MICROSOFT POP-UP KIOSK WILL HAVE XBOX, HALO 4, WINDOWS 8 IN ADDITION TO SURFACE TABLET, MICROSOFT EMPLOYEE SAYS - EXCLUSIVE!

BETHESDA KIOSK

NOW MANNED

AND TAKING

SURFACE PREORDERS

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Breaking news, direct from a Microsoft employee:  Contrary to mass media reports, and in defiance of the space limitations at Microsoft's pop-up kiosks, the kiosks won't just be featuring the Surface tablet on October 26.

Microsoft pop-up kiosk at Westfield
Montgomery Mall in Bethesda Friday

The employee said that shoppers can expect to not only see Windows 8 at the temporary mall structures, but XBOX and Master Chief, as well.

That's right, Halo 4 will be out November 6, and the employee promised a big marketing push from Microsoft.  And one part of that will be the game's appearance at the kiosks.

One disappointing note:  it does not sound like Westfield Montgomery will be having a midnight opening on October 26 for the Surface launch.  The employee said the kiosk would open at 10 AM.  Boo!

Let's hope that is not true.

In conclusion, while there was much muttering and disappointment over the pop-ups being tiny kiosks, instead of actual stores, it would seem the mall stands will be offering an array of Microsoft products in spite of their small size.