It’s been previously suggested that Microsoft is postponing any hardware release until the roll out of “Redstone 2”, which is scheduled to land in early 2017. This is the second major update for Windows 10 that follows the Anniversary Update arriving on August 2nd. However, the information points out that any kind of hardware launch for spring 2017 is no longer in the company’s plans. According to the report, Microsoft is planning to host a hardware event — similar to the previous Windows 10 Devices event — during fall 2016 timeframe. At this event the company could be launching a new hardware refresh for its Surface line. However, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. We still don’t know what kind of hardware Microsoft is planning to launch. It could easily be a “Surface 4”, as we now know that the production for the Surface 3 has already stopped. Recent rumors also indicate that the company is close to release a “Microsoft Band 3”, as many users are having a lot issues with the current version of the fitness tracker, such as the band splitting and tearing. Perhaps, we may see a new iteration of the band this year. Maybe even a fitness tracker running Windows 10, as we know that the Band 2 runs a custom firmware.
Will Microsoft be launching a “Surface Pro 5” or “Surface Book 2” in 2016?
This is very unlikely. These new devices depend on the availability of Intel’s Kaby Lake processors, which will be coming next year, as such these new iteration of Surface may not be available until holiday 2017.
How about the Surface Phone?
Then there is the “Surface Phone”, which we know is a device in development. Microsoft will be aiming this new handset carrying the Surface brand for business customers, and it’s likely the new phone will use ARM, instead of Intel processors. In addition, the new Surface phone won’t be a device that Microsoft plans to put in the market to compete against consumer’s phones from Apple and Android.
And the Surface AiO?
Microsoft is also rumored to be developing an iMac killer also carrying the Surface brand. Current information suggests that it’s an all-in-one PC running Windows 10 with an elegant design for the living room. But similar to the new line of Surface devices, the Surface AiO will heavily depend on the availability of the new 14-nanometer Kady Lake processor from Intel. Seeing that many of the new devices depend on new hardware coming later next year and the release of Windows 10 “Redstone 2”, Microsoft could be simply planning to launch some new Surface hardware, and making the event focus on new Windows 10 devices from partners. While this information has been building up for quite sometime, and rumors come from reliable sources, we have to keep in mind that Microsoft hasn’t officially announced anything. As such, plans can always change. What device would like to see this year from Microsoft? Tell us in the comments below. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
