Xbox Surface Tablet to Be Released by Microsoft
Microsoft plans on releasing a new 7-inch Xbox gaming tablet in the near future.
The Verge confirmed that several inside sources have stated that initial hardware planning is underway for an Xbox Surface.
The tablet's specifications were leaked back in June just before the announcement of Microsoft's Surface RT and Surface Pro.
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Those leaked specs, which included an ARM-based Texas Instruments processor with 288MB of RLDRAM 2 and a screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 were accurate, according to The Verge.
This Xbox Surface tablet will be manufactured by the same secret companies that build the Surface tablets and the next-generation Microsoft gaming console will be constructed by Microsoft's more traditional hardware manufacturing partners, Pegatron and Foxconn.
Microsoft launched the Surface Tablet at the end of last month.
The least expensive variant of the new tablet computer costs $499, matching up to the entry level iPad.
Even though Microsoft's device costs the same as the entry level iPad, it comes with twice the memory. However, the model does not come with the cover that functions as a keyboard that is included in the advertising of the device.
The company also offers two higher-end models, with one selling for $599 that comes with a black version of the cover/keyboard, and a $699 model that has a greater storage capacity and comes with the same accessories.
Microsoft offers the keyboard add-on in a variety of colors, and it is priced at $119 for those buying the lower-end Surface model. The company will also release a keyboard that features more traditional typing for $129.99.
Stuart Miles of the tech website Pocket Lint weighed in on the Surface, stating that even though it is priced the same as the iPad, it features better specifications. He also stated that this will be unclear to most consumers, who will most likely choose between Apple and Microsoft based on the brands alone.
