Recently I attended a private morning preview at the new Microsoft Specialty Store in Times Square.

Please Note: I was invited as media to preview this event. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

The store was closed to the public so I really had a chance to get some hands-on time with the new Surface tablet, learn more about SmartGlass technology with XBox 360, and check out the other Windows 8 devices found in the store.

I learned about it's features and family privacy settings. Check out my video showing all the different uses of the Surface Tablet and Windows 8 operating system.

Demo of Microsoft Surface Tablet



I also saw a demo for the Xbox SmartGlass, which is an app for Android (Yes!), Apple iOS, Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other portable devices that connects phones, PCs and tablets with your Xbox 360 console to make your entertainment smarter and more interactive.


Xbox SmartGlass enhances a number of video games, as well as other forms of entertainment. For example, while watching a show or movie on your TV via Xbox, SmartGlass can automatically pull up information about what you're watching including casting, episodes, and commentary. You can also view and navigate your favorite websites on your TV, manage music playlists, and share socially.

Once done with the demos I went to check out all the cool things you can do on the Surface Tablet. One cool app I spend time learning was Fresh Paint, which lets you draw or retouch images.

The App features a palette and easel where you can pick, blend and mix colors as well as pick templates to "color" in. You can "paint" with the app using the touch screen or a special brush that also serves as stylus.

Microsoft Pop-up Store will be open to the public through the holidays, where visitors can learn more about the Surface Tablet and upgrading their personal computers, tablets and other devices to Windows 8.

Learn more, visit - www.surface.com

Learn more and download, visit - www.xbox.com/en-US/smartglass