Software giant Microsoft yesterday revealed in a tweet, through @MicrosoftZA, that its Surface tablet is expected to make an appearance in SA in the second half of 2013.
Microsoft SA later responded, but did not reveal any more information. "All we can share at this point is that Surface is coming to South Africa. We will reveal any further information, such as pricing, timelines and models, as it becomes available to us."
Microsoft is pushing to get back in the market, following the relative market failure of its Windows 8 operating system. Earlier this week, reports leaked that the software giant is now discussing the possibility of a smart watch with developers in Asia.
While the Surface Pro and Surface RT are both 10-inch tablets, the Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft is also developing a seven-inch version of the Surface, expected to go into mass production later this year, citing people familiar with the company's plans.
Microsoft has not yet commented on the reports.
Lack of appeal
The Surface Windows RT tablet went on sale together with the launch of Windows 8 in October last year and, despite initial reports that the tablet was selling out, analysts have indicated sales have not been impressive.
Earlier this year, the IDC estimated that about 900 000 units have been shipped, while iSuppli estimated that 1.25 million units had been shipped. iSuppli noted that actual sales were only about 55% to 60% of that figure, and the return rate for the device has been "very high".
Before the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer predicted the company would sell "a few million" Surface tablets within the first 12 months of it going on sale.
Microsoft has not released any official sales figures.
The Surface has been criticised for its hefty price tag, falling in the same bracket as Apple's iPad. The lack of apps also doesn't boost the Surface's appeal, with the Windows app store estimated to have 47 000 apps available for download, compared to the more than 300 000 that are available for the iPad.
Additional woes
Last week, IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker said the PC market saw its steepest decline in sales, in the first quarter of the year, since it started measuring the sector in 1994.
The migration to other computing devices and the launch of Windows 8 failing to provide a positive boost to the PC market have been cited as the main reasons for the steep decline. Bob O'Donnell, IDC program VP for clients and displays, says it appears Windows 8 not only failed, but also slowed the market.
"While some consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the radical changes to the UI, removal of the familiar Start button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices. Microsoft will have to make some very tough decisions moving forward if it wants to help reinvigorate the PC market," says O'Donnell.
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