14 DAY TRIAL // As part of its effort to become a more important player in the hardware business, Microsoft is gearing up for unveiling exciting new products, which according to a new report, could take place in October.
We all knew that Microsoft was working on several new devices, but no release date has been available until now, yet according to Chinese website WPDang, Redmond is preparing a huge event that would take place in just 2 months.
So basically, Microsoft is setting up just one event to introduce all its new devices, thus proving that it's indeed very keen on remaining in the hardware business with its premium products, including Surface tablets and new phones.
Interestingly, Microsoft more or less adopts Apple's strategy, which also uses a single, yearly event to take the wraps off its new devices, including MacBooks, iPhones, and smartwatches. This year, Apple's event takes place on September 9.
What to expect from Microsoft's October event
As mentioned, Microsoft might adopt a strategy similar to Apple's, and instead of hosting separate events for each of its new devices, it could go for a single press conference that would witness the unveiling of all of them.
So in October Microsoft could introduce new flagship phones running Windows 10 Mobile, the new Surface Pro 4, and Microsoft Band 2.
The Surface Pro 4 is already in the works, there's no doubt about it, despite the fact that Microsoft's keeping all details secret for now. And yet, the recent discounts for the Surface Pro 4 could be a sign that Microsoft is trying to clear out inventories ahead of the new device expected to arrive later this year.
The Surface Pro 4 is likely to follow the same “laptop replacement” path and reach the market at premium prices, which means that the top model could cost around $2,000.
As far as specifications go, rumor has it that the Pro 4 would come with Intel's new Skylake lineup of processors, up to 16 GB of RAM, a choice of two display versions (12-inch and 14-inch), up to 1 TB of storage space, and the same digital pen as the Pro 3.
Lumia Cityman and Lumia Talkman
Microsoft has already confirmed that new Windows phones flagships would arrive sometime this year, but again no timing has been provided.
And yet, it's believed that the flagships will be the Lumia Talkman and Lumia Cityman, often referred to as Lumia 940/950 and Lumia 940 XL/950 XL, respectively.
The Talkman is likely to come with a 5.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1440x2560 pixels and a new Snapdragon processor that would be specifically optimized for performance and longer battery life. 3 GB of RAM will be there for enhanced performance, while at least 32 GB of internal storage space will be offered, too.
Additionally, Microsoft will equip the new Talkman with a 20-megapixel camera with PureView tech, but also with a 3,000 mAh battery for better battery life. USB Type-C is likely to be offered for easy connectivity, and so is an iris scanner for Windows Hello biometric authentication feature.
The Cityman, on the other hand, might come with similar specs but feature instead a 5.7-inch display and a 3,300 mAh battery – it has a larger display, so a bigger battery is also needed.
The second-generation Band is said to already be in testing across Europe, and while we do not know much about the device, this thing proves that Microsoft might intend to launch it internationally from the very beginning.
The first Band was only available in the United States, so with the new model, Microsoft might be aiming at bigger sales from the very beginning.
In terms of improvements, it's believed the Band 2 would get an improved screen and slightly changed design for increased comfort.
Note that this story is based on rumors, so don't take anything for granted until Microsoft confirms the details you find here.