microsoft’s OEM Division, Corporate Vice President Nick Parker had plenty to talk about. Just over seven months after the launch of Windows 8 last fall, Parker hosted an impressive lineup of new tablets and PCs from leading manufacturers as well as smartphones, servers and embedded industry devices to demonstrate a consistent Windows experience across screens. He also spoke at length about the growing opportunity for partners to bet their business on Windows by building devices, services and apps that deliver new capabilities and experiences to customers.
“We want to be the best partner to all hardware manufacturers, from the way we engage and invest on new product designs to the experience we jointly deliver to customers,” Parker said. “This new wave of Windows devices from our partners, combined with our software, apps and services, reflects that commitment.”
Most notable of the devices Parker showed were the new 7-inch and 8-inch Windows tablets: the Acer Iconia W3 that launched on June 3 in Taipei, and three other small tablets from top original device manufacturer (ODM) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners expected to ship for the holiday season. These small tablets provide a Windows experience with Office Home & Student 2013 delivering even more options to experience all that Windows can offer in a smaller form factor. Some of the other hardware innovation showcased including fourth generation Intel® Core™ processors available now, beautiful high-definition displays, rotating touch panels, near-field communications (NFC) for file sharing between devices and ultrathin notebooks. The breadth of innovation coming from the Windows ecosystem continues to expand and provide new ways for customers to interact with devices at home, on the road or in the office.
Tami Reller, chief financial officer and chief marketing officer of Microsoft’s Windows Division, joined Parker onstage to discuss how the company is building on Windows 8 and accelerating the delivery of innovation starting now with the upcoming update of Windows 8.1. This approach enables increased agility and quicker response to customer and partner needs. “Windows 8.1 furthers the bold vision of Windows 8 by responding to customer feedback and adding new features and functionality that advance the touch experience and mobile computing’s potential,” Reller said.
As part of this commitment, Reller announced that Outlook 2013 RT will be available on Windows-based ARM tablets with the Windows 8.1 update later this year. “Windows on ARM is a core part of our strategy today and moving forward, and the addition of Outlook further enriches this world of new on-the-go opportunities for partners and customers,” Reller said.
Reller was joined onstage by Antoine Leblond, corporate vice president of Windows Program Management, who shared the first public demo of Windows 8.1, highlighting enhancements in key areas such as personalization, search, the apps and Windows Store experience, cloud connectivity, and the new Internet Explorer 11. Leblond also described how working closely with partners has enabled the creation of richer and more unique experiences with hardware innovation in areas such as smaller form factors, touch pad, wireless networking, larger screens and higher DPI.
Later, Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Developer Platform Evangelism group, took the stage to discuss the growing universe of Windows 8 apps and how apps are increasingly the key to bringing new computing experiences to life. He talked about how the Windows ecosystem provides symmetry for app builders across client, device, server and cloud, and showed an array of popular apps for consumers and business including “Temple Run: Brave,” Twitter, Foursquare, LINE, Adobe Illustrator and more.
Parker closed the Microsoft keynote address by showcasing a broad range of devices and demonstrated how the Windows platform and services work seamlessly across screens:
• Windows Phone 8. Park demonstrated the recently announced Nokia Lumia 925, which features advanced lens technology and next-generation imaging software to capture clearer, sharper pictures and video, including the best low-light images.
• Office 365 and Office 2013. These applications were demonstrated across Windows devices, using touch capabilities that enable rich productivity scenarios.
• Windows Server 2012. Western Digital Sentinel server showed continued hardware innovation on servers to support access to cloud services across devices and expanding business needs in areas such as storage.
With the support of products and services such as Office 365, Skype, Outlook.com, SkyDrive, and Xbox Music and Xbox Video, Microsoft and its OEM partners can deliver a great experience across Windows devices from the enterprise to the classroom to the home.
COMPUTEX Taipei is the second-largest computer exhibition in the world, drawing a range of manufacturers and developers each year for a look at the latest upcoming devices and technologies. Microsoft products and OEM devices can be seen on display in the Microsoft booth in Nangang Exhibition Hall, L0110. More information is available athttp://www.computextaipei.com.tw/.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook
June 05, 2013
The Acer Aspire P3 Ultrabook provides fast performance and Windows 8 in a unique design that easily transforms into tablet mode. Weighing only 3.06 pounds and measuring 0.77 inches thin, the new P3 is incredibly portable. It is ideal for both work and play, as it is powered by Intel Core processors for fast performance and provides up to six hours of battery life. The 11.6-inch, touch-screen, in-plane switching (IPS) display and Dolby Home Theater audio make viewing presentations, Web browsing and enjoying videos more enjoyable. It runs Windows 8, so it supports legacy Windows programs that are important for many businesses and schools.
The Acer Aspire R7 is a revolutionary, 15.6-inch notebook that redefines the touch and type computing experience. Featuring a full-HD, 1920x1080 touch screen, the R7 was made for the new computing lifestyle, which increasingly combines touching and typing. With a repositioned keyboard and a revolutionary “Ezel hinge” that moves the display forward and into different positions, the R7 makes the combination of touching the screen and using the keyboard more intuitive and natural.
The Acer Aspire S7-392 sports a 33 percent increase in battery life over the previous S7 model (up to 7 hours), comes with an electroluminescent backlit keyboard, quieter fans and is powered by a 4th generation Intel Core processor.
The Iconia W3 will be available with either 32GB or 64GB or storage, starting in June in the U.S. starting at $379.99. The optional keyboard will be available for $79.99 and a case for $34.99.
The ASUS ET2702 27-inch All-in-One PC comes with a display featuring IPS technology and an ultra-high 2560 x 1440 resolution (almost twice the pixel density of a same-size full HD display) and optional 10-point multi-touch. It is powered by the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors and AMD Radeon HD8890A discrete graphics.
The ASUS VivoPC is a small PC only 56mm tall, with a footprint smaller than a sheet of A4 paper. Its compact design has a spun-metal finish and can fit into the smallest spaces. It has two USB 3.0 ports and high-speed 802.11ac wireless capabilities.
The new ASUS Zenbook Infinity Ultrabook features a new design that “fuses” glass and aluminum. It has new Corning Gorilla Glass 3 with “Native Damage Resistance” on the lid and around the keyboard to give this laptop a sleek look, while remaining durable and thin.
This new 14-inch ultrabook from ASUS is designed specifically for the enterprise and small-business customers. It has an aluminum and carbon construction for durability, but is also thin and light. It has what ASUS calls a “vPro” option, allowing for replaceable memory and batteries.
The XPS 11 is a brand new PC in the XPS line-up. It easily goes from laptop to tablet with a 360 degree rotation design. The display on the XPS 11 is what Dell calls “Quad HD” with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. This new convertible Ultrabook is only 14.9mm thin and weighs 2.5 pounds.
The new XPS 27 now offers 4th generation Intel Core processors, a Thunderbolt port, an Adobe RGB Quad HD display, and discrete graphics and SSD options. It also now comes with enterprise features such as TPM.
The Dell OptiPlex 9020 is a commercial desktop that comes in four different form factors, including a compact all-in-one, making it versatile for a business environment. It comes with a current generation Intel Core i7 processor, choice of hard drive, SSD, or hybrid hard drive and high-speed memory options.
Go beyond everyday business with the HP ElitePad 900 powered by the latest Intel Atom processor. The thin and light Windows 8 tablet puts productivity at your fingertips. Expand its potential with a complete suite of accessories designed to help you do more. Slide the HP ElitePad into the Expansion Jacket, along with an additional Jacket Battery, and get up to 20 hours of battery life, so you can work without worrying about recharging. Dock at the office and the HP ElitePad becomes your desktop PC. With Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and machined aluminum, the ElitePad is built to last.
The HP ENVY Rove 20 is a portable, all-in-one PC with a versatile design and built-in battery, allowing users to move it from room to room and enjoy a shared family entertainment experience. With a 20-inch IPS LED panel that enables wide viewing angles, the ENVY Rove 20 features a unique hinged stand that allows users to view the diagonal touch screen at a variety of angles or lay the device flat for a shared tabletop entertainment experience. The ENVY Rove 20 combines 10-point capacitive touch with ergonomic angles to create an immersive entertainment experience.
The HP Split x2 is a versatile, two-in-one, detachable PC that combines power and portability, featuring Windows 8 and powerful third-generation Intel Core processors. Consumers can now enjoy a high-performance ultraportable notebook suited for virtually any intensive task that doubles as a 13-inch tablet for unparalleled entertainment. Whether being used as a notebook or a tablet, the vibrant 13.3-inch diagonal HD touchscreen display on the Split x2 makes it easier to view and share content, play games with friends and family, or enjoy high-quality music with Beats Audio.
The Windows Phone 8X has a 4.3-inch screen, a 1.5GHz processor, and an 8MP camera. The camera also has an ultra-wide angle lens, good for fitting everyone into group shots, using Skype, and more.
Powered by Windows Phone 8, the Huawei W1 offers a truly personal smartphone experience to fit unique needs and provide quick access to the people and things customers care about most.
The new Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S is a mini Ultrabook that provides ultimate flexibility between work and play in a portable device and features a 10-point, multitouch screen. At just 0.68 inches, it also has the same hinge design found throughout the whole Yoga line, allowing four flexible usage modes: laptop, tablet, stand or tent. Watching Netflix has never looked better in both the stand and tent modes. With enhanced insides, the Yoga 11S supports advanced gesture controls that allow users to flip through photos and pages or rewind and fast forward music and videos using simple hand motions in front of its Web camera.
Lenovo IdeaPad U310 Touch
June 05, 2013
The Lenovo IdeaPad U310 Touch is a striking blend of style and performance. Available in multiple colors, the 13.3-inch Ultrabook is the ideal, ultra-slim and light companion for the home or road — mobile enough to go wherever you want at just 3.7 pounds, powerful enough to do whatever you want with Windows 8 and up to third-generation Intel Core i7, and dependable enough to use whenever you want with up to seven hours of battery life (up to 90 days standby). The IdeaPad U310 also comes equipped with InstantResume for quick resume from sleep mode, Dolby Home Theater v4 with Dolby 2.0 stereo speakers and integrated 720p HD webcam with face tracking.
The Nokia Lumia 720 delivers a high-end camera performance at a mid-range price point. A large f/1.9 aperture and exclusive Carl Zeiss optics are designed to deliver bright, clear pictures day and night, while the HD-quality, wide-angle front-facing camera makes taking pictures with friends and video calling more enjoyable. The sleek and stylish smartphone comes with the latest high-end Nokia Lumia experiences, including Nokia Music, the HERE location suite, and the option to add wireless charging with a snap-on wireless charging cover.
The Nokia Lumia 520 is Nokia's most affordable Windows Phone 8 smartphone, delivering experiences normally only found in high-end smartphones, such as the same digital camera lenses found on the Nokia Lumia 920, Nokia Music for free music out of the box and even offline, and the HERE location suite. A four-inch super sensitive touchscreen makes for a more responsive and immersive content experience than can usually be found at this price.
Coolly morphing from a traditional laptop to a tablet with just the click of a button, the Samsung ATIV Tab 7 maximizes productivity and mobility. The sleek, compact device has a full HD display and runs the same programs as a desktop PC — making it a great travel companion to stay efficient and entertained on the go. At less than 2 pounds, it’s an easy addition to your briefcase or carryon. With the power of Windows 8 and Microsoft Office, you can easily create, edit and share documents from anywhere without compatibility issues.
The 11-inch Sony VAIO Pro 11, weighing just 1.92 pounds, is a light, touch-capable Ultrabook. The VAIO Pro 11 is exquisitely crafted in carbon fiber and features a unique aluminum palm rest design that gradually merges into the desk for maximum comfort while typing. For the road warrior, there is also an optional extended sheet battery in order to double the standard nine-hour battery life.
Transforming between a touch screen tablet and a fully functioning conventional laptop, the all new Sony VAIO Duo 13 slider hybrid Ultrabook is the best of both worlds. The sleek VAIO Duo 13 is made with carbon fiber and weighs a mere 2.87 pounds. By increasing the screen size and minimizing the bezel in order to maximize the viewing experience, the new VAIO Duo 13 was still able to maintain nearly the same footprint and weight as the original VAIO Duo 11.
Toshiba's KIRAbook is an all-new Ultrabook featuring the company’s first ultra-high resolution PixelPure display and a striking new lightweight and compact design precision engineered with AZ91 pressed magnesium alloy. KIRAbook embodies the elegant nature of the new brand with a striking industrial design, premium build materials and an exceptional overall experience, plus complimentary Platinum service and support.
The versatile Portégé Z10t is an Ultrabook when needed and a tablet when wanted. Switch instantly between notebook and tablet by simply detaching the screen. Equipped with an 11.6-inch diagonal, full HD, IPS anti-glare touchscreen display, the Portégé Z10t is an ideal choice for on-the-go professionals looking for a single, versatile device that offers more screen real estate than most tablets, but all the same ultra-responsive performance of a laptop. The built in digitizer adds even more functionality for those who want to write and take notes on-screen. Ultra-slim, lightweight, encased in sleek style and dressed in durability with all the essential ports and security features, the Portégé Z10t makes it easy to create, share or consume content any time, any where.
