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Surface
March 30, 2023

Inaugural Designed for Surface award winners announced

The Microsoft Designed for Surface team is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Designed for Surface Partner of the Year, Product of the Year and Innovator of the Year Awards. This is the inaugural year of the new annual award program to recognize Manufacturing Partners demonstrating exceptional customer engagement, customer experience and innovation in support of Surface products.

For over a decade, Designed for Surface has worked with Partners to expand the range of accessories available to support unique consumer and commercial scenarios. Microsoft tests and certifies each Designed for Surface product for compatibility with specified Surface devices. We are dedicated to empowering every customer to experience Surface by meeting their specific needs through certified accessories developed by trusted manufacturers.

Finalists and winners for the awards were selected from nominations received by the Designed for Surface team. Candidates for Partner of the Year were judged based on customer engagement, the impact of their product line on the market and range of support for Surface products. The winner, Urban Armor Gear (UAG), is renowned for its high-performing rugged cases and exceptional customer service. “Our partnership over the past eight years with the Designed for Surface Team at Microsoft has allowed our company to grow tremendously. This award is very special to the entire UAG Team and we greatly appreciate the recognition of some amazing team work,” said Mike Estey, vice president of Sales Enterprise for UAG.

Man entering data into a tablet PC in a manufacturing facility

Designed for Surface Partner of the Year, Urban Armor Gear (UAG), is dedicated to providing rugged and reliable cases and accessories for professionals in the workplace.

The Designed for Surface Product of the Year is Kensington’s USB-C Docking Station. This docking station for USB-C enabled Surface devices was able to consistently meet customers’ needs among many of the supply chain challenges of the past year. Kensington developed this high-performing dock to offer connections to three monitors, keep Surface devices charged, support USB connected accessories and offer an ultra-fast 10 Gbps data transfer speed with a single USB-C connection.  “Customers love the SD4845P Docking Station because it provides them with a simple single cable connection to a powerful workstation with up to three monitors, ultra-fast data transfer speeds and fast charging, while still supporting one of the Surface’s best features–the ability to pick up and go with ease,” stated Kensington’s Louie Yao, director of Global Product Management.

Kensington’s USB-C Docking Station

Designed for Surface Product of the Year, Kensington’s USB-C Docking Station.

Kensington’s USB-C Docking Station in a desktop setup with Microsoft Surface

Kensington’s USB-C Docking Station is shown on a desktop setup with Microsoft Surface Pro 8.

After beginning on Kickstarter ten years ago, the Designed for Surface Innovator of the Year, Brydge, has continued to inspire as they’ve grown to serve over a million customers in thousands of retailers around the globe. Their Brydge SP Max+ Case transforms the Surface Pro 8 into a laptop with a protective, rugged case, providing a unique experience to Surface customers in consumer and commercial scenarios.

Photo showing how Brydge makes it possible for Surface customers to transition seamlessly between tablet and laptop with just one click

Designed for Surface Innovator of the Year, Brydge, makes it possible for Surface customers to transition seamlessly between tablet and laptop with just one click.

Brydge SP MAX+ laptop mode

The Brydge SP MAX+ offers a unique design that is sturdy and supportive, giving you the freedom to work where you want.

“We are amazed and humbled by the innovation, partnership and customer service demonstrated by our award winners,” said Patrick Mendenall, director, Designed for Surface, Microsoft. “All of our partners bring thoughtful solutions to complex business challenges and offer an important bridge between the core Surface product and unique customer scenarios. Congratulations to the winners on this tremendous achievement.”