Microsoft’s Surface PCs have been in a rut for years. After a promising start, the company has struggled to release innovative and competitive products. Last year’s Surface Pro 9 5G was a particularly low point, with its underwhelming performance and high price tag.
Microsoft’s upcoming event on Thursday is a chance for the company to turn things around. However, with the departure of Surface mastermind Panos Panay, there is a good chance that there will not be much to get excited about.
The most recent rumors suggest that Microsoft will unveil a new Surface Laptop Studio 2, Surface Laptop Go 3, and Surface Go 4. We can also expect to see updates to the Surface Pro with Intel’s most recent hardware.
However, it is unclear whether these updates will be enough to get Surface PCs out of their slump. Microsoft needs to do more than just refresh its existing products. It needs to release new and innovative devices that can compete with the best that Apple, Dell, and other companies have to offer.
Here are some specific things that Microsoft could do to improve its Surface PCs:
- Focus on performance and value. Microsoft’s Surface PCs are often overpriced, and they don’t always offer the best performance. Microsoft needs to focus on releasing devices that offer great value for the money.
- Innovate with new designs and features. Microsoft needs to be more willing to experiment with new designs and features. The company needs to release devices that are truly unique and innovative.
- Improve software support. Microsoft needs to do a better job of supporting its Surface PCs with software updates. The company also needs to improve the integration between its Surface PCs and other Windows devices.
If Microsoft can do these things, then it has a chance of turning things around for its Surface PCs. However, if the company continues to release uninspired and overpriced products, then its Surface business will continue to struggle.
Can Microsoft’s Surface PCs regain their momentum?
Microsoft’s Surface PCs have been struggling in recent years. Sales tanked during the 2022 holiday quarter, and the company has been noticeably quiet about its device plans.
One reason for Microsoft’s problems is that the initial pitch for the Surface — a tablet that can be your laptop! — just seems tired now. Ultraportable laptops have become lighter and more powerful, and there is less need for a hybrid device.
Another problem is that Windows has never been a truly tablet-friendly operating system. Microsoft has treated touchscreens as an afterthought, always secondary to the keyboard and mouse.
If Microsoft wants to regain its momentum in the PC market, it needs to do a few things:
- Focus on innovation. Microsoft needs to release devices that are truly unique and innovative. The company needs to move beyond the tired Surface form factor and experiment with new designs and features.
- Improve software support. Microsoft needs to do a better job of supporting its Surface PCs with software updates. The company also needs to improve the integration between its Surface PCs and other Windows devices.
- Make Windows more tablet-friendly. Microsoft needs to make Windows more responsive to touch input and optimize the operating system for tablet devices.
If Microsoft can do these things, it has a chance of turning things around for its Surface PCs. However, if the company continues to release uninspired devices and neglect Windows on tablets, then its Surface business will continue to struggle.
My thoughts
I think Microsoft needs to focus on making Windows a more tablet-friendly operating system. This would make the Surface more appealing to a wider range of users.
I would also like to see Microsoft experiment with new Surface form factors. The company has been too focused on the traditional laptop/tablet hybrid design. There are other possibilities out there, such as foldable laptops and dual-screen devices.
Overall, I think Microsoft has a lot of potential in the PC market. The company has a strong brand and a loyal customer base. However, Microsoft needs to innovate and improve its software support if it wants to regain its momentum.
I agree with your assessment that Windows tablets don’t make much sense when the iPad and cheaper Android tablets exist. Apple and Google have done a better job of optimizing their platforms for tablet devices, while Microsoft has been slow to do the same.
I also think that Microsoft’s focus on turning tablet platforms into PCs is misguided. Tablet users are looking for a different experience than PC users. They want a device that is lightweight and portable, with a long battery life. They also want a device that is easy to use with touch input.
Microsoft’s Surface tablets are not lightweight or portable, and they don’t have a long battery life. They are also difficult to use with touch input. As a result, they are not very popular with tablet users.
I think that Microsoft would be better off focusing on developing a dedicated tablet operating system that is optimized for touch input and mobility. This would allow the company to compete with Apple and Google in the tablet market.
In the meantime, I would recommend that anyone looking for a tablet purchase an iPad or an Android tablet instead of a Surface tablet.
I agree with the industry observers that Microsoft needs to reconsider its PC strategy. The company has been struggling to compete with Apple and Google in the tablet market, and its Surface PCs have not been as popular as they once were.
I think Microsoft needs to go back to its roots and focus on developing innovative and competitive PCs. The company also needs to improve its software support for Windows on Arm devices.
Here are some specific things that Microsoft could do to improve its PC strategy:
- Focus on innovation. Microsoft needs to release devices that are truly unique and innovative. The company needs to move beyond the tired Surface form factor and experiment with new designs and features.
- Improve software support. Microsoft needs to do a better job of supporting its PCs with software updates. The company also needs to improve the integration between its PCs and other Windows devices.
- Make Windows more tablet-friendly. Microsoft needs to make Windows more responsive to touch input and optimize the operating system for tablet devices.
- Improve Windows on Arm performance. Microsoft needs to work with OEM partners to improve the performance of Windows on Arm devices. The company also needs to make it easier for developers to create native Windows on Arm apps.
If Microsoft can do these things, it has a chance of regaining its momentum in the PC market. However, if the company continues to release uninspired devices and neglect Windows on tablets, then its PC business will continue to struggle.
I am particularly interested in the potential of Windows on Arm devices. I think that these devices could revolutionize the PC market. However, Microsoft needs to do more to improve the performance and compatibility of Windows on Arm devices.
I am also interested to see what new designs and features Microsoft comes up with for its PCs. The company needs to think outside the box and develop devices that are truly unique and innovative.
Overall, I think Microsoft needs to make some significant changes to its PC strategy if it wants to compete with Apple and Google. The company needs to focus on innovation, software support, and Windows on Arm.
I agree with your assessment that Microsoft needs to do a better job of executing on its hardware releases. The company has a lot of great ideas, but it often stumbles on the execution.
The Surface Laptop Studio is a good example of this. The device had a lot of potential, but it was underpowered and had some software issues. The Surface Duo is another example. The device had a unique design, but it was held back by software and performance issues.
Microsoft needs to learn from its mistakes and focus on executing on its hardware releases. The company needs to make sure that its devices are well-designed, well-built, and well-supported.
I am also glad that you mentioned the Surface Laptop and the Surface Laptop Go. These are two great devices that offer good value for the money. The Surface Laptop is a great all-around laptop, and the Surface Laptop Go is a great option for students and budget-minded buyers.
Overall, I think Microsoft has the potential to be a leader in the PC and mobile hardware market. However, the company needs to do a better job of executing on its hardware releases. If Microsoft can do that, then it will be in a good position to compete with Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Here are some specific things that Microsoft could do to improve its hardware execution:
- Spend more time on testing and quality assurance. Microsoft needs to make sure that its devices are thoroughly tested before they are released to the public. This will help to prevent software and performance issues.
- Listen to customer feedback. Microsoft needs to listen to customer feedback and make changes to its devices based on that feedback. This will help to ensure that its devices are meeting the needs of its customers.
- Invest in R&D. Microsoft needs to invest in research and development to develop new and innovative hardware technologies. This will help the company to stay ahead of the competition.
If Microsoft can do these things, then I am confident that it can become a leader in the PC and mobile hardware market.
