Here's How Microsoft's NFL Surface Tablets Are Supposed To Work

/**/ /**/

New England Patriots fans were devastated at the end of Sunday’s loss to Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos, and Microsoft couldn’t be feeling much better after the Patriots' Microsoft Surface tablets lost network service during the game’s first half – a malfunction mentioned on air multiple times during the CBS nationwide broadcast.

So how are the special edition NFL Surface tablets supposed to work? CRNtv received a demonstration last year from Microsoft, which showed that the tablets are built to withstand temperatures between 120 degrees to minus-10 degrees Farenheit.

The tablets are meant to replace the ink-and-paper method long used on the sidelines and in booths, which New England coaches had to turn to as backup during Sunday’s game. The NFL strictly limits the technology allowed on NFL sidelines, so for years coaches have relied on printouts. With the Microsoft tablets, coaches can see instant replays of each down during the game, and coaches can write on and scroll between instant pictures.

id
unit-1659132512259
type
Sponsored post

All of the tablets are meant to be connected to a secure Wi-Fi network so coaches and players can access, share and save notes and annotations made on the tablets. The Broncos' access to that network was unaffected during New England’s malfunction.