14 DAY TRIAL // In addition to the Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft also announced a major upgrade for the Surface Pro X, the ARM-powered device that the company originally introduced last October.
The Surface Pro X is getting a new configuration that is powered by an upgraded custom Microsoft chip (also based on Qualcomm’s processors) that is called SQ 2 and which according to the company is the fastest processor in its class.
That’s a bold claim, there’s no doubt about that, and given we’re talking about ARM power here, this is an important achievement, as Microsoft needs to make sure that the performance of the Surface Pro X is on par with the one of its Intel and AMD-powered devices.
“Surface Pro X brings you the best of today’s web-first experiences like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Edge, Netflix, Spotify and more, while supporting thousands of the existing Windows apps you know and love today like Google Chrome, Firefox and WhatsApp. We are also excited about the momentum we are seeing from key app partners embracing Windows 10 on ARM, taking advantage of the power and performance benefits of Microsoft SQ 1 and SQ 2 processors to bring new experiences to all Surface Pro X customers,” Microsoft explains.
One big change coming to this new Surface Pro X is the supposed for running x64 apps with emulation, a feature that Microsoft says is supposed to go live later this year.
x64 support coming to the Surface Pro X is due in November, and Microsoft says there’s more to come to the new version of the device.
Microsoft is currently allowing users to try out x64 emulation as part of the Windows Insider program, and you can register to get access on this page.
“We’ve made Microsoft Edge faster and announced a new version of Microsoft Teams optimized for Windows on ARM. We will also expand support for running x64 apps with x64 emulation, starting to roll out later this year. For developers, Visual Studio code has been updated to run natively. For organizations, we’re committed to help you ensure your apps work with Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 Apps on ARM64 devices with App Assure with Fast Track,” the company explains.
The Surface Pro X is all about battery life, and Microsoft says this refreshed model should be able to provide up to 15 hours per charge.
The Surface Pro X is available from $999, but the new configurations can be yours from $1499.99. There are new colors for the Signature Keyboard too, namely Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red.
The rest of the specs are unchanged on the Surface Pro X, so the device still comes with a 13-inch display with a 2880x1920 pixels resolution, up to 512GB of storage, and the same connectivity options that include two USB-C ports, one Surface Connector Port, one Surface Keyboard port, one nano SIM slot for on-the-go Internet connectivity.
The new chip version comes with an Adreno 690 GPU.
“Surface Pro X is the thinnest and most connected 2:1 we’ve ever shipped and we’re excited to deliver these new experiences at a time when connectivity has never been more top of mind. Access to fast, reliable bandwidth to support remote learning and working for multiple people in a household has become challenging for many. With ultra-fast Gigabit LTE connectivity, Surface Pro X users always have a direct connection on demand – even if their kids are on Xbox or their roommate is on a video call,” Microsoft says.
The new model is available for pre-order today and the shipping is projected to start on October 13.
