On June 18th of 2012, Microsoft unveiled the Surface tablet — a new device that was conceived, designed, and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees. With one model running Windows 8 and one model running Windows RT, Microsoft set its sights on delivering a new device that blurred the line between tablet and laptop. Here’s the original press release from 2012 announcing the Surface:

LOS ANGELES — June 18, 2012 — Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

June 18th 2012 we revealed the very first #Surface. I'm so excited working for #Surface and ship amazing products. https://t.co/WlWxyMkf8b — Milad Aslaner (@MiladMSFT) June 19, 2016

After the debut of the original Surface devices, Microsoft launched several sequels including the Surface Book — a two in one device that features a full-sized detachable keyboard. The Surface Book, unlike the other Surface models, has been marketed as a laptop that doubles as a tablet, as opposed to a tablet that doubles as a laptop.

To this day, Microsoft’s Surface line of 2-in-1 Windows 10 hybrid devices have been doing surprisingly well in the market, moving beyond their hero-device status and becoming real revenue-generators on their own.

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