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Why Microsoft Surface Took So Long To Deploy

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the delay-delay-delay dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Nearly a year after all the fanfare unveiling a new touchscreen tabletop interface, Microsoft's Surface computer will finally appear in select AT&T stores later this month. Popular Mechanics tech editor Glenn Derene, who first introduced us to Surface in May, seems to have done a complete 180 in this rant, blasting Microsoft for being more obsessed with Surface's novelty as a magnet for image-conscious partners while messing up a rare hardware device — and, surprisingly, the simple software he was told came with it. From Microsoft's official excuse in the article: 'It's actually been a good thing for us,' Pete Thompson, Microsoft's general manager for Surface, told me. 'We were anticipating that the initial deployments were going to be showcase pilots using our own software applications on units to drive traffic. What our partners have decided is that they want to skip that stage and go to an integrated experience where they build their own applications. That's pulled the timeline until this spring.'"

2 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Craplets by iamacat · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Almost as hilarious is the insistence that vendor lock-in is a good thing. It is a choice thing. If you buy a BMW, you would probably get very upset to find a Hyundai engine inside or to have to go to a Toyota dealer for service. You also shouldn't be surprised to find much cheaper car models with 80% of your feature set or gaps in model lineup - you may not be able to get a tractor or a pickup track and still keep your BMW experience without unauthorized mods. You wouldn't want either Hyundai or BMW to be the only car company on the market. Competition is good!

  2. Re:Craplets by MaWeiTao · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    This is off topic, but I find your car analogy amusing considering that what you describe happens on a fairly regular basis.

    The Lamgorghini Gallardo is powered by an Audi V10 engine and uses Audi's AWD system. The Lotus Elise comes with a Toyota Celica engine. The Saturn Vue is offered with a Honda V6 engine as an option.

    Certain GM vehicles share platforms with other automakers, including Toyota. Some Chrysler and Dodge vehicles share platforms and use engines from Mitsubishi.

    Ford shares platforms and engines with Mazda and Volvo. For example, the Mazda 3 and Volvo C30/S40/V50 all are based on the international, 2nd generation Ford Focus, not the crap 1st generation US-version.

    And it all gets unbelievable complicated once we get into who owns what.