WEEKLY GROSS-OUT: Microsoft Surface

Undaunted by sluggish sales of the Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets, Microsoft is preparing to release a second-generation model of the device, the Surface 2. The Redmond-based technology giant has sent invitations to the media for a special event on Sept. 23 in New York, where it will unveil the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2 tablets - the updated versions of the existing Surface RT and Surface Pro models. Although the company was recently rumored to launch a Surface mini tablet soon, sources have said that such a product will not be part of the upcoming event. However, the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will feature a two-stage kickstand, but the main form factor of both new tablets is expected to be very similar to that of the current models. That doesn't even matter to me because like I always say, if it's not an Apple, it's crapple. Microsoft's products will never in a million years stack up to the pure awesomeness of Apple devices. And speaking of Apple, their invitation to an event at its Cupertino headquarters today (Pacific Daylight Time) promises to "brighten everyone's day". Shown via satellite link in Europe, the event will also be shown to a select group of guests in China. Even though the iPhone maker has said nothing about what is ahead, its vast supply chain in China has leaked enough details over the past few months that seasoned observers feel sure about what Apple has in store. There will be a top-end "iPhone 5S", looking like last year's iPhone 5, and it will be available in black, white, and "champagne" – a cross between gold and beige – which may include a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, and double-speed video capture. And then there will be a cheaper "iPhone 5C" – with the same screen size as the iPhone 5, but with a tough plastic back, and in multiple colours, including strawberry red, blue, lime green, yellow, and white. Those colours are how it aims to "brighten"; that, and the new iOS 7 software, designed by Sir Jonathan Ive, which brings more primary colours to the fore.