The Microsoft Surface Pro tablets used by the Patriots during the AFC Championship game did not function properly due to a “technical malfunction on the sidelines,” but Microsoft was the "one that took a hit,” according to CNBC's Jon Fortt. The tablets were "quickly restored" and a Microsoft spokesperson "cited a ‘network issue’ was the source of the problem, not the tablets." Microsoft in '13 signed a five-year, $400M deal with the NFL, but until now, people have been calling them iPads in a "total Rodney Dangerfield moment -- no respect." Fortt: "When it's working, they call them iPads. As soon as there’s a problem, the Microsoft Surface Tablet.” CNBC’s Kayla Tausche said, “We will find out whether any publicity is good publicity for what Microsoft has said is the most productive device on the planet” (“Squawk Alley,” CNBC, 1/25). CNBC’s Eric Chemi noted despite the outage being from a network issue, "everyone’s blaming Microsoft." Chemi: "When your iPhones don’t work, you don’t blame Apple, you blame Verizon or AT&T. Microsoft got a bad rap there” (“Closing Bell,” CNBC, 1/25). In Chicago, Phil Rosenthal writes the tablets have become the "official scapegoat" of the Patriots following their loss. It was not until 24 hours "after the incident did the NFL say it had exonerated the sponsor, pinning the blame instead on a network cable." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy in a statement said, "We have experienced no issues with the tablets this season. Any issues were network related." But Rosenthal wrote, "Yeah. That's what people will remember. That the big advertised brand didn't screw up and worked with the people who did to fix it" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 1/26).
A COMMON PROBLEM? Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the issues with the Surface, "We have had it at home, we have had it on the road, other teams have had it, it's a fairly common problem that didn't affect the outcome of the game -- in no way. That's just part of it. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't" (MASSLIVE.com, 1/25).
