Microsoft, Apple to unveil new products this week

Associated Press

NEW YORK

As the holiday-shopping season approaches, Microsoft and Apple have scheduled major events this week to unveil new gadgets and software.

The Microsoft event Thursday will focus on Windows 8, a major update to its lucrative operating system. The new software will go on sale Friday, and PC manufacturers have a slew of desktops, laptops and tablet computers designed for it.

Apple, meanwhile, is expected to unveil a smaller iPad at an event in San Jose, Calif., today. It comes just weeks after the launch of a new iPhone.

Apple

Apple has done well selling its full-sized tablet computer, which has a screen that measures nearly 10 inches diagonally. But companies such as Amazon.com Inc. and Google Inc. have made in-roads selling tablets with smaller, 7-inch screens and lower price tags.

Apple isn’t commenting on its plans. Tech bloggers and analysts expect that an “iPad Mini” — the name isn’t confirmed — will have a 7.85-inch screen. Estimates on prices vary.

Last month, Apple began selling its iPhone 5. The new phone is bigger, but thinner than previous models and works with faster cellular networks known as 4G.

Apple also updated its phone software and replaced Google Inc.’s mapping service with its own. Apple’s maps app has been derided for inaccuracies and lack of features, prompting CEO Tim Cook to apologize.

Microsoft

Microsoft Corp. will release a new version of the Windows operating system Friday, one that’s designed to work on both traditional computers and tablet devices.

Several PC manufacturers including Lenovo Group Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Co., Samsung Electronics Co. and Dell Inc. already have announced details about new desktops, laptops and tablet computers.

Microsoft plans its own tablet computer, too. It’s new territory for Microsoft, which typically leaves it to others to make devices using its software. Now, it will be competing against its partners.

The Surface tablet will come in two versions, both with 10.6-inch screens, slightly larger than the iPad’s.

One model will run on the same type of lower-energy chips used in the iPad. It will start at $499, also like the newest, full-sized iPads. A keyboard cover will cost an additional $100. That will go on sale Friday.