Microsoft Surface tablet will be launched tomorrow, but it will not be compatible with some of the most used applications, reports Bloomberg.
Surface RT will work with the new version of Microsoft’s operating system, adapted for touchscreens as well as some popular applications like Hulu and Netflix. But the tablet will not include some of the most used applications such as Facebook and Apple’s iTunes music store needed to successfully compete the iPad.
Microsoft will not say how many applications will be available for the new operating system and the lack of a wide range of games, tools and other downloadable applications will hold back Surface in direct comparison with iPad and a range of over 275,000 available applications.
“A part of me hoped that we will see more great applications. Those who will buy the tablet on Friday will be hoping that apps will come later,” said Wes Miller, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft in Kirkland, Washington.
The number of applications that will be available is essential, given that Windows RT, which is installed on the tablet Surface and four other devices of partner companies is not compatible with current Windows programs, but only with applications specially created for the tablet.
RT Windows is a version of Windows 8 specially designed for devices such as tablets. Windows 8 devices, equipped with chips made by Intel, can run legacy applications.
Applications that can be downloaded have become essential to the way in which customers can use tablets and one of Apple’s iPad advantages is its leadership in this area.
Apple this week released a smaller version of the iPad, a part of the strategy to attract buyers from cheap tablets manufactured by competing companies like Amazon. The new iPad Mini will be available for pre-order Friday, the same day the Surface tablets come to stores.
Microsoft has high hopes in the new version of operating system for rekindling interest for PCs and the introduction of Windows on the tablet market.
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