Microsoft has released the Surface 2 and Surface 2 Pro tablets in 21 countries and has issued a fix for anyone who bricked their device by attempting to install Windows RT 8.1, although it is unclear when the update will return to the Windows Store.
The tablets are described as “the most productive tablets on the planet” and are now available in the UK, along with a range of new type and touch covers, with a new power cover that extends the battery life of the devices by five hours available from early next year.
The Surface 2 Pro claims to be faster than any other tablet on the market thanks to its improved graphics capabilities and Intel Haswell processor, which also improves battery life by 75 percent over its predecessor.
The Windows RT-powered Surface 2 is thinner, faster and lighter than the previous model, with double speed Wi-Fi, up to three times the CPU power, a 1080p HD display and superior battery life.
Both varieties of the Surface 2 have full version of Microsoft Office, while Windows RT 8.1 brings Microsoft Outlook to the platform for the first time. The Surface 2 comes preloaded with the software, which is just as well, as some Windows RT users have reported that their device has been bricked after they attempted to download the update from the Windows Store.
Microsoft has since pulled the upgrade and has now released a recovery image to resurrect affected devices. However it isn’t the simplest solution as it requires the use of a USB drive, but it apparently does work. There is no indication was to when Windows RT 8.1 will be available to download again.
Earlier today, Nokia announced its own Windows RT tablet, the Nokia Lumia 2520, which will most likely be the biggest competitor to Microsoft, which has agreed to purchase the Finnish manufacturer’s devices and services division for £4.6 billion.
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