14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft was expected to hold a hardware event in October that would witness the introduction of its new-generation Surface and Band models, but the latest rumors claim that this is only partially true.
As we’ve told you earlier today, Microsoft is indeed planning an October hardware event, possibly on October 26, but as compared to last year, the company only intends to take the wraps off a single device, and that could be the all-new Surface PC.
Last year, Microsoft launched the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, the Surface Book, the Surface Pro 4, and the Microsoft Band 2 during the same hardware event in October, so it was believed that the company would do the same this year for the new generations.
New event planned for spring 2017
But word has got out that Microsoft will only debut the new PC this year, holding back the unveiling of the Microsoft Band 3, the Surface Book 2, and the Surface Pro 5 until spring 2017. At that point, Microsoft could also present the new Surface Phone too, but rumors in this regard are still contradictory at the moment, with some sources claiming that Microsoft is already considering delaying the mobile device until late 2017 or early 2018.
As far as the new models are concerned, it was believed that the Band 3 could come with an improved design, interchangeable bands, and waterproofing. Microsoft’s Panos Panay even teased a white Band earlier this year, so the company is either planning to launch new colors or offer interchangeable bands.
The Surface Book 2 could also get a new hinge, as Microsoft wants to address the long-criticized gap that allowed dust to slip in between the keyboard and the screen. Hardware upgrades are obviously very likely, but these could depend on the release of the device.
Certainly, these are all rumors for the time being, so it’s better to treat them with a certain amount of skepticism until Microsoft releases the official announcements.