Microsoft Responds to Bill Belichick's Negative Comments About Surface Tablets [UPDATE]

[UPDATE] In the wake of the Belichick's decision not to use Surface tablets, Microsoft has published an in-depth blog post from executive Yusuf Mehdi that talks about the ongoing "debate on the role of technology in the NFL."

"Every game is different--with some teams living by their Surface for critical plays at key moments--and others using them to blow off steam by banging their head on them. Like the players in the NFL, Surface keeps going--helping teams use technology to their competitive advantage," Mehdi said.

The post also features positive comments about the Surface from NFL QBs Drew Brees and Russell Wilson, as well as LA Rams defensive backs coach Brandon Fisher.

One of Belichick's critiques about the Surface tablet functionality is that can be "too undependable." Mehdi responded to this as well, talking about the tricky nature of getting the technology working.

"Consider the office environment of the NFL--an action-packed 8,000-square-feet sideline full of players, coaches, team personnel, media, cheerleaders, and equipment," he said. "Bringing technology to any new environment is a complex job--but the NFL sidelines are among the most intricate, visible and stressful. When teams enter a stadium each week, the IT teams assess power sources, network connectivity strength and availability, potential extreme weather conditions, and the range of tech familiarity and acumen of coaches and players."

Finally, there is also a quote from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

"We are proud of our relationship with Microsoft. We think they have a great product and they've done a great job in advancing technology into our game and influencing our game," he said. "It is changing the game. It's changing for the better."

Read the full blog post here.

The original story is below.

During a press conference this week, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke out against the Microsoft Surface tablets that he uses on the sideline during NFL games. In short, he said he's not going to use them anymore, in part because he finds them to be "too undependable" and faulty.

Belichick, known for not saying much during his media obligations, actually spent almost five-and-a-half minutes explaining why he is "done with the tablets."

"They're just too undependable for me. I'm going to stick with pictures, which several of our other coaches do as well, because there just isn't enough consistency in the performance of the tablets," he said, according to NESN reporter Zack Cox. "I just can't take it anymore. I just have given it my best shot. I've tried to work through the process. But it just doesn't work for me, and that's because there's no consistency to it."

During the Patriots-Bills game earlier this month, Belichick slammed a Microsoft Surface tablet. It's not clear what prompted this, but it was a very rough game overall for the Pats, losing 16-0 in Week 4.

In a statement to GameSpot sister site CNET, Microsoft said it respects Belichick's decision, and also claimed others in the professional football league are happy with their tablets.

"We respect Coach Belichick's decision, but stand behind the reliability of Surface," a spokesperson said. "We continue to receive positive feedback on having Surface devices on the sidelines from coaches, players, and team personnel across the league."

Microsoft reportedly paid the NFL $400 million over five years to have its Surface tablets featured in NFL games.