SlideShow: Microsoft Canada and Deadmau5 launch Surface 2 and Windows 8.1

Text and photos by Alex Davies

Earlier this week, Microsoft held the Canadian launch party for the Surface 2 and Windows 8.1 at the Kool Haus nightclub in downtown, Toronto. The event was a media presentation and reception, to be followed by a mystery ‘Special Event’ with a surprise guest.

Microsoft finally confirmed world renowned EDM artist Deadmau5, who also happens to be from Toronto, was going to perform at what Microsoft had dubbed ‘The Surface has landed’ party. Hit jump for more information on the event and a short video.

Not only was Deadmau5’s performance for media and VIP guests, but it was also a free concert for Microsoft fans, who could win tickets on Facebook, Twitter, and from Microsoft street teams that popped up around the city throughout the day. We were there, and you can check out our images* and video from the party below, many of which were taken on the new Nokia Lumia 1020 Windows Phone.

Microsoft Canada’s Henrik Gütle, Director, Windows and Surface Business Group, gave a short presentation before we were divided into groups to check out the new Surface 2, Surface 2 Pro, and the final version of Windows 8.1.

Not only did Microsoft have their new tablets on display, but they also had a small selection of Windows 8.1 devices from other vendors, and the one that caught our eye was Sony’s competitor to the Surface Pro, the VAIO Tap 11.

Microsoft canada also showed off the Surface Pro dock, which won’t be available until January, and a pre-production Surface Music Cover, which can be used by aspiring DJ’s to remix music on the Surface 2.

Deadmau5 spent a little time talking to the media about his love of technology, and his roots of being a ‘PC guy’, and how he still uses high-end Windows based computers to create his music to this day, because of their modularity, easy upgradability, and power.

Deadmau5 put on a fantastic show, with pulse pounding beats and an amazing light-show. Microsoft certainly knows how to celebrate a huge product launch.

We hope to have a Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 to test out soon, so check back soon with Canadian Reviewer for our thoughts on Microsoft’s latest tablets

*select images courtesy of Microsoft Canada