On Monday, Microsoft held a secret press event in Los Angeles where it announced a new family of tablets under the name Surface. Along with Surface, the event revealed a branding shift for Microsoft, one that values the unity of hardware and software, and the idolization of aesthetics. Something about it felt familiar… » Microsoft Surface vs. Apple iPad Press Event

Microsoft’s major announcement has just been unveiled at a press event in Los Angeles: a Surface tablet. This looks like real competition for the iPad if you ask me. “Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky took to the stage to describe the hardware of Microsoft’s Surface tablet. There will be two options for Microsoft’s Surface PC, one powered by Intel’s 22nm Ivy Bridge chips running Windows 8, and another Surface powered by an ARM chipset and Windows RT. The Windows RT version is just 9.3mm thin, weighs 1.5lbs, includes a built-in kickstand, and is the first PC with a vapor-deposited (PVD) magnesium case, according to Microsoft. It will ship in 32GB or 64GB versions, complete with a 10.6-inch ClearType HD display.” More info and teaser video after the break. » 10.6-inch Microsoft Surface Tablets “With Windows 8” Announced