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That’s right — a non-iOS tablet getting some attention on a DJ site. But this is worthy of your attention, because Microsoft have just announced the next iteration of their Surface tablet. And with Surface 2 comes a cool new way of using control surfaces, and ones that hopefully can be tailored to your own specific DJ and production needs.
The first of these is the Surface Remix Project. It’s a custom “blade” that hooks up to the Surface 2 and offers a dedicated music production and performance controller. This has only just been announced so little detail exist about how these blades are made or if custom ones can be designed. But rather than just being keyboard-like, they appear to be fully backlit with over 1000 sensors available.
It’s all a bit basic and v1 right now, but the principle is there. The question is if the very tailored and specific format of a blade would be popular, or does the more open and flexible format of external controllers connected via USB make more sense? The Surface platform is essentially a touchscreen Windows PC in tablet form after all. Does this offer enough over plugging regular controllers into established DJ software?
Still, as a format, it’s very slick. Let’s keep an eye on this and see how it develops. That said, Microsoft’s non-xbox hardware adventures usually end up going nowhere fast though.
Looks promising
Its awesome that were not stuck with iOS for tablets. however with limited user base, I doubt that Serato or Traktor would make it available in Windows RT OS which is different to Windows 8
surface pro runs windows 8 professional
PRO does run on W8 but not Surface 2…
Surface pro 2 comes with windows 8.1
Well, if SeratoDJ (Traktor) would run on W8.1 and there will be no latency issues with USB devices and Surface, I think we are having here a solid replacement for DJ Notebooks. I don’t know how the integration of on-screen keyboard works, but if done right it could be usable for library search.
I would really appreciate any hands-on experience with Surface and Serato (Traktor) desktop apps installed on Surface.
I have a better idea for them… rather than limiting themselves with a proprietary connector type (Apple, I’m looking at you as well!), have a universal clip that connects to the bottom where you can connect a USB “blade.” I know there’s already a USB port on the Surface, but if they’re looking for snap-on, they need to think outside their sinking ship.
While I disagree that Microsoft is sinking, I agree with the rest of your point… a USB connector at the bottom, and possibly a method of connecting things TO it using a stand/cable setup could be really cool.
At the same time, we don’t know if these blades will require only proprietary connectors. Maybe they can have both, and be more 3 dimensional…
So… this makes me SUPER happy. While yes it would need to wait for the userbase, depending on how deeply Microsoft invests in the platform it could end up with some amazing tools off the bat. I am very much ingrained in the Windows ecosystem and I’d be very excited for a tool like this.
And think about it beyond Windows RT. If I have a Surface with Windows, these kinds of tools and a full Traktor or Serato application to run… and it’s a fully powered computer, not a tablet.
I was talking form factor rather than abilities.
That was more in response to Candy’s comment below, not your post :)
A $200 permanent price cut doesn’t scream confidence. ;)
Hmmm, looks interesting. Now I’d just like to see better music production apps in the windows store. Right now the only one I can think of is FL Groove
Good strategy Microsoft, really… What’s next: microwave ovens and washing machines?
Just went to the site and you can win a Surface 2 + music kit, by entering a tweet/vine contest. http://surfaceremixproject.com
I think it’s a very cool first step. A very cool second step would be something that lets you input audio like this does for iPad – http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/is202#!