Like Apple, Microsoft rumored to be creating tablet

[AppleInsider]

Just as they compete in numerous other markets, Microsoft and Apple could be going head to head with new touchscreen tablet devices in the near future, if a new rumor proves true.

ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley said she has received a number of tips that the Windows Maker is at work on a tablet device, part of something known as "Alchemy Ventures." She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.

Rumored to be a part of the team are Chief Experience Officer J Allard, as well as one executive from the Microsoft Surface team.

"No word on whether Microsoft will field a Microsoft-branded Surface/Tablet combo or rely on one or more hardware partners to produce multiple designs," Foley wrote.

Though it has not been confirmed by the Cupertino, Calif., company, Apple is believed to be working on a 10-inch 3G-enabled multi-touch device. Sources have told AppleInsider that the new hardware will debut in early 2010.

Foley went on to note that Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business, with only a few more iterations of its Zune hardware before the functionality becomes a part of mobile phones. In addition, she said Microsoft intends to work more closely with a smaller number of manufacturers for its mobile devices in the future. Given this information, it is possible that a Microsoft-branded device could be made in partnership with one or a few third-party manufacturers, based on specifications from the Windows maker.

In the same post, Foley also provides an update on Pink, the code name for Microsoft's rumored iPhone competitor. She said the device will be Microsoft branded, but will not be manufactured by Apple's rival to the north. The device is also said to feature "premium mobile services," like the Zune. It is also rumored to be built on the Windows Mobile 7 operating system, set to launch in late 2010.

Foley said she believes Microsoft will likely show off Pink at the Consumer Electronics show in January, as the software giant has already hired an advertising agency to promote the device.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[chronster]

Microsoft Insider everybody...

[Lafe]

Pink?
Zune?
Windows Mobile 7?

Who comes up with these product names?

[DKWalsh4]

I'm sorry, I just don't think they are particularly suited to be on the hardware side of things. The original Zune was a bust and the Xbox is losing them money, despite being popular. Not to say it's impossible for them to make a compelling product; I just think their money is better spent elsewhere. (For example, lowering the price of Windows 7 for everyone, while just eating the potential profits.)

[Robin Huber]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.

Seems like a safe bet. Why act when you can react?

They've made their bed and now have to lay in it. Since they really are a software company, they seem to have chosen the path of developing "reference" models, or proof of concept devices, so that hardware makers can take the ball and run with it. Not a bad way to make the best of their situation. But this course doesn't seem to overcome Apple's advantage of a tightly integrated ecosystem of devices, software, and services. It's difficult to farm out that sort of thing.

[Ireland]

This is the first time I ever heard Microsoft and the word "tablet" being mentioned in the same story

Microsoft's mobile rival won't run Windows Mobile, just a hunch.

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

... as the software giant has already hired an advertising agency to promote the device.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

That says it all.

Microsoft advertises first, develops second, releases third. Finally fails and leaves it's "partners" in the dust.

Since MS seems destined to copy Apple, why don't they copy some of the Apple strategy?
Develop a long-term plan. Announce and sell ONLY what actually works.

Oh, wait, MS DOES copy Apple marketing strategy. It's the highly successful Newton strategy!
Promise the sun, the moon and the stars... deliver a flashlight with low batteries.

[souliisoul]

Originally Posted by Robin Huber

Seems like a safe bet. Why act when you can react?

They've made their bed and now have to lay in it. Since they really are a software company, they seem to have chosen the path of developing "reference" models, or proof of concept devices, so that hardware makers can take the ball and run with it. Not a bad way to make the best of their situation. But this course doesn't seem to overcome Apple's advantage of a tightly integrated ecosystem of devices, software, and services. It's difficult to farm out that sort of thing.

agree with your points, but additionally I just can't see MS being an innovator anymore, If they are always reacting to the competition.

Not sure what Ballmar strategy is anymore, since he always having a dig at Apple, but trying to produce products that will be better and draw consumers from Apple. I would concentrate more on the treat from Google. since there are a bigger threat at present.

MS focusing on a tablet will cause Apple to raise the bar and comsumers will win in the end

[Davejay]

"Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business..." And here I thought MS was waking up to the idea that Apple has had it right all along – that if you're serious about software, you're got to build your own hardware. They will never learn.

[mstone]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

Oh, wait, MS DOES copy Apple marketing strategy. It's the highly successful Newton strategy!
Promise the sun, the moon and the stars... deliver a flashlight with low batteries.

I don't think that comment has much validity. Apple has had to reinvent itself several times over the course of the their history. The Newton was from a different era and although revolutionary for its time, there is really no comparison to today's technology. It's tough being #2. You always have to push the envelop. Microsoft on the other hand has always been on top and has not changed their business strategy much at all over the years.

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by souliisoul

I just can't see MS being an innovator anymore, If they are always reacting to the competition.

Microsoft was NEVER an innovator.
If you consider killing competitors and competition as "innovative", they are masters of innovation.

MS is a rebranding, licensing and marketing company. Always has been.

Just look at their deal with IBM. Look who's running the company now.
It's not a brilliant technician or technical visionary, it's a sales guy.

[dagamer34]

Microsoft made a tablet in 2002. They even made a separate version of Windows for it. The tablet only (no keyboard) form factor just hasn't been designed by OEMs yet.

[Enigmafan420]

At this risk of sounding like a single topic poster, I ask again:

Has MS had an ORIGINAL IDEA in its existence?

[Lisamacnewton]

M$ Tablet = typing paper & #6 pencil.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Enigmafan420

At this risk of sounding like a single topic poster, I ask again:

Has MS had an ORIGINAL IDEA in its existence?

Windows Genuine Advantage.

[souliisoul]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

Microsoft was NEVER an innovator.
If you consider killing competitors and competition as "innovative", they are masters of innovation.

MS is a rebranding, licensing and marketing company. Always has been.

Just look at their deal with IBM. Look who's running the company now.
It's not a brilliant technician or technical visionary, it's a sales guy.

I actually thought afterwards that may be a very sore point implying MS was innovator at some point in time..

I read history of windows and office and prior to that was native to think that Bill Gates/MS were an innovator of such products before reading their history on the net.

Apologies for calling MS an innovator, do not want to be throw out of forum, for foul language

[souliisoul]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Windows Genuine Advantage.

[Galley]

Microsoft has only made one great piece of hardware. 10 years later, it's still in production.
IntelliMouse® Optical

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own long-rumored tablet device.

Well, yes, of course, they'll need to know how to build one before they have a go.

[iGod 2.0]

Typical of Microsoft to do something like that. I have come to two conclusion, either Microsoft is holding back their potential or that is their potential. Its looking more and more that one of my favorite companies (Apple) is really that damn good.

[sheff]

Touch Screen of Death anyone? Can't wait

[SMC]

Strategically speaking, Ballmer is worse than useless -- he's a liability, whistling past the graveyard as he jabs at Apple while squirming in his seat, knowing that his ass is already kicked.

[Quadra 610]

Clippy:

I see you want to creat a new document. Touch me to create one.

Touch me again.

That was great. Now touch me again.

Touch me again.

Touch me again.

I see you're having trouble. Just keep touching me.

[jeffharris]

Originally Posted by mstone

I don't think that comment has much validity. Apple has had to reinvent itself several times over the course of the their history. The Newton was from a different era and although revolutionary for its time, there is really no comparison to today's technology. It's tough being #2. You always have to push the envelop. Microsoft on the other hand has always been on top and has not changed their business strategy much at all over the years.

Actually it does.
The Apple of old, John Scully and Gil Amelio eras That's where the flashlight reference comes from - Amelio wanted Macs to be like MagLite flaslights!

So, Apple had their toes in EVERY market. Apple sold everything: printers, scanners, digital cameras and an array of computers that was ridiculously complex (different product names for different processor speed, hard drive size or RAM!) with overlapping product lines (Performa) with little differentiation. There was little or no focus. Macs were mostly dull grey (platinum) boxes.

The Newton was Scully's baby. It was discussed ad nauseum before release. Apple, as I mentioned, promised everything. It was a great, potentially world beating device, but it shipped with seriously flawed handwriting recognition software. It was ridiculed extensively. By the time Apple fixed the software, the damage had been done and the Newton never really recovered.

See famous Doonesbury comic:
http://static.seekingalpha.com/wp-co...s/db930827.gif

When Jobs returned to Apple. He slashed and simplified the product lines and slammed the lid on news about products in development. Nothing shipped unless it worked. How many real failures has Apple had since 1997? The Cube, which was really a price issue. What else?

Yeah, so Apple DID learn from it's mistakes and missteps. MS has not and continues to do the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Isn't that a definition of insanity?

[jwdawso]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

In addition, she said Microsoft intends to work more closely with a smaller number of manufacturers for its mobile devices in the future.

Is this maybe because "manufacturers" are dropping Windows Mobile?

[Dlux]

Fred Flintstone had a tablet long before either of them...

http://gosublogger.com/wp-content/up...stones_jpg.png

I'm not sure that's the right one though.

[camroidv27]

Originally Posted by chronster

Microsoft Insider everybody...

Exactly.

Soon this will be the place for MS bashing only (for people to bash products they don't use), and we will have to find out about Apple products from the WinFan site!

[ascii]

Maybe it will be good, but if I know MS it will be average. Based on past experience, I won't be waiting to see what it's like before buying the Apple one (if I do buy the Apple one).

[ascii]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

When Jobs returned to Apple. He slashed and simplified the product lines and slammed the lid on news about products in development. Nothing shipped unless it worked. How many real failures has Apple had since 1997? The Cube, which was really a price issue. What else?

The iPod boom box and the Apple TV. The living room is not Apple's strong point apparently.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Dlux

Fred Flintstone had a tablet long before either of them...

http://gosublogger.com/wp-content/up...stones_jpg.png

I'm not sure that's the right one though.

Or this one.

[joelsalt]

Originally Posted by ascii

The iPod boom box and the Apple TV. The living room is not Apple's strong point apparently.

Apple TV is not a failure, but it needs work.

Also: I'm guessing Microsoft will wait until after Apple releases the tablet to undercut their price.

[GQB]

Originally Posted by ascii

The iPod boom box and the Apple TV. The living room is not Apple's strong point apparently.

I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.

So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.

edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.

[GQB]

Originally Posted by jeffharris

See famous Doonesbury comic:
http://static.seekingalpha.com/wp-co...s/db930827.gif

It took me a while to get over what Trudeau did to the Newton with a few panels, but looking back, it was deserved parody.

[Kolchak]

Originally Posted by Lafe

Pink?
Zune?
Windows Mobile 7?

Who comes up with these product names?

Ah, the short of memory. Google "taligent pink" and you'll find that Microsoft isn't the first computer company to use the codename, "Pink." So did a certain other scrappy, little, fruity company.

[Dr Millmoss]

Originally Posted by ascii

Maybe it will be good, but if I know MS it will be average.

I'd expect it to be mediocre, but cheaper. Microsoft's speciality.

The comment about Microsoft choosing hardware partners is potentially the most interesting development. This is something they've never tried before, AFAIK. They've always taken on all comers. If it happens, this would be an admission that (1) they are unable to successfully reproduce their Windows selling strategy and, (2) they really don't understand hardware. Two major statements, if it comes to pass.

[whatisgoingon]

"...She speculated that Microsoft would likely wait to show off the hardware until after Apple unveils its own..."

Of course Microsoft will wait until after Apple releases something. Their last attempt at tablet computing was quite the failure, except for very specific vertical markets, so now they want to copy something that will be successful.

[macdole]

Originally Posted by Galley

Microsoft has only made one great piece of hardware. 10 years later, it's still in production.
IntelliMouse® Optical

I agree. I bought this exact Microsoft mouse in 2000 with a PC. I got rid of the PC in 2004 but kept the mouse to use with my Macs and still use it daily. Love it.

[str1f3]

I hate to be crude but Microsoft needs to get off of Apple's balls for once. They have been making tablet software for years and its been a complete failure and now they're waiting for Apple to come out with their tablet first? I wonder why? Could it be that they are waiting to copy whatever Apple does but on a far less classy and crappier scale? Oh Redmond, how I loathe you!

[al_bundy]

Originally Posted by GQB

I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.

So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.

edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.

Verizon FIOS uses MS software to run it's box along with other cable and satellite companies around the world. Apple isn't going to own the living room unless it's products cost the same and offer the same or more functionality than the competition. I bet DVD players still outsell the ATV at Best Buy

[Roos24]

Originally Posted by DKWalsh4

I'm sorry, I just don't think they are particularly suited to be on the hardware side of things.)

Just a minute here, I have a Microsoft branded mouse that I use when I have to switch to Bootcamp. It has been working well for over a year now!