Sunday, April 30th 2023

Microsoft to Shrink Surface Accessories Lineup Due to Poor Profits

According to the Nikkei, Microsoft is cutting production for a wide range of its Surface accessories, i.e. keyboards, mice, docking solutions, headsets etc. This is despite the fact that the company has invested heavily into its Surface brand of computers and accessories over the past decade. This is said to be in response to the poor performance of the business unit in Microsoft's last financial report. The Nikkei mentioned that Microsoft is suspending all standalone keyboards in the Surface series and it seems like Microsoft is also looking at calling it quits when it comes to its own branded accessories, or there won't at least be any new models from the company in the foreseeable future.

Microsoft used to be a significant competitor in the keyboard, mouse and webcam market, but with increasing competition from more brands, it seems like the company has been having a hard time making a niche for itself in what can only be said to be a crowded market. Consumer expectations have also changed and most people don't want membrane keyboards any more and are instead buying more expensive mechanical keyboards. Microsoft has also been late to market with many of its Surface computers and have delivered overpriced and underwhelming products, which in turn has led to fewer sales of both the computers and the matching accessories. We'll have to wait and see if Microsoft makes an official announcement as to what will happen to its Surface brand of products, but right now it doesn't look like there's a very bright future for the Surface line of products as a whole.
Source: The Nikkei
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30 Comments on Microsoft to Shrink Surface Accessories Lineup Due to Poor Profits

#26
TheinsanegamerN
I've been waiting a long time for a user serviceable windows tablet, with an AMD APU, a serviceable battery, and simple to replace storage.

I'm still waiting.
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#27
CyberCT
In 2014 bought a Surface Pro 3 tablet w/ its flat fancy keyboard and Windows 8.1 OS for under $900. It got me used to Windows 8.1 and I actually liked the operating system ... it worked well as a touchpad OS. I used the heck out of that tablet. Unfortunately the battery started dying 3 years later and wouldn't work unplugged from the wall randomly. That's my only complaint about the system. Costco had a Black Friday sale a year later, selling them for $550 each. IMO that was a steal considering the functionality and compactness of the system.
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#28
xorbe
I looked a couple times, but when I added the ram / storage you'd actually want, the price was ridiculous.
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#29
Luke357
TheinsanegamerNI've been waiting a long time for a user serviceable windows tablet, with an AMD APU, a serviceable battery, and simple to replace storage.

I'm still waiting.
Dell makes some with Intel processors. Recently found a Latitude with easy to remove battery, SSD, and wireless card.
Posted on Reply
#30
unwind-protect
I hope they keep their new Thunderbolt hub. That one is good value.

My Intellimouse Explorer 3.0 is the only Microsoft product I use for many years. (too bad I have to replace the microswitches every now and then)
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