Microsoft capitulates fully in mobile, to release an iPad Touch Cover

There was a time, under Steve Ballmer, when Microsoft was not looking to just play second fiddle to other platform makers, resulting in the creation of Windows Phone and the original Surface tablets.

Under Satya Nadella those days are long over, and at least when it comes to phones, Microsoft spends their time creating apps for iOS and Android and their energy promoting their software on those platforms.

At least with the Surface range, it seemed Microsoft was still fighting the good fight, until today of course, when it came to light that Microsoft is set to release a Touch Cover for the iPad.

Originally created for the original Surface RT device, the Touch Cover is a thin, pressure-sensitive keyboard and protective cover all in one. It magnetically clicks into place and even provides protection for Surface devices.

According to the latest Lithium Battery Transportation Documents from Microsoft, Microsoft may soon release a new accessory named iPad Touch Cover (Model 1719). The accessory will sport a 0.814 Wh per cell battery, and it’ll likely work wirelessly. There isn’t much information available about this accessory, but an official release seems imminent.

Microsoft’s Surface range has been underperforming, with shipments down year on year. The release of the Surface Laptop and the marketing of the Surface Pro as a laptop replacement suggests Microsoft’s commitment to addressing the tablet market is waning, and that Microsoft is once again capitulating on another mobile platform in favour of the market leader.

Of course the less cynical may say Microsoft already has a keyboard accessory in the market which is compatible with iOS devices. Microsoft’s Universal Foldable Keyboard can simultaneously pair with virtually any two mobile devices—an iPad, iPhone, Android devices, Windows tablets, and Windows Phone.

As Microsoft, however, gives up on being a platform builder, I expect it will not be long before we see the Surface Dial for iPad Pro, which works great with Paint3D for the iPad.