Kurt Shintaku's Blog

Are you a volume licensing customer?  Did you ever wonder who to call when you have a licensing related question?

Surface Pro 3 has been announced and we are now taking preorders in store to reserve your new device. There is no required deposit, but shipments are going to be based on preorders i.e. first come, first served. Please let our Business Team know which Surface Pro 3 unit(s) and Accessories that you would like to preorder and we will process your request.

[taken from the Surface Pro 3 FAQ at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/download/presskits/surface/docs/Surface3ProFS.docx]

YOUR NEW LAPTOP
Meet Surface Pro 3, the tablet that can replace your laptop. Wrapped in magnesium and loaded with a 12-inch ClearType Full HD display, 4^th-generation Intel Core processor and up to 8GB of RAM in a sleek frame – just 0.36 inches thin and 1.76 pounds – with up to nine hours of Web-browsing battery life, Surface Pro 3 has all the power, performance and mobility of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form.

THINNEST, LIGHTEST EVER
The thinnest and lightest member of the Surface Pro family, Surface Pro 3 features a large and beautiful 2160×1440 2K color-calibrated screen and 3:2 aspect ratio with multitouch input, so you can swipe, pinch and drag whenever you need. The improved optional Surface Pro Type Cover and more adjustable, continuous kickstand will transform your device experience from tablet to laptop in a snap. Surface Pro Type Cover features a double-fold hinge enabling you to magnetically lock it to the display’s lower bezel, keeping everything steady so you can work just as comfortably on your lap as you do at your desk. With a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader and Mini DisplayPort, you can quickly transfer files and easily connect peripherals like external displays. And with the optional Surface Ethernet Adapter, you can instantly connect your Surface to a wired Ethernet network with transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps[1].

THE NEW SURFACE PEN
The custom Surface Pen, crafted with a solid, polished aluminum finish, was designed to look and feel like an actual fountain pen to give you a natural writing experience. Use Surface Pen to organically mark presentations, sign documents or create art in apps like Fresh Paint. A click of Surface Pen opens OneNote, so you can capture your thoughts instantaneously — and your work is automatically saved. Double-click the back of Surface Pen to instantly capture a screenshot of whatever’s on your screen.[2] And with our sophisticated Palm Block technology, you can rest your hand as you write without unintended inputs and marks.

AUDIO & VIDEO ENHANCED
When it’s time to have some fun, Surface Pro 3’s bright 12-inch ClearType Full HD display, Dolby® Audio-enhanced sound and doubled Wi-Fi speeds are up to the task. Prop up your Surface via its continuous kickstand for your perfect viewing angle, and enjoy Surface Pro 3’s front-facing speakers, now 45 percent louder for an even better audio experience. Need to quickly capture a photo or video chat with your friends? Surface Pro 3 now features two 5MP cameras capable of capturing 1080p HD video, so capturing stills or video has never been easier. 

With Windows 8.1 Pro[3], Surface Pro 3 is capable of running all your Windows software, including Microsoft Office and Windows Store apps, including custom line-of-business apps for enterprises and business owners. Starting at just $799 ERP[4], Surface Pro 3 is available with an Intel^® Core™ i3, i5 or i7 processor with up to 512 GB of storage and up to 8 GB of RAM.[5]

Top features and benefits

• Replace your laptop. Surface Pro 3 takes you from tablet to laptop and back with the optional Surface Pro Type Cover and Docking Station for Surface Pro 3. Prop Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro Type Cover up on your lap to type on the go, flip the cover back and use Surface Pro 3 like a tablet, or draw with Surface Pen. Connect Surface Pro 3 to the docking station to create a powerful desktop rig. It’s the tablet that can replace your laptop.
• Feel the power. With the option of three different 4th-generation Intel^® Core™ processor models and packing up to 8 GB of RAM, Surface Pro 3 is a powerhouse providing enterprise-worthy performance, all in a thin and lightweight package.
• Write, draw and create. Surface Pro 3 includes the all-new Surface Pen that is pressure-sensitive and precise, so you can get creative with drawing and note-taking. Surface Pen makes it easy to mark presentations, PDFs and documents just like you would on paper.
• Smile for the camera. Featuring two 1080p HD video cameras, 5MP rear- and front-facing cameras, capturing image stills or video chatting is easy and beautiful.
• All the programs you need. Surface Pro 3 is compatible with virtually all your favorite and critical Windows software, including Microsoft Office.[6] With Windows 8.1 Pro, you can download apps from the Windows Store and use them side by side with Snap View, or load custom line-of-business apps for your workforce.

Technical specs

¹Capable Ethernet connection required.
²Double-click feature coming with a future update.
³Must be compatible with Windows 8.1.
⁴Estimated retail price; actual prices may vary.
⁵System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1GB = 1 billion bytes. See http://www.microsoft.com/surface/storage for more details.
⁶Office sold separately.
⁷System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software usage and apps usage. 1GB = 1 billion bytes. See http://www.microsoft.com/surface/storage for more details.
⁸Battery life varies with usage and settings.
⁹U.S. only; varies by market.

• DOWNLOAD: Surface Pro 3 Fact Sheet
  http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/download/presskits/surface/docs/Surface3ProFS.docx

Here are the exact CPUs available for each version of Surface Pro 3:

• Intel Core i3: 4020Y – 1.5GHz, HD 4200
  http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i3-4020Y-Notebook-Processor.102734.0.html
• Intel Core i5: 4300U – 1.9Ghz(2.9 turbo), HD 4400
  http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i5-4300U-Notebook-Processor.98838.0.html
• Intel Core i7: 4650U – 1.7GHz(3.3 turbo), HD 5000
  http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i7-4650U-Notebook-Processor.93177.0.html

WHAT’S THE COST/PERFORMANCE DIFFERENCES?
The reason this is interesting is that if you’re like me, you’ve been looking out of curiosity at the i5 vs i7.  Particularly the differences in CPU & Graphics performance. (And no one I know is looking at the i3 – including me – so I’m not even bothering to look at it)

So, check this out:

CPU Comparisons:
(Net-net: There’s singlecore & multicore performance improvement of at least 15% based on PassMark, due to the 15% higher turbo clock & complementary increased L3 cache.  It should be noted that Anandtech believes this difference would be greater for constant CPU intensive tasks.)

• http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i7-4650U-vs-Intel-Core-i5-4300U
• http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/857/Intel_Core_i5_Mobile_i5-4300U_vs_Intel_Core_i7_Mobile_i7-4650U.html

Graphics Comparison:
(Net-net: There’s a ~21% performance improvement based on 3dMark06, mostly due to having 2x the number of execution units)

• http://www.anandtech.com/show/7072/intel-hd-5000-vs-hd-4000-vs-hd-4400

Neither of these appear to impact battery performance… however there is a distinct $250 markup between the respective models of Surface Pro 3 i5 vs i7.  So that’s the tradeoff.

• 15% CPU + 21% GPU = $250

Have you ever wanted just a few minutes with someone from the Microsoft Windows team to ask a question, share a thought, get a best practice, or maybe just better understand a feature? Well, here is your chance.

Many of you remember Stephen Rose as the previous owner of the Springboard Series. In addition to sharing his thoughts via this blog, he also led a series of Springboard Series Tours across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South America. I had a chance to catch up with Stephen and ask about his latest project, which we first announced in the May issue of the Springboard Series Insider.

“I’m excited to announce our Windows Unplugged Tour. Windows Unplugged is similar to the Springboard Series Tours we did in the past, but scaled down since it’s just me who will be presenting. I’ll be walking IT pros through the latest Windows and Windows Phone features, the newest devices, and Windows management tools. I’ll be encouraging the audience to drive the discussions and I will take everyone’s feedback back to Redmond. I’ll also have lots of demos so it will be a great event.”

“There will be five Windows Unplugged events in the U.S.: Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Indianapolis, and Chicago. I am hoping to visit a few more cities at a later date. We will feed and water everyone as well as give away some software, gift cards, and a maybe even a few cool Windows 8.1 devices. If folks want to attend, just check out the registration info is below. We only have space for around 150 people per event so folks should sign up quickly.”

• DATE/TIME:
  May 29th, 6-8PM
• LOCATION:
  loftSEVEN Penthouse
  219 West Seventh St. Los Angeles, CA
  https://futureseries-losangeles.eventday.com/venue
• LOS ANGELES REGISTRATION:
  https://futureseries-losangeles.eventday.com/register/93fac248e30d4497bf94d6e96bbbe63c

UPDATE 7/8/14:
OneNote has jumped onto the UserVoice bandwagon as has Xbox Music. Xbox One, and OWA for iPad/iPhone.

• http://onenote.uservoice.com/
• http://xboxmusic.uservoice.com/
• http://xbox.uservoice.com/
• http://owa.uservoice.com/

ORIGINAL POST 5/21/14:
Here’s a list of Microsoft User Voice feedback sites that I’ve found.  I haven’t verified that they are all sponsored by us but most of them do in fact look to be as such.

• http://xboxmusic.uservoice.com/
• http://windowsphone.uservoice.com
• http://visualstudio.uservoice.com
• http://officeforms.uservoice.com
• http://officespdev.uservoice.com
• https://pnpcloudguidance.uservoice.com
• http://onenotedev.uservoice.com/
• http://aspnet.uservoice.com/
• http://xboxvideo.uservoice.com/
• http://msdntest.uservoice.com/
• https://developer.uservoice.com/
• https://windowsazure.uservoice.com
• http://manage.uservoice.com/ (SQL Server Manageability)
• https://microsoftkse.uservoice.com
• http://msaccess.uservoice.com/
• http://cortana.uservoice.com/
• http://wpdev.uservoice.com
• https://bingads.uservoice.com
• https://windowsazure.uservoice.com
• https://expressionencoder.uservoice.com

Register your new Lumia and receive a unique voucher code that can be redeemed in your Window Phone Wallet app to spend on Windows Phone apps and games. This offer is for a limited time only and applies to selected Lumia models.

Reportedly works on the Nokia Lumia 1520 or Nokia Lumia Icon for $25.

• Gift Voucher app for Nokia Lumia
  http://www.windowsphone.com/s?appid=18bca550-bf7a-42e4-a2e1-1501b4863f74

Calling all campers!

Registration is open for free weekly in-store camps.

Camps are broken up into two age groups for Jr. Designers (recommended for ages 8-10) and Designers (recommended for ages 11-13), so choose the camp that fits your student’s interest and sign up today.

• Smart Movie Making – Junior Designer
  Shoot. Edit. Watch. Capture all the action without the lights or fancy camera. Unleash your imagination and start making real movies right from your phone or tablet. Using Windows Phone and Surface Pro, we’ll teach you how produce, direct, design and animate your own flicks, any time you want. Get ready to impress and share your masterpieces with your family and friends! Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, 10AM-12PM Junior Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 8-10 years of age Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

• Smart Movie Making – Designer
  Shoot. Edit. Watch. Capture all the action without the lights or fancy camera. Unleash your imagination and start making real movies right from your phone or tablet. Using Windows Phone and Surface Pro, we’ll teach you how produce, direct, design and animate your own flicks, any time you want. Get ready to impress and share your masterpieces with your family and friends! Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, 1PM-3PM Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 11-13 years of age. Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

• Smart Photo Taking – Junior Designer
  Point. Snap. Perfect. Why do some photos just pop? Learn new tricks for taking great photos from your phone. We’ll teach you how to edit photos, adjust lighting and colors, and even apply filters for more effects. Beyond basic images, we’ll help you build interactive worlds in Photosynth, make yourself into art with Photo Fuse, and create huge panoramas with Gigipixel ArtZoom. Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, 10AM-12PM Junior Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 8-10 years of age. Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

• Smart Photo Taking – Designer
  Point. Snap. Perfect. Why do some photos just pop? Learn new tricks for taking great photos from your phone. We’ll teach you how to edit photos, adjust lighting and colors, and even apply filters for more effects. Beyond basic images, we’ll help you build interactive worlds in Photosynth, make yourself into art with Photo Fuse, and create huge panoramas with Gigipixel ArtZoom. Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, , 1PM-3PM Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 11-13 years of age. Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

• Smart Game Coding
  Code. Create. Play. Websites and applications come from code, but where does code come from? In this camp for “Junior Designers”, you’ll use the kid-friendly visual programming language Kodu to learn about how creativity, problem solving, storytelling, and programming come together to make something all your own. We’ll then introduce you to TouchDevelop, a mobile app creation platform with a touch-based editor that makes coding from your phone or tablet lots of fun. Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, 10AM-12PM Junior Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 8-10 years of age Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

• Smart Game Designing
  Design. Develop. Compete. Want to play a game that doesn’t exist yet? You could simply make it yourself. In this “Designers” camp, go behind the screens with TouchDevelop and ProjectSpark to learn how to build and publish amazing mobile games. As a “game maker” game, ProjectSpark will allow you to make your own virtual world and bring it to life so you can create games, movies, and unique digital experiences. With TouchDevelop, you’ll remix, share and play amazing new games, all right on your phone. Camps are 2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday, 1PM-3PM Designers Summer Camp: Recommended for 11-13 years of age Registering for this event will register you for the entire series.

REGISTER NOW!
http://content.microsoftstore.com/en-us/summercamps/westfieldcenturycity

The most common Office 365 subscription package for Enterprise businesses is the “E3” suite, which has:

• Exchange Online – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/microsoft-exchange-online-email-for-business-FX103739072.aspx
• Lync Online – http://products.office.com/en-us/lync/lync-online-overview-and-features-online-meetings-and-instant-messaging
• Office 365 ProPlus – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/business/office-365-proplus-business-software-FX103213513.aspx
• SharePoint Online – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/sharepoint-online-online-collaboration-software-FX103789366.aspx
• Yammer Enterprise – https://about.yammer.com/pricing/

For reference however, there are FIVE other Office 365 services that are available separately that don’t come included with “E3”: (See chart above)

• Project Online – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/enterprise-project-portfolio-management-in-the-cloud-project-online-FX103802026.aspx
• Project Pro for Office 365 – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/project-management-software-as-a-service-project-pro-for-office-365-FX103797691.aspx
• Project Lite for Office 365 – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/project-lite-FX104310999.aspx
• Visio Pro for Office 365 – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio/visio-pro-for-office-365-online-diagram-software-FX103791920.aspx
• PowerBI for Office 365 – http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/powerbi/default.aspx#fbid=FyyHNNP4s0D

There is also one suite of services that is available that is related to Office 365, and is focused on Enterprise Mobility that is again, available separately:

• Enterprise Mobility Suite – http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/products/enterprise-mobility-suite/default.aspx

Building on the success of live streaming the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Azure Media Services will soon be opening up the underlying technology that made this possible to all of our customers. Join us for a live, in-depth discussion about the exciting new features and key advantages of moving media processing to the cloud. Learn how five major broadcasters expanded their digital audience and reduced the cost and complexity of delivering a broadcast-caliber experience to millions of viewers in twenty-two countries on today’s most popular consumer and mobile devices.

Register to attend this complimentary webinar on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. PDT.

• REGISTER: "Live Streaming Sochi: Benefits of Moving Media Workflows to the Cloud"
  Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. PDT.
  https://info.windowsazure.com/June2014LiveStreamingSochi-BenefitsofMovingMediaWorkflowstotheCloud__Register.html?LeadSource=Field&LeadSourceDetail=&browserLanguage

Are you missing Microsoft TechEd North America 2014?  Well, you’re in luck!  90+ sessions have already been posted to the Channel9 web site for you to access on-demand.

And we are making the recording files downloadable for offline viewing in 4 formats:

• Audio only (MP3)
• Mobile Video (MP4)
• Mid-level Video (MP4)
• High-quality Video (MP4)

Enjoy!  And if you’re a customer of mine, (you know who you are) YES, I will have access to the actual PowerPoint slide decks from each session so let me know if you really need them and I’ll see what I can do.

• TRAINING: Microsoft TechEd North America 2014 session recordings 
  http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/TechEd/NorthAmerica/2014