[News] Tech events next week

Lots going on next week in the world of tech, and here's a quick rundown on what you need to know...

Microsoft hosts an event on Wednesday, 10/26/16

What to expect...

Microsoft is expected to take the wraps off some new hardware, and coming just after Google's hardware event (and just before Apple's hardware event) their timing couldn't be better - if you're a Windows or Surface fan.  Some of the rumored devices include:

[Special Feature]Fearless Predictions for 2013

Shawn and I thought it would be fun to do a predictions piece for 2013 so we would be able to come back and laugh at ourselves when none of it comes true.  These opinions are solely ours, and have not been put forth with any insider information from any OEM.  Most of these actually have no basis in fact whatsoever.  But with that in mind, here are our fearless 2013 predictions:

Sean's Predictions:

1) Apple will release an iPhone 5S that looks virtually identical to the iPhone 5.  The internet will decry the  new phone and say Apple has lost its way.  Tech sites and blogs will write editorials expressing their disappointment.  Apple will sell as many as they can produce.

Shawn's Response:
I'm probably on board with this one, considering the years and years of history we have of Apple to fall back on.  I'm really not sure where Apple takes their iPhone from here though...even thinnerer and lighterer?

World Exclusive: the iPhone 5S will look exactly like this

[Op-Ed]Windows Phone 8 is D.O.A. due to puzzling choices by Microsoft and Nokia

Microsoft officially released Windows Phone 8 (WP8) yesterday at an event in San Francisco.  When it was originally announced way back on June 20th I thought it held a lot of promise.  The newer software supported multi-core processors, higher resolution screens, and maintained the speediness associated with the "modern UI" (or the artist formerly known as Metro for anyone outside of Microsoft).  Carriers were vocal about backing WP8 even though many of them had barely supported Windows Phone 7 (WP7).  It sounded like all the pieces were in place for a strong WP8 launch and Microsoft seemed to have an excellent chance of solidifying the third place position in the smart phone OS war behind Android and iOS.

While WP7 never exceeded 5% market share in the United States, I thought WP8 might make it to the high single digit/low double digit range.  As it finally launches more than four months after it was announced however, some puzzling decisions from Microsoft and Nokia have already condemned Windows Phone 8 to a slow, painful death.

[Op-Ed] Which Tablet Should You Buy?

So guess what? Yes, it's true Apple has announced the iPad mini propelling themselves into the small tablet market. Should you buy it? Well Let's take a look at the most popular small tablets on the market right now and see if it is in fact a purchase worth making.

 

[News] Bill Gates thinks the new Surface tablets are great!

Okay...so this might not exactly qualify as "news."  But you have to hand it to the guy...anytime the head of a multi-billion dollar software corporation gets a video out on YouTube about how great his company's new product is, its going make headlines.

[News] Microsoft Surface tablet available for pre-order

Image courtesy of Surface.com

Microsoft is forging a new path by announcing a device that features both their software and hardware - the Surface tablet.  The device would appear to be in direct competition with Apple's iPad, as it features a 10.6 inch display and this size and form factor is dominated by Apple's tablet.  The Surface is (from many reports) well designed and very pleasing to the eye, and how well it will fare with the consumer will likely depend more on the software than the look and feel of the device itself.  But first, what's under the surface?