Attention all Microsoft fans! Microsoft’s annual Surface event is now complete, with a ton of huge announcements including new Surface Earbuds, Windows 10X, Surface Neo, Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3. The big surprise of the event was the new Surface Duo, a foldable phone running on Android! Here are the highlights.
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The New Surface Duo was the Big Surprise of the Event
The new Surface Duo is an Andriod-powered, foldable tablet-meets-phone. It has two 5.6 inch displays merged by a 360-degree hinge, allowing greater functionality between Windows 10 and Android than we’ve ever seen before.
As it runs on Android, it has access to the Google Play store and Microsoft are already looking for developers to create applications specifically for the Surface Duo.
It’s coming in Winter 2020, so get ready!
Windows 10X, Designed Specifically for Multiscreen Devices
Microsoft has developed a new version of Windows 10, Windows 10X. It’s designed for devices such as the Surface Neo, which have multiple screens.
According to Microsoft it can support “legacy” desktop software, not just web or Windows Store apps. This should make it more usable than previous attempts at a ‘Windows Lite’. It’s also designed to be compatible with upcoming dual screen devices from Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and more.
With Windows 10X, Microsoft are clearly signalling that they believe dual screen devices to become common in the future.
The Surface Neo
The Surface Neo is a multi-screen device that features two 9-inch displays held together by a sturdy 360-degree hinge.
There is a small gap between the screens, suggesting that Microsoft anticipate people having different tasks on each screen, rather than spreading a single window across both screens.
As with the Surface Duo, the Surface Neo is scheduled for release in Winter 2020.
The Surface Pro X, Microsoft’s New 2-in-1 Tablet
The Surface Pro X is a premium tablet, powered by a custom ARM chip.
The screen has been expanded from 12 to 13 inches, with a new rounded rather than angular feel. It’s the thinnest Surface yet, with USB-C, fast charging and a new stylus dock.
The Surface Pro X will be available from November and can be pre-ordered now.
Microsoft Joins the Wireless Earbud Race with Surface Earbuds
In contrast to Apple’s famous earbuds, Microsoft have gone for a sleek circular design for their new offering. The Surface Earbuds are designed for both music and voice performance – Microsoft are marketing them to the business as well as consumer communities, with dictation and excellent call quality.
Combined with the carry case, the earbuds have up to 24 hours of battery life. As with similar earbuds, they use tap and swipe gestures to control audio.
The Surface Earbuds will be available “later this year”.
Surface Pro 7
The latest Surface Pro edition gets several upgrades, including a move to USB-C charging. The internal processing has been upgraded with Intel’s latest generation processes, but the screen size and accessories remain the same.
The Surface Pro 7 is available from 22nd October.
Surface Laptop 3
The Surface Laptop 3 also contains a USB-C charging port and upgraded the processor. According to Microsoft it’s three times as fast as the MacBook Air.
Microsoft have also released a 15-inch model as well as the 13.5 inch model, meaning that you can now buy a bigger screen without having to splash out on the Surface Book.
The Surface Laptop 3 is also available from 22nd October.
An Exciting Roadmap Ahead for the Microsoft Surface
As has been a trademark of Microsoft under Satya Nadella, the Surface Conference has shown that Microsoft is keen to keep on innovating and pushing ahead, competing with Apple across a number of areas.
The Surface Duo and Surface Neo are expected to cause a big splash in the market and it will be interesting to see if the Surface Earbuds will soon be as visible on the streets as Apple’s AirPods!
