Here we go again. This week’s Surface News Roundup includes the following…
- Western Sydney students get Microsoft Surfaces
- iPad Pro “always going to be a companion device”
- Microsoft Australia seeks Surface channel manager
- Windows 10 Redstone to bring back ARM64
- Surface Pro 4 stock shortage in Europe
Ok, it’s a nice list so let’s get started…
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Surface News Roundup: Western Sydney students get Microsoft Surfaces
According to the Surface 3 devices this year.
According to acting vice-chancellor professor Denise Kirkpatrick:
Several years ago, [Western Sydney] became one of the first universities to provide devices to students as part of its flexible learning program. The 2016 program see the university working with industry technology partners such as Microsoft to determine the most suitable device for each of our courses.
Speaking from experience, there’s a lot of support overhead when every student has a different computer/OS/version of the software, etc. I think this is a great way to help the faculty come up with more effective lessons knowing students have the right/same tool to easily access the content and see it as the instructor intended it to appear.
Related: CRN [divider]
Surface News Roundup: iPad Pro “always going to be a companion device”
Remember when Tim Cook (Apple CEO) was calling the Surface “diluted”?
Well, according to Trustedreviews.com , Dan Laycock (Senior Communications Manager for the Surface team), made these comments at CES that are pretty much a direct retort:
“Microsoft really wants you to only carry one device for tablet and PC use, whereas the iPad Pro is always going to be a companion device.”
He adds: “The strategies are very different.” and “We don’t see it as a one-to-one comparison, because this is a full PC, you’re running full apps,”
That seems like a pretty accurate description of Apple’s sales strategy since they really want you to buy an iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Macbook. Let’s face it, at its core, Apple is a hardware company and makes money when you buy more hardware. So why would they make all-in-one devices that save you money?
Related: WinBeta, HotHardware, Trusted Reviews [divider]
Surface News Roundup: Microsoft Australia seeks Surface channel manager
Microsoft recently posted a job on Surface Channel Sales Manager in Austrailia. The position will be responsible for helping to drive sales strategy for the device down under.
So, pop on over and take a look at the posting. If you’re qualified, you might have a shot at getting it.
Related: CRN, LinkedIn [divider]
Surface News Roundup: Windows 10 Redstone to bring back ARM64
If you’re not in Austrailia, Microsoft also posted a new job, looking for a senior program manager that would work on ARM64 support for the Redstone update.
Here’s an excerpt from the posting…
“Are you passionate about creating the operating system foundation to enable breathtaking experiences? The silicon ecosystem is always evolving. Windows across all device categories is readying for the introduction of 64 bit computing with the ARM instruction set (ISA). Bringing a new ISA to market involves working both broadly and deeply across Microsoft from devdiv to WDG to Server to Office and others depending on the scope of product target.”
Current rumors indicate this effort to develop ARM64 support is to allow the Surface Phone the ability to run Win32 apps. However, the same effort *might* also allow for an update which allows the Surface RT/2 the ability to run Win32 apps.
That would be pretty awesome.
Related: PCWorld, Business Insider [divider]
Surface News Roundup: Surface Pro 4 stock shortage in the UK
If you’re in the UK, and having a hard time finding a Surface Pro 4, you’re not alone.
Apparently, many VARs have little or no available stock through the UK distribution channel. Although they are expecting delivery of new stock in the next few days. However, some partners have indicated that these dates have already shifted back a few times.
Earlier this week, a Microsoft spokesperson sent the following statement to Channelnomics…
“Our primary goal is to get Surface and Surface accessories into the hands of our customers, and the public response to date has been exciting to see,” said the spokesperson. “We’re constantly working with our manufacturing team and reseller partners to ensure that customers who want to purchase Surface will find it in the commercial channel and will watch this closely on an ongoing basis. Any shortages in the commercial channel should be temporary as inventories are refreshed.”
If you find a SP4 in stock, you’d better snap it up quick before it disappears.
Related: Channelnomics [divider]
So, once again, we’ve reached an end to the weekly Surface News Roundup. I’ll be back again next week with more news for your information and amusement.
Tim
