It seems like Microsoft really has a thing for surprises. The tech giant has recently sent out invitations to its Windows 10 devices launch event, set for October 6 at the Skylight at Moynihan Station in New York City. The upcoming event comes after Microsoft’s disappointing stint at the IFA in Berlin, Germany earlier this month.
Microsoft’s invitation has made no mention of what devices the company will unveil, but reports suggest that the Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL smartphones, as well as the new Microsoft Band, will be introduced. Also, the most anticipated hybrid laptop/tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, will possibly be rolled out during the event.
Undeniably, the launch of Windows 10 has a lot to do with the anticipation for the Surface Pro 4. The latest operating system was launched back in July and has been well received by users.
Windows 10 has been a triumph for Microsoft as more than 70 million people have already upgraded their devices to the latest version of the company’s flagship operating system. The latest OS comes with a lot of improvements over its predecessor, the Windows 8.
Windows 10’s feature called Continuum, that allows users to easily switch between desktop mode and tablet mode, is probably one of big changes users evidently saw from the latest operating system.
With Apple launching its iPad Pro earlier this month, Microsoft is clearly toughening up the competition with its latest offering – the Surface Pro 4. Apple’s latest tablet offering features a 12.9-inch screen, a huge leap in terms of display size from its previous iPad models.
The Cupertino-based company will officially release the iPad Pro to the markets in November and will be available in three variants: Wi-Fi models only carrying 32GB or 128GB of storage spaces, and a 128GB model with a cellular connection.
Despite Apple’s recent announcement, Surface Pro 4 is still generating a lot of attention and excitement, but it was not always the case with its predecessors. The first two versions of the device were far from being successful for the tech firm.
According to Cubiclane, the original Surface Pro, released in February 2013, as well as its successor, Surface Pro 2, released early last year, were not well received by the public in general as well as tech reviewers.
Things took a turn for the better when the Surface Pro 3 was released in June 2014. The third generation in the Surface Pro series came with a lot of improvements and was ultimately a hit in the market. The Surface Pro 3 became very popular with professionals and students who are looking for a device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet.
With Surface Pro 3 being the ultimate game changer, Microsoft sure was up for a lot of work when they announced the Surface Pro 4. But it looks like the Washington-based company has outdone itself once again.
Tech Times hints that the upcoming device will likely be a spitting image of its predecessor. Microsoft has already confirmed that the Surface Pro 4 will keep the general form factor and charging mechanism as that of the Surface Pro 3. This is principally for businesses who have already invested and made a good profit out of things like charging stations.
Of course, improvements and changes to the device are necessary. TechNews Today reports that the latest Surface Pro will be running on Windows 10 and will be offered in two variants: the 12-inch model, which is similar to the Surface Pro 3, and the 14-inch model.
Microsoft also reportedly tweaked the resolution of their latest Surface Pro device. It’s also likely that during the October 6 event, the company will unveil a lighter and slimmer Surface Pro 4 as most users would find it more convenient.
There’s one odd omission on Surface: no headphone dongle control support for you! Apparently some Bluetooth headphone controls work; but why should consumers have to fuss with one more piece of junk that needs constant recharging, when wired earbuds and headphones with dongle controls are ubiquitous?
If you’re used to using your oh-so-handy wired headphone dongle for phone/Skype/music/volume controls, you’re out of luck with Surface. Inquiries to Microsoft through multiple channels basically got me blank stares: dongle controls are dumb! Why would you want dongle controls?!
Sure, Apple has a stupid patent on their headphone controls, but can’t MS and Apple come to an agreement? After all, hell has frozen over and MS now has Office on iPad. Surely MS can figure out a way to support dongle controls. MS is going to great, glitzy lengths to convince buyers Surface is a capable replacement for their Apple product–but how could they have missed out on one of the most convenient, user-friendly features of all time? Sign me baffled.