14 DAY TRIAL // We’re only some 24 hours away from the moment Microsoft will spam us with Surface announcement, and this is without a doubt a highly-anticipated moment for Microsoft itself, partners, customers, and fanboys all over the world.
Because as it typically happens every time Microsoft holds a Surface event, new products and refreshes for existing models are very likely, and these are all supposed to spearhead the company’s hardware push going forward.
Let’s get straight to the point and see what this new event is all about.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Microsoft’s 2019 Surface event will take place on October 2 (that is tomorrow!) in New York. Don’t worry if you can’t attend it because the whole thing will be live streamed on this page.
The show begins at 10 a.m. ET, and you can check this page to convert it to your local time, regardless of where you live.
Needless to say, if you can’t watch the live streaming because of various reasons, you can always keep an eye on Twitter, with the official Microsoft account to highlight the biggest news from the show.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
This is the part where it all gets interesting. In short, here’s what you should expect: Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, ARM-powered Surface. For more details, read on.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Microsoft will take the wraps off the third-generation Microsoft Surface Laptop during the October 2 event. In terms of new features, there won’t be much changed on this new model, as most of the upgrades will happen under the hood, with new-generation hardware obviously expected.
On the other hand, the most important announcement is the one of a Surface Laptop with a 15-inch screen, which Microsoft will use to tackle the conventional laptop market more effectively.
Little is known about this model aside from its screen side, but I expect it to share the same specs with the regular sibling. There’s a rumor claiming that an AMD chip is possible on this 15-inch Surface Laptop, so some news in this regard is possible as well.
The same colors as on the current generation will be used, but people familiar with the matter suggested that some new versions might be added too. Of course, we’ll hear more about this during the event.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The next-generation Surface Pro, which has until now been the leader in terms of sales for the entire Surface lineup, will get an upgrade as well. Rumor had it that Microsoft might launch two different versions, one of which would have featured a more dramatic overhaul, but this scenario is less likely. Surface Pro 7 will be very similar with the current model, albeit some smaller improvements are expected as well.
The hardware will be refreshed too, with new-generation chips and possible more RAM and storage very likely to make way to Surface Pro 7.
The Surface Type Cover will get an upgrade as well, possibly becoming thinner and with some improvements for the touchpad.
Microsoft Surface ARM
One of the biggest announcements will be the ARM-powered Surface, which will look similar to the Surface Pro, but run on an ARM chip. This is part of Microsoft’s Windows 10 on ARM push, so it’s more of an experiment for the company.
This device will excel in terms of battery life and possibly be more affordable than the standard Surface version.
Microsoft Surface dual-screen
This is one of the most anticipated product unveilings, although very little is known about it at this point. What we know, however, is that Microsoft will use two different displays for increased screen estate in laptop and tablet modes.
Surface Pen support will obviously be offered. The dual-screen Surface, however, could make it to the show in the form of a prototype, with the product to be finalized and go on sale sometime next year. It will run Windows Lite, a slimmed down version of Windows 10 that will also get a demo at the event.
Other news
In addition to all of these, Microsoft could also announce refinements for the Surface Pen, as well as new accessories, such as keyboards and mice.
Some people suggested that an upgrade for Surface Go could be unveiled as well, but this again is less likely. Surface Book and Surface Studio are two of the models that won’t make it to the show, with an upgrade for both of them expected sometime in 2020.