Update on Surface 2 Sound Issues

Well, it looks like someone at Microsoft was working hard on Thanksgiving Day. Late on Turkey Day, Microsoft pushed out a firmware update that looks to have fixed the reduction in sound volume issues for the Surface 2 I mentioned in this post.

If you don’t have updates set to automatically install you can check for the update manually by going to PC Settings, then selecting Update and Recovery, Windows Update, Check Now. If you want to see if the update installed properly you can select View Your Update History, or go to Control Panel and select Hardware and Sound. Under Sound select Manage Audio Devices. Then choose Speakers, then Properties. Once you’re in the tab for NVIDIA Tegra Audio Properties, choose the Driver tab. You should see a driver date of 11/26/13 and the driver version as 9.17.13.2774.

I can report that sound volume has returned to normal on my Surface 2 after manually updating the drivers as described above. As to the other issues reported in the post I’m not sure if they have been rectified by this update or not.

Thanks to GBM reader, Ryan, who spotted the update and let us know in comments.

HTC One (M8) Specs Surface as Rumors Continue

A few weeks ago the rumor mills started churning regarding what’s next for HTC. The popular yet still ailing smartphone manufacturer that released the HTC One earlier this year, followed by the One Max. Now today we’re getting additional details on what HTC has planned for the HTC One Two, which many are calling the M8.

According to the usually accurate @evleaks, the HTC M8 (can we just call it the HTC Two) will come with pretty impressive overall specs that should help it battle the LG G2, Nexus 5, and anything else that arrives from Samsung and others over the next few months. With talks of a 5-inch 1080p display and quad-core processors, read on for all the details on the new HTC One successor.

The details arriving today suggests HTC will be taking more of a small step with this upgrade, rather than something major that will compete with the Galaxy S5, the Nexus 6, and whatever else arrives from Motorola in 2014. While the specs of the new M8 are impressive, they’re in line with what’s available today, and will nearly be outdated by the time the device arrives sometime next year.

@evleaks sources confirm the HTC One M8 will sport a 5-inch full 1080p HD display, Qualcomm’s 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, and will be powered by Android 4.4 KitKat. Previous reports claim it will be the first device to debut with the newly redesigned HTC Sense UI 6.0 interface, as well as a fingerprint scanner much like the HTC One Max. Since those details are already “known” evleaks only stated the few mentioned above.

Read: HTC One M8 Tipped to Arrive on all US Carriers

With the LG G2, Galaxy Note 3, Nexus 5 and more all rocking 5-inch or bigger 1080p displays with the same quad-core processor, it makes this device sound pretty average. Don’t get me wrong, those are top tier specs and a flagship device, but come February or March of 2014 we’ll be ready for Qualcomm’s next-gen 64 bit quad-core processors, NVIDIA’s Tegra 4i chip, and possibly something from Intel. Having top specs from this year, in 2014, won’t win any long-term battles against Samsung.

These are just early reports, but hopefully HTC has more than just a fingerprint scanner and a Snapdragon 800 up its sleeve, or the rumored Galaxy S5 may finally put HTC to rest.

Nexus 7 3 rumors surface as ASUS aims for higher sales

After the success of both the first and second Nexus 7 tablet by Google, ASUS speaks already planning to build the third tablet for Google, rumored to just be called the Nexus 7 (2014) but for all intents and purposes we call it the Nexus 7 3.

Yesterday Asustek had her third quarter earnings call and reported a decrease in cash of about 26% year-over-year, due to a one-time tax expense, and during the discussion of such topics had a few interesting comments regarding a new Nexus 7, ASUS smartphones and Android devices as a whole. It seems that ASUS has any intentions of design and production of the new Nexus 7 again.

The company's net profit rose by more than 4% but the total loss was due to the tax expense, not because of its product line up. With a successful Nexus 7 expand in 2013, and a new Nexus 7 this year things are moving right along. that being said, ASUS has big plans with other Tablet PC options, smart phones, and of course a new Nexus 7 next year in partnership with Google.

According to the Taipei Times ASUS has more than just tablets in mind for next year, but we will focus on the Nexus 7. ASUS CEO Jerry Shen mentions plans for a smartphone and Chromebooks at CES in January of next year, followed by portable devices of some sort, and then of course another Nexus 7 tablet.

Read: Nexus 7 Review (2013)

With the current Nexus 7 not even 6 months old, we started hearing rumors for the next version, and now with ASUS ' CEO confirm their hope to build another, everything slowly comes together. Some have suggested HTC and LG are in the running for the next Nexus build for Google, but having regard to the partnership and success with ASUS, we don't see anything change.

Shen went on to say of the company is still "in talks with Google" on new Nexus 7 shipments next year, and hopes that they can raise tablet sales to more than 13 million. So while we don't no additional details on a possible Release date, specifications or get the juicy details, it appears ASUS is clearly in the running, and is determined on building the Nexus at least one more time.

Microsoft makes Surface docking station available in limited quantities

When it launched its second-generation Surface tablets and new peripherals, Microsoft told users not to expect the new Surface Power Cover or docking station until early 2014. 

Something seemingly changed. The docking station is available now. (I'm not sure how long it will be, or how much stock is available, but if you really want it, hurry.)

I was alerted to the dock's early availability by reader Aaron Craig, a sys admin for risk-management company Bickmore. He ordered four Surface docking stations on October 22 and had them delivered on October 24. (He sent me pictures to prove it.)

I just checked on Surface.com and Microsoft's online store site and also see the docking stations are available for order, with the option for next-day delivery.

I've asked Microsoft if this is just a temporary situation or if the docks arrived earlier than expected. No word back so far.

Update: Windows SuperSite's Paul Thurrott told me that Microsoft execs said docking stations would be available ahead of 2014 but only in limited quantities, which I hadn't heard. So, again, if you want one sooner rather than later, it's probably best to hurry. 

The Surface docking station, which costs $199.99, allows users with the original Surface Pro or the Surface Pro 2 to dock their tablets (with keyboards attached). The docking station includes a display port, audio input and output jack, an Ethernet port, as well as a high-speed USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports.

Here's one shot Craig sent me of one of his just-acquired docking stations:

The Power Cover for the Surface 2, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 is still not available for order yet and is still designated as "coming early 2014" on Microsoft's Surface.com site.

Microsoft officials said the company sold $400 million worth of its first-generation Surface tablets in the most recent fiscal quarter, which ended on September 30, 2013. They also said they sold double the number of Surfaces than they did in the previous calendar quarter, but we have no way of knowing how many that means, as Microsoft hasn't released Surface sales data (and it has sold quite a number of Surfaces at a discount). 

Microsoft officials also said during the company's earnings call on October 24 that demand for Surface RT units was stronger than the company expected. They noted that a number of potential Surface Pro purchasers held off on buying devices in anticipation of the Intel Haswell-based Surface Pro 2's arrival.

Microsoft began making its second-generation Surfaces, the ARM-based Surface 2 and the Intel-based Surface Pro 2, commercially available as of October 22. Microsoft also cut $100 off the price of its first-generation Surface Pro devices this week.

Update 2: That was relatively quick. As of 4 pm EST on October 25, the Microsoft Store online is showing the Surface docking station is out of stock. No word back still from Microsoft as to its ramp-up plans for supplies of the dock. (Thanks to WPCentral's Daniel Rubino for the out-of-stock pointer.)

Best Buy launches Exchange program for Microsoft Surface

Summary: Best Buy is offering users $200 and $350 best buy gift cards for the marketing of their Surface RT and first Pro devices generation, just ahead of release of the Microsoft surface 2.

Best Buy has launched a program of exchange of Microsoft Surface which gives users a minimum Best Buy gift card $200 to trade in its first generation RT Surface or Surface Pro.

According to the Best Buy "Surface swap" page (which I found through a link on the edge), users will receive up to $350 gift card to the value of its surfaces, depending on the way in which they are in.

To find out how much can be achieved, users can visit a participating best buy store, or use the links on the website to calculate its value in Exchange. "If the article has no trade-in value, we can recycle it free," according to the site.

Here is what the calculator quote Best Buy (which is for all kinds of devices, not just the surface) will offer for the first generation of surface of RTs and professionals:

Surface RT (32 GB): good conditiion: $150; Fair: $105; Poor: $67.50; Does not work: $0
Surface RT (64 GB): good condition: $175; Fair: $122: poor: $78,75: does not work: $0
Surface Pro (64 GB): good condition: $315; Fair: $220,50; Poor: $141,75; Does not work: $0
Surface Pro (128 GB): good condition: $350; Fair: $245; Poor: $157,50: does not work: $0

Surface Exchange began Oct. 6 and runs through October 21, which is the day before the surface 2 and 2 Surface Pro will sale retail.

The Best Buy trade-in frequently asked questions site said that those interested in participating should be 18 years. Original accessories (such as charging cables) must be included. I have not clear if they are designed in the value covered touch type, but given Microsoft and retailers sold separately, I think that not.

Hmm. I am tempted to trade in my RT Surface and use the card to a surface of 2...

Mary Jo has covered the technology industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and websites and is a frequent guest on radio and TV, podcasts, talking about all things related to Microsoft. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: how Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the era post Gates (John Wiley & sons, 2008).

Could I use a 64-bit iPad 5 or a Surface 2 as my main work computer?

Summary: We've asked these sorts of questions before, but now we have (or are about to have) a new crop of even more capable hardware. ZDNet's David Gewirtz put it to the acid test: could either serve as his main computer?

As we get ready for the next batch of Apple announcements (most likely the iPad 5 and a new iPad mini) on October 22, there's been some discussion about whether the iPad 5 (which will likely sport a 64-bit processor) can do the heavy lifting of a main work computer.

To be fair, we've covered the iPad (and tablets in general) as work computers before, and — depending on what you do for work — the answer has been generally positive.

But I wanted to see if I could use an iPad as my work machine. Could it handle the breath of tasks my current Windows laptop does easily, or would I be left out in the cold, unable to get the job done?

To sweeten the story a bit, I decided it would be fun to compare the expected new iPad with the newly announced Surface 2 Pro (which runs full Windows) and Surface 2 RT (which runs Office, and not much else).

Oh, and one last note: I'm not considering a jailbroken system. I want to know if it's possible to do my job, not take on a new job in addition to all I do.

Stay tuned. At the very end, I'll rank the winners and losers. You might be surprised by the results.

Image: GraphicStock and Microsoft

David Gewirtz, Distinguished Lecturer at CBS Interactive, is an author, U.S. policy advisor, and computer scientist. He is featured in the History Channel special The President's Book of Secrets and is a member of the National Press Club.

Microsoft's Surface 2 with LTE to debut on AT&T, Vodafone

Summary: Microsoft's first LTE-enabled Surface 2 tablets will debut on AT&T and Vodafone.

Microsoft officials committed last week to providing an ARM-based Surface 2 tablet with LTE wireless connectivity in early 2014. This week, Surface execs disclosed that the Surface 2 with LTE would debut on AT&T and Vodafone first.

A number of current and potential Surface users have been requesting an LTE Surface. Last year, Microsoft officials said that the company's telemetry data showed that the majority of potential tablet purchasers didn't want or need LTE.

As GeekWire noted, Microsoft's Surface chief Panos Panay told attendees of a Microsoft Surface promotional event at a Microsoft Store in Seattle more details on the LTE Surface. Panay also said there won't be an Intel-based Surface Pro 2 with LTE (though it's not entirely clear if that means there never will be any Intel-based Surface with LTE).

Microsoft is working on a Surface Mini with a screen size somewhere between 7 and 8 inches, and according to my sources, it will launch in the spring of 2014. The Surface Mini will be ARM-based from what I've heard from my contacts. (Qualcomm is the expected processor, rather than the NVIDIA chip that powers the ARM-based Surface 2.)

I'm wondering whether the Surface Mini is also going to be LTE-enabled or Wi-Fi only. No word on that (so far) from my sources.

Speaking of Surfaces, Microsoft showed off some interesting enteprise Surface peripherals in a new video, as noted by Neowin, including some point-of-sale attachments and a charging cart for multiple Surfaces. 

Mary Jo has covered the tech industry for more than 25 years for a variety of publications and Web sites, and is a frequent guest on radio, TV and podcasts, speaking about all things Microsoft-related. She is the author of Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft plans to stay relevant in the post-Gates era (John Wiley & Sons, 2008).

Launch of Microsoft surface 2: what to expect

On Monday, September 23, Microsoft will launch (but not shipping) tablets of its surface of next generation in an event only by invitation in New York City.

In recent weeks, many leaks have revealed much of what was expected in his debut at the launch. Although Microsoft officials have not commented or confirmed these specifications, I have heard and seen information that leads me to believe they are correct.

New surfaces will be almost identical to the existing surfaces, how they will use the same screens of 10.6 and cover VaporMg and be compatible with the same pressure/covers the keyboard using the current.

They have the same number of USB ports and don't support LTE, WiFi-only. The surface, the successor of Surface RT 2, will be a tablet based on ARM (Tegra 4) with an estimated eight hours of battery life. It will feature a new ClearType full screen HD, who made his debut in the Surface Pro at the beginning of this year. Surface Pro 2, the successor to the Surface Pro, there is an Intel Core processor i5-based Haswell and allegedly getting seven hours of battery instead of only four or five hours.

Windows SuperSite editor Paul Thurrott has the full list of the expected 2 surface and Surface Pro 2 specifications, weight, thickness, ports, etc..

The most interesting part of surface launch on Monday, in my opinion, are the new surface peripherals. Despite Microsoft says that last year that the company had no intentions of making a Surface Pro docking station, they built one. The new surface docking station is expected to work with Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 models only. Is expected to include a USB 3 and three USB 2 port, according to leaks.

And the expected indoor surface - a chunky version of the type of surface cover/keyboard, also comes. This cover will include a built-in battery that will extend the life of battery Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 devices by a certain amount (still unknown). I am waiting new covers type and touch in a variety of colors at the launch on Monday, also.

There are two big questions at launch of Microsoft 2 surface: device availability and prices. Obviously, Microsoft executives are not commenting.

I have heard from one of my sources that has been reported on the surface information (and asked to remain anonymous) both the surface 2 and 2 Surface Pro can usually be available on or around October 22, in the time window 8.1 is generally available, which is October 18.

I don't know if Microsoft will take orders. I have no information as to what international or reseller distribution seems to strategies. Microsoft was slow to make the surfaces of first generation available outside United States I am not sure what has changed in the company's distribution plans or capabilities on that front.

According to my source, it seems that there is no huge price cuts in the works, which will surely disappoint those who have been waiting for the regular receipt of first generation surfaces that have made Microsoft rethinking its surface of prices.

The above source said that Microsoft plans to continue selling its first generation along with their new surfaces surfaces. The alleged plot is keep Surface RT price at its current level ($349,99 for 32GB with no included cover model) and introduce the surface GB 32 2 at $499. A 64 GB surface 2 will start at $599, the source said.

The Surface Pro will continue to start at $799. Surface Pro 2 will start at $899 for a version of 64GB, according to the aforementioned source. There will be 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB models available to $999, $1299 and $1.699, respectively, according to this source.

Touch and type covers will continue a price separately, from what I've heard, like the docking station.

Initially this shared information as my "Rumor of the week" in the recording of yesterday's Windows Weekly (as listeners live Eagle ears ear) on prices.

Keep in mind, this price and the availability of the information comes from a source only. The fixation of actual pricing/availability - if Microsoft announced on Monday - that information can be different.

Event of Monday 2 of surface will not broadcast live, according to Microsoft. But presentation and blogging from, starting around 10:30 a.m. ET on September 23. Also: The surface team will be making a Reddit Ask Me anything (AMA) on 23 September at 3 p.m. EST, as well as, where anybody can send their questions.

2. Surface: How can Microsoft make it work

Image: Microsoft

It seems that I am giving you regular Microsoft unsolicited advice and the word that will update the Tablet Surface RT has triggered the Council once more. The Surface RT was a dismal failure regardless of how what you look, with Microsoft taking a write-down of $900 million due to unsold units. For many, that would be enough to throw in the towel for the line of RT for Windows but apparently not by Microsoft. You have thought Microsoft could do ahead with the surface 2 If you are careful.

Surface RT had the deck stacked against him from the outset. Only runs Windows RT, a version of Windows 8, which legacy as full Windows stripped applications cannot be run. It was also an envelope price, a mistake, Microsoft has already addressed with falls in prices. On top of these big disadvantages, confusion over the differences between Windows 8 and RT supposedly led to a high rate of return for Surface RT as buyers brought them home and they discovered the limitations of Windows RT.

Obviously, Microsoft has decided to give both Windows RT and RT Surface another opportunity according to Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet. 2 Surface must release this month with updated (and better) hardware. The company needs to tread water with care 2 surface to avoid another failure like the surface of RT.

It is important to see Microsoft make a small change in the name of the product, with surface 2 and dropping reference to RT. Many of those who follow such things believe RT is too restrictive and that it makes more sense to full Windows with the Surface Pro.

It will be difficult for Microsoft but do not push 2 surface such as Windows.The is not seeking buyer half tablet to Windows and may actually be negative.

Main consumers, the Microsoft Group should want to sign with 2 surface, no matter RT vs Windows 8. They just want to buy a tablet, so go with 2 surface is a good play by Microsoft.

Where the company has to be careful is in advertising. If Windows is promoted at all with 2 surface, that market confusion will back its ugly head again. Windows RT is not full Windows, and Microsoft must ensure, and does not imply that it lies on the surface 2 ads.

On the other hand, push the mark 2's surface in the form of tablets, nothing more and nothing less. That is what most of the buyers of the Tablet is looking for, simple tablets can do things with. That is the message that must pass through high and clear.

To notice an advantage to some buyers, Microsoft may push the availability of office surface 2. Do not seem that only those seeking office in a Tablet must purchase one because frankly I do not think that many were concerned. Just keep in mind that there is.

Most importantly, and this will be difficult for Microsoft, don't abuse of 2 surface such as Windows. I think that the average buyer tablet not looking for Windows and can be negative. Many associate Windows with work and not in a good way. Only show it in action and let the surface 2 will be sold.

Current Surface RT, $349 best price is the maximum price of the surface 2. Surely it is better than the RT Surface but those did not sell much, at least partially due to the price. It is a good idea to get the price 2 surface even lower that have the best opportunities in the market.

Pricing strategy should reflect the business strategy of Microsoft. If the goal is to sell a lot of them, price lower than the Surface RT at launch. If the goal is only to sell a smaller amount, hopefully to reflect a new decrease in the level of manufacture in comparison with Surface RT, go no higher than $349.

The strategy of this last has told me that Microsoft only keeping the surface 2 with Windows RT around to have a cheaper option for those who want it. It's okay but it won't much sales to speak of and not to be a great product from Redmond.

According to Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet surface 2 will be released on 23 September but probably not ship until later. It is logical to assume that do not ship until October 18, date Windows 8.1 (that be sent with) is available.

I'm not a fan of shipment after the launch for any gadget event lost the excitement and enthusiasm generated by this type of event. I think that Microsoft would be better served to actually send the surface in release 2. Get as many into the hands of enthusiasts the best to sell them immediately after the launch event.

Not only that it will capture the moment, surprisingly put the new surface 2 in the hands of the buyer with Windows 8.1. Buyers will feel that they gave him the prize with a new Tablet and the new version of Windows rather than most others.

This advice is given by the way of seeing things. If I liked it kill Windows RT completely, as I think it only hurts Microsoft. Since the company is determined to go forward with surface 2, you had better do well avoid that openly failing again.

If Microsoft has a small tablet that is hidden in the sleeve as rumored, this advice applies double to it. Push the typical functions of the tablet along with the form factor and leave windows completely outside advertising. As with the surface 2, the vast majority of buyers small tablet head not looking for a tablet with Windows. The Surface RT debacle has shown.

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Lumia tablets? Surface phablets? Microsoft's tricky new post-Nokia positioning challenges

With its Nokia handset purchase, announced on September 3, Microsoft is going to be taking over not just Nokia's Lumia and Asha phone lines, but also Nokia's still unannounced ARM-based tablet and phablet.

Although the acquisition transaction isn't slated to close until early 2014, the move still means Microsoft is going to have to find a way to position its own Microsoft Surface tablets alongside the soon-to-be-Microsoft-owned Lumia tablets and phablets.

Both Microsoft and Nokia are expected to launch new 10.1-inch ARM-based tablets this holiday season. Nokia's "Sirius" is Qualcomm-based, according to rumors; Microsoft's Surface 2 will be NVIDIA-based, according to tipsters. These two devices will have a few distinguishing characteristics, like different attachable keyboards and different kickstands. Nokia also is expected to launch a six-inch phablet, codenamed "Bandit," running the Windows Phone 8 operating system. The rumored launch event for the new Nokia tablet, and maybe also the phablet, has been September 26.

Microsoft has gone through a lot of gyrations over the past few years in trying to figure out how to position its various mobile device offerings -- its PCs, tablets, slates and phones.

Officials largely abandoned its consumption vs. creation device pitch when it decided to stop hawking tablets based on its Windows Embedded Compact operating system. The company seems to have mostly moved away from the "all tablets are PCs" positioning, too. I've been hearing a lot more from the Softies about marketing its Surface RT and Surface Pro devices as "enterprise tablets" that are ready for business, thanks to integrated Office, a USB port, and keyboard cover. (The Intel-based Surfaces also run existing Win32 apps and can be managed using Active Directory, too.)

So where does that leave Nokia's coming Lumia tablet? Is that another enterprise tablet? And if so, how is that different from the Surface 2? (Or any other Windows RT tablets that may still be on the market as of this holiday season?) And where does it also leave the ARM-based Lumia phablet that's expected to arrive this fall, too?

On a conference call with analysts and press to discuss the deal on September 3, Microsoft's Executive Vice President Terry Myerson said Microsoft is viewing tablets and phones as "a continuum."

"I think it's fair to say that customers are expecting us to offer great tablets that look and feel and act in every way like our phones. We'll be pursuing a strategy along those lines," Myerson added. 

This might have been nothing more than a comment about the increasing number of components that are shared across the Windows and Windows Phone OS -- everything from the common NT core, to the tiled "Metro-Style"/Modern interface, to the increasingly common development platform/framework. It also might have been a passing reference by Myerson, who is now the engineering chief of the new OS division at Microsoft that is in charge of the Windows Phone, Windows, and Xbox One operating systems, to the cross-platform unification steps that are expected.

With the GDR3 update to Windows Phone 8, due this fall, Microsoft will enable OEMs -- including itself -- to put the Windows Phone OS on five- and six-inch devices with 1080p resolutions. (It's GDR3 that's expected to power the Lumia Bandit phablet.) Microsoft also has been rumored to be working on a seven to eight-inch Surface device, but supposedly that device will run Windows 8.1, not the Windows Phone 8 OS. 

Microsoft's next few months on the operating system front should be very interesting. Just a year ago, Microsoft was embarking on an ambitious plan to deliver a new version of its Windows operating system on a near-annual basis. If it continues that strategy, the next Windows OS should be Windows 8.2 due in the fall of 2014. But meanwhile, Windows Phone Blue, the complement to Windows 8.1, isn't supposed to arrive until early 2014, last I or my sources heard. 

Will Microsoft stick with those plans? Will it start releasing more minor, interim updates to the Windows OS on a near-quarterly basis, as it has done this year with the Windows Phone OS GDR updates? Will Windows RT and the Windows Phone OS operating systems become one -- in more than just name? So many questions for the new Microsoft + Nokia team. And so few certainties....