Microsoft has absolutely blasted the competition out of the park with their Surface Pro’s and Surface Laptops. Their formfactor with surprising amounts of power have made for the most premium of work and play devices. So how does the third iteration of their mini device the Surface Go hold up?

Well it depends on what you want to use the Surface Go 3 for.

It’s so little

The obvious benefit that the Surface Go 3 has is a 10.5 inch screen which is the same as previous models. The benefit to consistency can’t be understated when you have a stack of accessories, but also it means this device has a purpose that bigger counterparts don’t. It is more of a tablet.

This little beast is perfect for using on a mini train table, or when you are using it to read a long document or book. The size makes it super practical to replace your tablet, but it likely won’t replace your laptop or desktop.

So is the battery

The biggest issue that I encountered is the battery life. It boasts an 11 hour battery which I didn’t manage to replicate. I easily got a work day out of it when I used it casually to read documents, do some writing like this review, and watch movies on my commute. When I had it under proper load like using Chrome and running a few apps I easily stripped it in an hour.

Pretty big features though

The Surface Go 3 has a modest upgrade in power from the Surface Go 2 but nothing massive.What is impressive is the screen, cameras and sound. It belted out some high quality sound when I was watching videos. That and the video quality was pretty extraordinary given the size. I jammed some Netflix and Youtube, you know, scientific tests right here. But I was happy with the experience.

The webcam at the front is a 5MP model that can achieve 1080p at 30fps. On the rear is the 8MP camera which is fine for a photo if you needed it in a pinch but it wasn’t that great. But in reality when it comes to web cams, it is so people can see your lovely face on Teams and Zoom meetings. Given the size of this device, I am sure your friends will love the view up your nose. Or you can put it on something so it is at eyeline, whatever suits. Sorry to my friends that got a lovely up nose shot when testing.

It can see you

I was impressed with the Windows Hello 3D camera. This lets you unlock the device with your face and it works so damn well. No matter which way my messy beard pointed it recognised who I was. Even in variable lighting it was good at spotting me.

It didn’t recognise who I was behind a mask. Now I know that is an unrealistic expectation, but the new normal is us wearing masks 80% of the time. So if Microsoft can figure out some tech to recognise who I am behind a mask that would be great. Wait, that could be creepy. Can they find a way to recognise me through masks, but it only works on my laptop. The more I think about this the less of a smart idea of this face scanning tech that can see through things is.  

Actually scratch the whole idea. I’ll use my pin when I have a mask on.

You can buy so much more

As with all the Surface devices, you don’t have to stop at the Go 3. You can buy the mini keyboard and a pen to make your Surface life even better. They work well, as all the surface suite of hardware does, and is absolutely perfect if you need to type on the go. The on screen keyboard will definitely do in a pinch but the detachable keyboard is far superior.

Though to be fair if you have big lunky hands like I do that little keyboard gets pretty awkward, but again it depends on what you need the device for. If you are doing a lot of typing then you might be better suited looking at the Surface Pro or Surface Laptop. For that ability to do plenty of typing in a pinch, it’s pretty damn good.

Windows 11

This slick new Go comes with the slick new Windows 11. So what better time to take the new OS out for a test drive. Well I can honestly say … I am having mixed feelings. The start button has been centralised along with the majority of the task bar. It certainly has a feeling like the operating system that shall not be named. Oh wait, I don’t work for Microsoft… It feels a bit like MacOS.

Now I should note it feels a bit like MacOS, but that doesn’t mean it is MacOS. The same settings and open Windows File Explorer are still here. So it looks like that OS and feels nice to use once you are used to it, but is functional the way we expect from Windows. In fact it didn’t take long to adjust to and start liking this new look.

If you have been using Windows 10 for a while then you have probably started navigating the Start menu by clicking it and typing anyway. This functionality is absolutely critical with Windows 11 because the Start Menu feels a bit more like a mobile phone’s front screen. That’s not the only thing Windows 11 does like a mobile phone.

You can download the Amazon App store and start running Android apps…as long as they are supported. This means it is super easy to install apps like Kindle and your tablet winds up with the best of both worlds. Windows and Android apps in harmony. 

The OS is in its early days so no doubt there are features coming. I did find when the Surface Go 3 started up it took a while to load. Now I don’t know if that is because of the OS, the power of the tablet, or a combination of the two but it did underwhelm there a little.

You can Go get 3 if you need

I have been a little critical of the device, but that is kinda my job. This is a review after all. Ultimately this device is perfect if you need what it offers. The limited battery life and limited specs will mean it is likely to be anyones main device, but if you use a tablet for e-reading or video watching, then this one will smash that for you.  

It comes with the benefits that the Windows OS under the hood offers that many other tablets don’t offer. Starting from $720 for the lowest end model, even for tablets this is pretty cheap.

The post Surface Go 3 Review appeared first on 8-Bit Island.

Microsoft has had their big tech event to announce a bunch of new devices. This includes new Surface devices and PC accessories to diversify the Surface portfolio. 

Looking for a new device? Well Microsoft has heaps of ways for you to spend some serious coin on some serious hardware.

You can check out the whole showcase here:

With Windows 11 not far away it makes sense that Microsoft would update the Surface portfolio. This isn’t just limited to laptops, you can get new headsets, pens, and mics. The world is your oyster. A very expensive oyster.

Unfortunately the phone shown off doesn’t appear to be announced for NZ yet.

Surface Pro 8 

The Surface 8 will bring an entirely modernised redesign to the most powerful Pro.

Get more screen on a high-resolution 13-inch display, with curvature updated to refine its profile and maintain an ultra-portable form factor. Starting at NZ$1,849, Surface Pro 8 features 11th Gen Intel Core processors, new port selection (notably two Thunderbolt ports), and next-step advancement on cameras and speakers.

Its new Type Cover will pair perfectly with the Surface Slim Pen 2, with built-in storage and wireless charging.

*Surface Pro 8 will be available to purchase in New Zealand from 4 November 2021. It is available for pre-order today at Microsoft Store and for purchase at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming and PB Tech when it becomes generally available.

Surface Go 3 

Surface Go 3 is the most portable Surface touchscreen 2-in-1, utilising the same Surface Go design with more horsepower. Starting at NZ$719, this next evolution in the Surface Go product line has faster Intel® Core processors, all-day battery life, and built in Microsoft security. Optimised for digital pen and touch, the tablet-to-laptop versatility makes this device ideal for everyday tasks, homework, and play.

*Surface Go 3 will be available to purchase in New Zealand from 5 October 2021. Go 3 is available for pre-order today at Microsoft Store and for purchase at Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming and PB Tech when it becomes generally available.

Surface Laptop Studio 

brings you an evolution of Surface Book, a device with three different postures. Easily transitioning from workstation mode, stage mode, and studio mode, the Surface Laptop Studio reimagines versatility and enables you to work the way you want. Surface Laptop Studio also comes with built-in storage and charging for Surface Slim Pen 2 under the keyboard. 

*Shipping to New Zealand in early-2022.

Microsoft also announced several new accessories, including:  

• Surface Slim Pen 2 has improved haptics and interaction feedback, giving you the feel of pen on paper. It can be stored and charged within compatible Surface devices, making inking easier anywhere. The Slim Pen 2 is NZ$199.95.

*Surface Slim Pen 2 will be available to purchase in New Zealand from 4 November 2021.

• Surface Adaptive Kit helps users adapt their Surface. While this tool can be used by anyone looking to adapt their Surface, the Surface Adaptive Kit was created to adapt Surface devices to those with low vision, blindness, and/or limited strength. Surface Adaptive Kit is NZ$24.95. For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/en-nz/surface.

• Ocean Plastic Mouse is a small step forward in Microsoft’s larger sustainability journey. The shell is made with 20% recycled ocean plastic, a breakthrough in materials technology that begins with the removal of plastic waste from oceans and waterways. This product’s small box is 100% recyclable and is NZ$39.95.

*Ocean Plastic Mouse will be available in New Zealand at Microsoft Store on microsoft.com/en-nz from 5 October 2021.

• Microsoft Modern USB-C Headset is certified for Microsoft Teams with high-quality audio and voice. Its lightweight design, meeting controls, and easy setup helps you stay connected and focused all day long. The Modern USB-C Headset is NZ$109.95.

*Microsoft Modern USB-C Headset will be available in New Zealand from 30 September 2021 at Microsoft Store and for purchase at selected retailers.

Devices purchased through Microsoft Store come with the Microsoft Store Promise for Surface with free 2–3-day shipping, an extended 60-day return policy, financing options, and expert help when you need it including access to free online training videos and workshops from the comfort of your home. 

The post Microsoft has announced new Surface Devices and Accessories appeared first on 8-Bit Island.

Like many things coming to New Zealand, it can sometimes a bit longer for new products to reach our shores. Surface Headphones are no different but thankfully Microsoft have finally confirmed that they will be releasing in March.

It’s been an exciting start to the year for Surface. In January, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Studio 2, and Surface Headphones launched across Asia for our customers in China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Last week we showed strong momentum for the business when we announced Q2 results. Surface revenue increased 39%, with its biggest quarter ever, as our new devices clearly resonated with customers across commercial and consumer segments.

Beginning in March, Surface Headphones will launch in eight new markets, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Built to complete the Surface experience, Surface Headphones are designed to help get you in your flow, no matter where you are. Whether you’re working on a train, sitting in a coffee shop or in an open office environment, Surface Headphones let you control what sounds you tune in or out with the intuitive dials on each ear that control volume and 13 levels of noise cancellation. With up to 15 hours of battery life*, Surface Headphones can follow you throughout your day. Surface Headphones pair nicely with any Bluetooth enabled device, allowing you to move seamlessly across multiple devices.

Surface Headphones will set you back a cool $575 and will ship from 1 March 2019. For more information check out the Microsoft website.

The post Microsoft is Bringing Surface Headphones to New Zealand appeared first on 8-Bit Island.

Microsoft have just announced that the next major release update to Windows 10; the Creators Update will coming as a free update on 11 April. The update will be pushed out to some 400 million devices worldwide.

New capabilities coming with the Windows 10 Creators Update include:

• 3D for Everyone and Enabling Mixed Reality
• Game Broadcasting is Simple and Interactive with Beam
• Microsoft Edge is Faster and Safer with Better Browsing and Entertainment
• Additional Security and Privacy Protections

In addition to the Creators Update, New Zealand users will be able to purchase the Surface Studio and Surface Dial devices from 27 April 2017 with pre-orders open now through the Microsoft NZ website.

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