14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is expected to launch the new-generation Surface Pro and Surface Book in the spring of 2017, but until then, the company could come up with something that is even more exciting.
A report from Digitimes and citing “industry sources” claims that Microsoft plans to release a Surface all-in-one PC sometime this year. This is because the company is looking to kill two birds with one stone: expand the Surface lineup with the addition of a new model and offer a desk alternative to the Surface Book, which will continue to be marketed as a portable productivity machine for those who are always on the go.
The same report claims that the new Surface PC could arrive in the third quarter of 2016 “at the earliest,” so if this information is indeed true and Microsoft is working on an AIO device, then it could very well be delayed and introduced with the other revamped Surface models in early 2017.
Becoming an Apple rival
With this new type of PC, Microsoft is also trying to compete against Apple, as Cupertino is said to be the leading company in the AIO market, but also with Lenovo, which continues to experience strong sales in this business. On the other hand, Lenovo is already one of the key Microsoft partners, so it will be interesting to see how the company looks at this new face of the software giant, given the fact that it can turn from friend to foe.
But it goes without saying that conquering the desk could really make sense for Microsoft, especially because hardware is becoming a priority for the company. The Surface lineup is growing every year with new models, and in addition to the standard Pro and Book models, Microsoft could also launch the aforementioned AIO, as well as a phone built by the same team headed by Panos Panay.
All these details are still in the rumor stage for the time being, so don’t take anything for granted until Microsoft actually provides an official announcement in this regard.