Microsoft unboxed on Monday the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 in New York. However, tech experts appear not impressed by the two devices, whose predecessors bombed at the cash register.

Surface 2, a next-gen of the Surface RT, is quite similar to its predecessor, pointed out Techcrunch, but has across-the-board improvements. Battery life is longer by 25 per cent, it features are new processor - the NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip - which improved speed and graphical performance.

Also notable is its kickstand with a second, deeper angle that makes using the tablet on the lap simpler, its silver magnesium case that resists fingerprint and sturdier and improved cameras for better support in low-light settings.

The price is also more affordable, beginning at $449.

The Web site said the Surface 2 could be a device users could enjoy if the find Windows 8.1 mature and sufficient for everyday use, and if the Windows Store has enough apps available.

Techcrunch found the upgrades to Surface 2 broad and various, but those for the Surface Pro 2 targeted and vertical.

The Web site noted the 60 per cent improvement in its battery life, plus upgrades in its Haswell generation of Intel chips and the new kickstand position which works.

While the Surface Pro 2 may appear like its predecessor in terms of size and weight, the next-gen lasts longer and is faster if the owner kits it properly. Price begins at $899.

The two devices come with freebies such as a 200-gigabyte SkyDrive storage and a year of Skype service, including international calling.

Also unboxed is the new Touch cover that as 14 times as many sensors as its predecessor, plus firmware upgrades. It is also lighter and thinner than the old Touch Cover and is backlit.

ZDNET considers the new releases another path toward a financial sinkhole for Microsoft since its latest device and even services business model "are a case of skating to the puck where it used to be and not where it's going."

The Web site pointed out that Microsoft's purchase of Nokia and its launch of 2 more Surface models despite the sales failure of the previous Surface tablets show the desire of Microsoft to be vertically integrated by owning hardware and software.

But such optimal business model is now passé and few companies like Apple could get away with it. Techcrunch said Microsoft is doing the exact wrong thing at the exact wrong time.

"Perhaps it's time for Microsoft to leave hardware to the professionals also known as the ecosystem it's annoying with the Surface. Surface isn't going to woo the masses. Nokia currently isn't wooing the masses either. Microsoft has the money to continue to fight, but needs a hit desperately," Techcrunch wrote.

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