Microsoft"s Surface tablets haven"t even hit the stores yet - they are scheduled to be released starting October 26th - and we are already hearing that a successor is under way at Microsoft. TechRadar has uncovered "more than a dozen" Microsoft job listings, posted between June and August (after the old Surface changed to PixelSense) that ask for new members to join the Surface Team for "building the next generation" of "devices that fully express the Windows vision".
The Surface Team focuses on lighting up Microsoft experiences with touch first computing. A fundamental part of our strategy is having desirable and powerful devices that enable the experiences people want, and elicit their excitement. Creating these devices involves a close partnership between hardware and software engineers, designers, and manufacturing. We are currently building the next generation and Surface needs you!
The aforementioned job listings ask for engineers experienced in "touch display architecture" and "AC-DC power adapters", specialists in components and materials, plus audio engineers, packaging experts and more. TechRadar reports that the listings mention a "fast-paced product development cycle", which indicates we could see Surface 2 tablets not too long after the first ones are released.
Microsoft also seems to be seeking out the best in the field, requiring experts in "alternative power sources", "passive and active cooling thermal designs", "materials including metals, ceramics, plastics and thin films" and "finishing processes such as paint, plating and PVD".
It"s certainly interesting to see that Microsoft is gearing up for the Surface 2, but it"s not too surprising considering the fast-paced release cycle of mobile devices; the iPad already sees a new device every year.
Source: TechRadar