Microsoft is sending out press invitations for an event scheduled for Oct. 2. Though the invitation for the Microsoft event includes no details on what we might see there, it is widely expected that the company will use the stage to launch the new Surface Pro and other Surface products, alongside new cloud services.
Here’s what we expect from the new Surface Pro
Microsoft’s press invitation includes only the statement “a moment of your time,” but experts and analysts believe we may get to see an updated version of the Microsoft Surface Pro at the event. Previous reports have also hinted at a release sometime after the middle of this year. The last Pro model came out in May 2017.
Microsoft itself hinted at the launch of the new Surface Pro as it started preparations to welcome the new model by clearing out current inventory of the current model. The company recently offered noticeable price cuts on the Surface Pro. Such a sale is usually carried out with the objective of clearing out inventory ahead of the release of the new hardware.
As far as expected changes, the new Microsoft Surface Pro will likely be very similar to the 2017 model. Reports indicate that the new Surface Pro will feature the latest chip, faster memory, and better wireless and 4G technology. No changes are expected on the design front.
Other products expected at the Microsoft event
In addition to the new Surface Pro, the company may also announce a new Surface laptop at the event. The Surface laptop, which was added to Microsoft’s lineup only last year, was launched in May 2017. Users must not expect a major upgrade other than improvements in processing power.
The updated Surface Laptop might also get an eighth-generation Intel processor and new USB-C ports. The current version has Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect power, a docking port, a USB 3.0 port and a Mini DisplayPort. It must be noted that Intel only recently announced its new eighth-generation mobile processors at IFA.
Another Surface-branded product expected to be unveiled at the October Microsoft event is a set of headphones. Some reports are also hinting at an updated version of the Surface Studio, which was launched in October 2016, and a new Surface Book. A Surface Go with LTE may also be announced during the event. Microsoft previously has said the LTE variant will come in the fall. There are also chances the company will start shipping it directly without revealing it at a launch event.
Microsoft has also been revealing its next Windows 10 update features, so we may see some of them at the Microsoft event as well. The company might also use the stage to talk about the Surface Hub 2 — the next generation of its giant conference room displays. The Surface Hub 2 is expected to come next year.
Moreover, one must not be surprised if Microsoft reveals something related to the Xbox. The company has recently been focusing on fitting gaming into its product line-up and strategy.
Will we see a Surface Phone?
The Microsoft Surface Phone has been in rumors for years now, and it is believed it will remain so for more years at least. The first Surface Phone rumors came in 2012, and since then, there have been various leaks from time to time. The most recent rumor about a Surface Phone came last year. It was about a Microsoft patent for a foldable device.
Additionally, there are reports that Microsoft has totally revamped the Surface Phone, so the final version won’t be ready for years to come. Some also say Microsoft has dropped the idea of a Surface Phone under Satya Nadella’s leadership, as he is focused on expanding the company’s software and services onto iOS and Android.
Microsoft’s earlier attempts to make a mark in the smartphone industry failed miserably. However, with the Surface lineup, the company has proven it can make popular hardware which has the capability to woo high-end users. It remains to be seen if the company can bring the same finesse to a phone.
The Microsoft event is set for 4 p.m. on Oct. 2 in New York City. This will be a very busy season in terms of tech announcements. Apple is expected to launch three new iPhones at an event scheduled for Sept. 12, while Google is expected to reveal new Pixel phones on Oct. 9 at an event in New York.
