Microsoft Surface is now commercially available in Australia. Microsoft Surface, is a large 76cm table-like display that responds to touch, natural hand gestures and placement of real-world objects including digital cameras, mobile phones and even business cards on it’s top.
Announcing the commercial availability of Surface in Australia, Robbie Bach, president, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft Corp said:
“We’ve experienced great momentum to date with Microsoft Surface in the U.S. and in EMEA. We’re excited to now expand into Australia, our first Asia-Pacific market, and provide new, collaborative and more meaningful ways for organisations to engage with and delight their customers, students or constituents. It’s great to be working with local partners who have already developed for and explored the possibilities of Surface and we are committed to their success.”
Dynamic Business spoke with freelance technology journalist Neerav Bhatt who attended yesterday’s Microsoft Surface press conference.
He said the vibe amongst the journalists was disappointment, citing:
* The large price difference between USA and AUS
* Hardly any installed Surfaces in Australia at the moment
* One of the companies highlighted as an important partner by Microsoft privately expressed frustration about months of delays which had stopped them using Surface in retail outlets
While Microsoft Surface offers a great advance in technology and interaction for businesses, especially retailers. The above comments indicate a cautious response to the launch should be taken, with perhaps a bedding down process required by Microsoft with Surface in Australia. As for whether Australia will ever see price parity with the United States is not known, but Microsoft has been criticised before for geographical differences with distribution of their products, especially surrounding the Windows 7 Family Pack late last year.
