Windows 11 is scheduled for full release on October 5, but just two weeks away, this Wednesday, September 22, Microsoft has scheduled a virtual press event to discuss "Devices and Windows 11."
Given the timing, it is expected to be a showcase for the new Surface devices that will be launched with Windows 11, just in time for the fall shopping season. This means that the rumored Surface Pro 8, the supposedly redesigned Surface Book 4, and the Surface Duo 2 could be announced during the event.
The Surface showcase kicks off this Wednesday, September 22 at 11 AM Eastern/8 AM Pacific, and Tom's Guide will be covering it live. You should also be able to watch the stream in your browser from Microsoft's event page.
As for what to expect, we have a pretty good guess as to what is on the agenda, but we will have to wait until Wednesday. Here is what we think Microsoft has in store for this big September event.
Windows 11 is the most certain prediction we can make, as it is arguably Microsoft's biggest product announcement in years. It is directly mentioned in the event invitation and is certain to run on every Microsoft device we see this week.
Of course, that's why we don't expect to see a lot of new Windows 11 information coming out of this week's event. Microsoft just gave a big preview of the OS in June, and many early adopters have been using the Windows 11 beta for some time. [Highlights include a new Start menu with rounded corners, productivity features such as snap layouts for running multiple apps, new widgets, and Microsoft Teams integration.
Microsoft probably won't spend a lot of time delving into Windows 11 features. However, the focus this week will likely be on new hardware.
Microsoft's promotion of this week's event may give us a hint of what we can expect to see announced. The teaser image on the event page closely resembles a Surface laptop, and this is not the detachable display seen on the 2020 Surface Book 3, but the Surface Book 4, which has been teased with a radical redesign that could include a hinged screen. This could be a hint that we are finally witnessing its debut.
If that rumor comes to fruition, the upcoming Surface Book could be an attractive device for artists and creators looking for a 2-in-1 laptop/tablet that can be set up like an easel, like the Surface Studio 2.
The long-anticipated Surface Pro 8 may finally arrive as Microsoft's Surface flagship device for Windows 11.
Unlike the rumored Surface Book 4, the upcoming Surface Pro will not look significantly different from the current version. Instead, Microsoft will likely make minor improvements, including thinner bezels, a larger display, boosting the CPU to the latest 11th generation Intel chips, and adding Thunderbolt 4 support.
There are also leaks suggesting that the Surface Pro 8 will have a 120Hz display and removable SSD like the Surface Laptop 4.
We expect the Surface Duo 2 to be announced this year, and this week's Microsoft Surface event seems like the perfect time for that to happen. Photos of this purported Surface Duo 2 have already surfaced online, revealing the same dual-screen clamshell design as the original Duo, with an improved triple camera array.
If everything we are hearing proves true, this Duo 2 will feature much better hardware than the original (underpowered) Duo, including a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and NFC communication for wireless payments Id.
The Surface Pro X launched to moderate fanfare in 2019, but this ARM-powered Surface 2-in-1 has since been regularly overshadowed by its more powerful siblings in the Surface family.
However, with a year having passed since the 2020 Pro X launch, this week's Surface event will be the obvious place for Microsoft to announce an upgraded Surface Pro X. But even if it does, don't expect significant design changes. At best, a Surface Pro X 2021 with updated components and an improved display will be announced, perhaps with the same 120Hz refresh rate as the new Surface Pro 8
Last but not least, at Microsoft's event this week a new Surface Go tablet could be announced. We quite liked the Surface Go 2 and named it one of the best tablets you can buy, thanks to its impressive battery life, 1080p webcam, and impressive screen.
Even if we do see a successor announced this week, we expect the Surface Go 3 to be a modest upgrade over the current model. No flashy redesigns or new features are expected. Upgraded internals (including at least a possible 11th generation Intel Core i3 option) and an improved screen would be the best we could hope for. But of course hope is eternal, and we would love to see an 11th generation Intel Core i5 CPU option and more RAM and storage options.
Of course, we'll have to wait and see what Microsoft has planned for the Surface showcase on September 22. We expect to see some or all of the devices mentioned above, but we could also see something totally unexpected. Stay tuned to our coverage of all things Microsoft to find out.
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