With the ZBook X2, HP proves it can build a better Surface than Microsoft

It is said that many of Microsoft's OEM partners resented the company's entry into hardware with the Surface devices. While Microsoft tried to appease said partners by not making its products direct competitors (i.e. no flip functionality, targetting the very high-end), the existence of the Surface Book, in particular, ruffled a few feathers.

Now we see partner OEM's taking it to Microsoft with similarly impressive hardware. HP unveiled the HP ZBook x2, its newest product designed to improve performance and mobility needs for the creative community. HP is making no bones about who they are after. They openly compare the ZBook X2 with the Surface Pro. Featuring quad-core processors as well as NVDIA Quadro graphics that are 73 per cent faster than the Surface Pro.

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New Google Pixelbook will see the return of the premium Chromebook

Google is likely planning to reveal more than new Pixel phones during its October 4 event. Also on tap, as per recently leaks are three Google Home mini speakers as well as a return to form for the company in the shape of a 2-in-1 premium Chromebook called the Pixelbook.

Google has a history of fielding premium Chromebooks, starting with 2013's sexy Chromebook Pixel, this new iteration does the notebook thing but also folds back into a tablet. There will also be a Pen, which is ideal for schools and corporate applications. Chromebooks can now run Android apps, so we might see some interesting functions thanks to this cross pollination. 

Source: Phandroid

Consumer Reports: Microsoft Surface has worst failure rate in the industry

Independent consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports has pulled their recommendation of Microsoft's Surface products stating they have the 'worst failure rate in the industry."

According to a Consumer Reports survey of over 90,000 tablet and laptop owners, an estimated 25 percent of those with Microsoft Surface devices will experience “problems by the end of the second year of ownership.” This failure rate is the worst in the industry by far among mainstream PC makers, the publication says, this has resulted in them pulling its “recommended” designation for all Surface products. 

This is an alarming development for Microsoft, who has evolved its Surface devices over the years and aggressively added to the model lineup with the Surface Book, Surface Studio and most recently, the Surface Laptop.

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Microsoft has an app that helps Mac users switch to Surface

photo from TechnoBuffalo

Microsoft is dead serious about getting Mac users to switch to Surface devices. Not only has the Redmond giant offered trade-ins and discounts for trading older Macs towards Surface Pros and Surface Books, the company has even created an app that helps Mac users migrate more seamlessly to a new Surface device.

The very specific Mac to Surface Assistant is a macOS app which Microsoft has reportedly been working on. Switcher apps are nothing new, we have them on smartphones and they make the process of transferring to a different platform less painful. Microsoft has this app in beta and has pulled it but it is likely going to be made available officially soon. Not only is Microsoft competing with Mac in terms of devices, specs and in-store experience, they now have specific apps to capture that market better.

Source: Thurrott.com