Next Generation of Microsoft Surface Available for Pre-Order in 23 Countries

REDMOND, Washington, November 17, 2011 -

Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface embraced by businesses worldwide.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. and Microsoft Corp. announced today that the next generation of Microsoft Surface is now available for pre-order through Samsung resellers in 23 countries worldwide including the United States, via the Samsung Electronics website at www.samsunglfd.com/solution/sur40.do. Initially unveiled by Samsung and Microsoft earlier this year, the Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface features PixelSense technology, which gives LCD panels the power to see without the use of cameras.

(Logo:  photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

“Customers across a wide range of industries currently integrate Microsoft Surface and make it relevant to their business needs, creating immersive, collaborative and meaningful experiences,” said Somanna Palacanda, director, Microsoft Surface. “With the Samsung SUR40 available for pre-order in 23 countries worldwide, Surface computing will now be more readily available for education, financial and professional services, healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing and resources, and other commercial business environments to help deliver interactive digital content, drive sales, showcase brands, and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

The Samsung SUR40 with PixelSense technology makes it possible for people to share, collaborate and explore together using a large, thin display. Recognizing up to 50 points of simultaneous touch, including fingers, hands and other objects placed on the screen, it has been well-received by new and existing Surface customers as companies such as Dassault Aviation, Fujifilm Corp. and Royal Bank of Canada prepare to deploy units around the globe in early 2012.

“This pre-order phase brings us one step closer to getting the highly anticipated Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface into the hands of our customers,” said Charles Park, vice president at Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung SUR40 delivers a unique interactive experience that will significantly change the way companies engage with their customers.”

The Samsung SUR40 continues to capture the attention of industry influencers, from international businesses to media outlets. Announced earlier this week, the next-generation device was named a 2011 “Best of What’s New” award winner by Popular Science magazine and is featured in a special awards issue currently on newsstands.

“For 24 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us - those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our views of what’s possible in the future,” said Mark Jannot, editor in chief of Popular Science. “The ‘Best of What’s New’ award is the magazine’s top honor, and the 100 winners - chosen from among thousands of entrants - represent the highest level of achievement in their fields.”

Software developers interested in creating solutions for the Samsung SUR40 can get started immediately by visiting the Surface Developer Center. The site provides free and easy access to the Surface 2.0 software developer kit, featuring the Input Simulator, which enables developers to write Surface applications on any Windows 7 machine, as well as other helpful developer-related resources. There are already hundreds of highly skilled Surface software development partners that can be found at www.surface.com.

Pre-orders are available to commercial businesses in 23 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. Product availability in additional markets is expected in the coming months. More information, including region-specific Samsung representatives and quotes, can be found at www.samsunglfd.com/solution/sur40.do.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$133.8 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 206 offices across 72 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface provides a new way to experience and use information and digital content, engaging the senses, improving collaboration and empowering people to interact. Microsoft Surface is at the forefront of developing software and hardware that uses vision-based technology to fundamentally change the way people use computing devices. More information can be found at www.surface.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Natalie Surowiecki, Edelman for Microsoft Surface, +1-206-268-2230, natalie.surowiecki at edelman.com; or Michael Steavenson, Allison & Partners for Samsung Enterprise Business Division, +1-917-821-3830, Divisionmike at allisonpr.com; NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.