Get to know Surface RT

Here’s a quick overview of Surface RT:

Touchscreen

Surface has a 10.6-inch (diagonal) multi-touch display, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and ClearType technology. For info about how to use touch, see Touch: tap, swipe, and beyond.

Two cameras—front and back

Use the front or rear-facing camera to capture what’s going on around you. For more info, see The Surface cameras.

Dual microphones

Surface has two internal microphones, which come in handy when making phone calls and recording videos. You can also control Surface with your voice by Using speech recognition.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas

Surface supports standard Wi-Fi protocols (802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth^® 4.0. This means that you can connect to a wireless network and use Bluetooth® devices such as mice, printers, and headsets. For Bluetooth info, see Add a Bluetooth device.

Windows button

Press the Windows button on Surface to quickly wake your Surface (same as pressing the power button). If Surface is already awake, the Windows button takes you to the Start screen. For info about power states, see Power, sleep, and wake.

Sensors

Surface has four sensors that apps can take advantage of: an ambient light sensor, an accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass.

Software

Windows RT
Windows RT is a new Windows-based operating system that's optimized for thin and light PCs that have extended battery life and are designed for life on the go. For more info, see Get to know Windows.

Office Home & Student 2013 RT
Surface comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote applications built especially for Windows RT. For more info, see Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview¹.

Apps
Surface comes with a great collection of built-in apps and there are tons more in the Windows Store. For info on installing apps, see Install and uninstall apps.

Kickstand

Surface includes a built-in kickstand so that you can be productive or kick back and have some fun.