Major updates are being made by Microsoft to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines, including enhanced designs, new features, and next-generation technology.
Surface devices seem to be disappearing from Microsoft's interest. Earlier, the departure of Panos Panay made Microsoft cancel some experimental devices. Officially, the company stated that it remains committed to Surface, and Panos Panay's departure doesn't change that. But in 2023, the Redmond firm has paid very little attention to new Surface devices, and didn't even shown off some of them at the fall event. Finally, the announced devices differ slightly from their predecessors.
But Surface Pro 10 и Surface Laptop 6 are a different story. A new report reveals that Microsoft is working on a significant update to these devices. Both should get an improved design, new features, and the latest 14th-generation Intel and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors. Microsoft may introduce them in the spring of 2024. They will also become the first company's computers of a new generation with artificial intelligence.
Updated Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
The focus will be on ARM as Microsoft plans to offer Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with both Intel and ARM processor variants, equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The ARM models are expected to utilize a modified Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processor.
Internally at Microsoft, the new generation ARM-based devices are referred to as "CADMUS" computers. These devices are being developed for the upcoming version of Windows, codenamed Hudson Valley, and are poised to leverage new AI-powered features that Microsoft aims to introduce in Windows by 2024.
Microsoft claims that the "CADMUS" devices will be capable of competing with Apple Silicon-based solutions, boasting similar battery life, performance, and security features. The Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are slated to be among the first "CADMUS" devices to be released next year, preceding the launch of the Windows Hudson Valley in fall 2024.
Surface Laptop 6
Еhe new generation of Surface Laptop will receive an updated design with thinner frames around the screen, rounded display corners and more ports. Note that the design of the Surface Laptop line will change for the first time.
Like before, Surface Laptop 6 will be available in two sizes. The more compact version will have a 13.8-inch screen, while its predecessor had a 13.5-inch display. The second version will still be equipped with a 15-inch screen.
The Surface Laptop 6 will also have more ports. It is expected that the new product will receive two USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a magnetic port for charging Surface Connect. Also, there will be a touchpad with haptic feedback, most like with Sensel technology, and a special Copilot button on the keyboard.
Microsoft wants the Surface Laptop 6 to become a worthy competitor to the Apple MacBook Air.
Surface Pro 10
The upcoming anniversary edition of the Surface Pro is expected to receive a significant update, although not as drastic as the changes anticipated for the Surface Laptop. Reports suggest that the Surface Pro 10 will feature a brighter display with HDR support, a new anti-glare coating, and rounded screen corners.
Microsoft is currently testing a version of the Surface Pro 10 with a lower screen resolution of 2160x1440, as opposed to the 2880x1920 resolution. However, this adjustment is only being considered for the more affordable iterations of the tablet, as flagship models will continue to offer a higher resolution display.
The Surface Pro 10 is also rumored to include an NFC reader, likely available on business models exclusively, and a wide-angle webcam that supports Windows Studio Effects. Additionally, the device may be offered in a variety of new colors. The Type Cover keyboard could also see updates, including a dedicated button to launch Copilot.
Notably, the Surface Pro 10 featuring the new ARM processor from Qualcomm is expected to deliver significantly improved performance compared to its predecessor. It has the potential to rival the capabilities of the MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
So, in 2024, Microsoft's full attention will be focused on the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. Of course, the company may well release an updated version of the Surface Laptop Go, but there is no information about this yet.
More to come
Additionally, Microsoft is considering releasing Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models for business that will retain the design of the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 9, but will be powered by 14th-generation Intel processors and a number of other improvements. But there is no certainty yet that such a decision will be made.
Microsoft is also reportedly working on a more global design update for the Surface Pro line, which we could see in late 2025. There is no information about possible changes yet. But there are rumors about the creation of an 11-inch Surface Pro model, which will exist in parallel with the classic 13-inch version.
The next generation of Surface Laptop Studio is planned for late 2025. There is little information about it yet, but it seems that Microsoft wants to release the device in versions with Intel and ARM processors.
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