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A smaller Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro and Surface Laptop could debut this spring. Microsoft is gearing up to ship two new versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro that have smaller displays, designed to be lighter and more portable for people looking for a more travel-friendly PC. Both devices will be premium products, and feature display sizes roughly around 11- or 12-inches, my sources say. I first reported on Microsoft’s smaller Surface Pro way back in December 2023, and last month I was able to confirm that the company was also working on a smaller Surface Laptop as well. I hear both devices are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. I understand that Microsoft intends to begin shipping these smaller Surface PCs in the April/May timeframe. The company is already expected to unveil new Surface for Business hardware on January 30, but I'm unsure if that's when the smaller devices will be announced, or if they'll be saved for a more consumer-facing event. These smaller Surface devices are said to feature similar premium designs to their larger siblings. My sources say the smaller Surface Pro has been built as a direct competitor to the 11-inch iPad Pro, meaning it should have a high refresh rate display, support for pen input, and its own detachable keyboard accessory. I believe the smaller Surface Laptop is likely to replace the Surface Laptop Go, and will include a backlit keyboard, higher resolution touchscreen, and an all-metal chassis like its larger Surface Laptop sibling. I’m unsure if the smaller Surface Pro is supposed to replace the cheaper Surface Go. The Surface Laptop Go was small, but cut out too many features. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central) I'm told that the new smaller variants will be powered by Snapdragon X/Plus SoCs, which should allow Microsoft to price these devices competitively in the $800-$900 price range while still delivering good performance and battery life. Both devices will be sold alongside the current Snapdragon-powered Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 lineup. Microsoft is also planning to launch Intel Lunar Lake variants of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 next month, but these are expected to be for business customers only and just available in the larger existing screen size configurations. The Intel-powered Surface Laptop 7 will be configurable with 5G for the first time. The company's current focus appears to be almost entirely on the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, its two most popular product lines. Microsoft will have refreshed both models three times within the span of 12 months this March, which is a crazy number of updates in such a short period of time. My sources say the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are also currently in development and will be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC, which is expected to debut later this year. Microsoft officials declined to comment on these plans. Source Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years. News posts... 2023: 5,800+ | 2024: 5,700+ RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend

Microsoft has released the April 2024 firmware update for the Surface Pro 8 and Intel-based configurations of the Surface Pro 9. Both releases are focused on improving devices' audio systems and fixing potential issues with audio recording or playback. What is new in the April 2024 firmware update for the Surface Pro 8 and 9 (Intel)? Here is the list of new drivers for the Surface Pro 9 (Intel): Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Dolby - Audio Processing Object - 3.30508.581.0 Dolby APO SWC Device - Software components Dolby - Extension - 8.605.313.22 Realtek High Definition Audio(SST) - Extensions Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - MEDIA - 6.0.9561.5 Realtek High-Definition Audio (SST) - Sound, video and game controllers And here are the new drivers for the Surface Pro 8: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - MEDIA - 6.0.9561.5 Realtek High-Definition Audio (SST) - Sound, video and game controllers Here is extra information about the updates: Surface Pro 8 Surface Pro 9 Supported Configurations Surface Pro 8 Surface Pro 9 with Intel processors Supported Windows versions Windows 10 version 21H2 and newer Windows 11 version 21H2 and newer Windows 10 version 21H2 and newer Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer How to get the update Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Update size 741MB (manual installation only) 671MB (manual installation only) Additional steps The update does not require additional steps before or after installation Known issues The update does not contain any known issues The Surface Pro 8 will be supported until October 5, 2027, and the Surface Pro 9 (both Intel and ARM versions) will reach its end of life on October 25, 2028. Source

Microsoft is rolling out new firmware for the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 7+ (a business-focused version of the Surface Pro 7 with newer hardware). It fixes Wi-Fi dropouts, improves Bluetooth connectivity and inking, plus patches security vulnerabilities. Here are the details. What is new in the December 2023 update for the Surface Pro 8? Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Intel - Software Component - 1.66.712.0 Intel(R) iCLS Client - Software devices Intel - System - 2251.4.2.0 Intel(R) Management Engine Interface - System Devices Surface - Firmware - 15.0.2411.5 Surface ME - Firmware Surface - Firmware - 23.101.143.0 Surface UEFI - Firmware Intel Corporation - Bluetooth - 22.230.0.2 Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth® - Bluetooth Intel - net - 22.230.0.8 Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 160Mhz - Network adapter Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 8 Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 21H2 Windows 10 version 21H2 and newer How to get the update Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Update Size 740MB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require extra steps before or after installation. Known Issues The update does not contain any known issues. The eighth-generation Surface Pro has a six-year lifecycle. Microsoft will end its support on October 5, 2027. What is new in the December 2023 update for the Surface Pro 7+? Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.101.4502 Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics - Display adapters Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.4502 Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics Extension Intel - Bluetooth - 22.230.0.2 Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth Intel - Net - 22.230.0.8 Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz - Network adapters Intel – Camera - 60.22000.5.12796 Intel(R) TGL AVStream Camera - Cameras Intel – Extension - 60.22000.5.12796 Intel(R) TGL AVStream Camera - Extension Intel Corporation – System - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface Camera Rear - System devices Surface - Extension - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface Camera Rear - Extension Intel Corporation – System - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface Camera Front - System devices Surface - Extension - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface Camera Front - Extension Intel Corporation – System - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface IR Camera Front - System devices Surface - Extension - 60.22000.5.12796 Surface IR Camera Front - Extension Intel Corporation – System - 60.22000.5.12796 Intel(R) Control Logic - System devices Intel Corporation – System - 60.22000.5.12796 Intel(R) Imaging Signal Processor - System devices Surface – Firmware – 14.200.139.0 Surface System Aggregator – Firmware Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 7 Plus Surface Pro 7 Plus LTE Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 21H2 Windows 11 version 21H2 and newer How to get the update Windows Update Surface Support website (manual installation) Update Size 1.1GB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require extra steps before or after installation. Known Issues The update does not contain any known issues. The Surface Pro 7+ will continue receiving firmware and driver updates until January 15, 2027. Source

Microsoft is confirmed to hold its Surface event on September 22, and we might see some surprise announcements at the event. One of the surprise announcements could be the launch of a new Surface Pro X device, designed to run Windows 11. A new Surface Pro X with model number 2010 has recently been spotted on the Energy Star certifications website, hinting that the launch could be imminent. The certification site reveals some information about the processor it’ll use and the RAM. According to the listing, the new Pro X will feature 16GB of RAM and will be based on Snapdragon SQ 2 processor. For the sake of comparison, last year’s Surface Pro X is also based on the SQ2 processor. Unfortunately, the certification site doesn’t reveal anything exciting beyond RAM and processor. A few days ago, a new Surface device with model number 2010 cleared the FCC certification, but little did we know that it’s the new Surface Pro X. But thanks to the new Energy Star Certification site, we not only know about the existence of the new Pro X but also can safely assume that it’ll launch very soon, probably at the upcoming Surface event. Meanwhile, the September 22 event will see a new Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop 5, Surface Duo 2, Surface Go 3, and the rumored Surface Book “studio,” the cost of which could exceed the $3,000 price mark. You will be able to watch the Surface event live here. via Windows Latest Microsoft maybe readying a new Windows 11-powered Surface Pro X

On May 20, 2024, Microsoft announced the new Surface Pro tablet with ARM processors from Qualcomm. The latest version is one of the biggest updates to the lineup, which was initially introduced 12 years ago. For the first time ever, the tablet is available exclusively with ARM chips, optional OLED displays, optional 5G connectivity, and more. The new Surface Pro (it is actually called "Surface Pro 11th Edition") is now available for preorder starting at $999. However, you can still find the previous generation on sale, often with big discounts. Therefore, here is a detailed spec-by-spec comparison between the three generations to help you make a decision. The biggest update in the new Surface Pro is unquestionably the processor. Instead of Intel chips, Microsoft's flagship tablet now uses ARM processors exclusively. Customers can pick between the cheaper Snapdragon X Plus with 10 cores or the more expensive 12-core Snapdragon X Elite. According to Microsoft, the shift to ARM chips enables significant performance and efficiency improvements, and the under-the-hood improvements in Windows 11 allow for much better emulation in software that is not yet optimized for Windows on ARM. As for the battery life, the new Surface Pro is rated for up to 14 hours of video playback on a single charge. Although many popular apps already have native ARM64 versions, you should mind potential compatibility issues before ordering the new Surface Pro. Luckily, with quite a lot of manufacturers supporting Qualcomm's latest chips, we can expect more developers to port their projects to Windows on ARM. Surface Pro 9 Surface Pro 8 Besides offering performance and efficiency improvements, the new Surface Pro has some exclusive features. Recall is one such thing (previously rumored as "AI Explorer"), and it will let you go back in time to any app, file, email, conversation, or anything else on your computer. More information about Windows 11's Recall feature is available here. Another important change is OLED displays. However, it is worth saying right off the bat that OLED displays are only available in much more expensive configurations. In fact, the cheapest Surface Pro with an OLED display will set you back $1,499 (OLED models also have a slightly bigger battery). The more appealing $999 version comes with a regular IPS display that still features plenty of pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and more. In addition to the new tablet, Microsoft announced fresh accessories, such as the Surface Keyboard Pro Flex, which is more rigid, works wirelessly, and has a haptic trackpad. However, the keyboard supports the previous generations, such as the Surface Pro 10 for Business, Surface Pro 9 and Surface Pro 8. As for colors, the Surface Pro 11th Edition is available in Platinum, Black, Dune, and Sapphire: Here are the key changes summed up in a list: Optional OLED displays with rounded corners Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors instead of Intel A minimum of 16GB of RAM with 32GB max Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Optional 5G connectivity (coming later in 2024) New accessories and new colors New 1440p ultra-wide front-facing camera "Copilot+ PC" Here is a more detailed spec-by-spec comparison: Surface Pro (11th Edition) Surface Pro 9 Surface Pro 8 Chassis 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.97lbs 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm, 895 g 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.94 lbs 287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 879.9 g 11.3" x 8.2" x 0.37", 1.96 lbs 287 x 108.28 x 9.3 mm, 889 g Colors Sapphire, Dune, Platinum, Black Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, Forest Platinum, Graphite Display 13" IPS PixelSense Flow 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz 1200:1 contrast ratio 600 nits (SDR) 600 nits (HDR) 13" OLED PixelSense Flow 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz 1M:1 contrast ratio 600 nits (SDR) 900 nits (HDR) 13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz 13-inch 3:2 PixelSense with narrow bezels 2880x1920 (267 ppi) Up to 120Hz refresh rate Processor Snapdragon X Plus Qualcomm Hexagon NPU Qualcomm Adreno GPU Snapdragon X Elite Qualcomm Hexagon NPU Qualcomm Adreno GPU Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1255U Microsoft SQ 3 Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i7-1185G7 Memory 16GB LPDDR5X 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x Storage User-removable PCIe Gen4 SSD 256GB, 512GB User-removable PCIe Gen4 SSD 512GB, 1TBGB User-removable SSD 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Security Microsoft Pluton TPM 2.0 Windows Hello face sign-in Windows 11 Secured-core PC TPM 2.0 Chip Windows Hello face sign-in Windows 11 Secured-core PC Firmware TPM Windows Hello face sign-in Network Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Optional 5G (coming later in 2024) Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 Optional 5G Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 Battery 47Wh Up to 14 hours of video playback 53Wh Up to 14 hours of video playback Up to 15.5 hours of typical use (Intel) Up to 19 hours of typical use (ARM) Up to 16 hours of typical use Cameras Front-facing 1440p ultra-wide camera with Windows Hello 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support Front-facing camera with 1080p video and Windows Hello 10MP rear-facing camera with 4K video support Ports 2x USB-C/USB4 1x Surface Connect Intel: 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 (Intel) 1x Surface Connect ARM: 2x USB-C 3.2 1x Surface Connect 1x nanoSIM 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4/USB 4.0 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect Accessories Surface Slim Pen 2 Surface Pro Flex Keyboard Surface Pro Keyboard Surface Pro Signature Keyboard Price $999+ $1,499+ $999+ $1,099 It is also worth noting that the ARM-based Surface Pro is not the only tablet Microsoft released this year. A couple of months ago, the company revealed the Surface Pro 10 for Business. Check out its Specs Appeal article here. The Surface Pro 11th Edition is now available for preorder in the Microsoft Store. Are you buying it? Source

Following the announcement of the new Surface Laptop with ARM processors, Microsoft unwrapped the next-gen Surface Pro, which is now called just "Surface Pro" or "Copilot Plus Surface Pro" (the website confusingly calls it "11th edition"). It brings quite a lot of substantial changes to Microsoft's signature PCs, such as an OLED display, a wireless keyboard cover, a 1440p camera, optional 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and more. To begin with, Surface fans finally have a device with OLED displays. The new Surface Pro has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow OLED display with a 1M:1 contrast ratio, 120Hz, a 2,880 x 1,920 pixels resolution, and Gorilla Glass 5. However, there are also variants with regular IPS displays. In fact, you will have to settle for a standard LCD panel if you want the basic $999 configuration—the cheapest model with an OLED display will set you back $1,499. Processor options include either the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite, and you get to choose between 16GB and 32GB of RAM. According to Microsoft, these chips make the new Surface Pro 90% faster than the previous generation. As for storage, Microsoft lets you spec the new Surface Pro with a removable SSD with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of capacity. Connectivity-wise, the new Surface Pro supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. A configuration with 5G will be available later in 2024. Another important change is the brand-new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which now works wirelessly, allowing you to place it separately from the tablet wherever convenient. It also features extra layers of carbon fiber for stability and durability and a new customizable haptic touchpad. Just like the regular keyboard for the Surface Pro, it still has integrated pen storage, which doubles as a charger. The new Surface Pro is available in four colors: Black, Platinum, Dune (gold), and Sapphire (Blue). You can already preorder one in the Microsoft Store. Prices start a $999 for the LCD variant and $1,499 for the OLED variant. Update: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the new Surface Pro has a 4K webcam. The webcam is actually an ultra-wide QHD (1440p) one. Source You're welcome.

The September 2024 firmware update is now available for the eight-generation Surface Pro. This release fixes quite a few important bugs, such as taskbar flickering, display freezing, non-working USB-C ports, and more. Here is the official changelog: Here is the list of new drivers: Windows Update Name Windows Device Manager Surface - Firmware - 11.401.139.0 Surface System Aggregator - Firmware Surface - Extension - 6.16.8.0 Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update - Extensions Surface - Extension - 15.28.139.0 Surface Touch Pen Processor - Extensions Surface - HIDClass - 3.98.5.0 Surface Hid Mini Driver - Human Interface Devices Intel(R) Corporation - System - 1.41.1379.0 Thunderbolt(TM) Controller - System devices Here is extra information about the release: Supported Configurations Surface Pro 8 Supported Windows Versions Windows 10 version 22H2 and newer Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer Update Size 742MB (manual installation only) Additional Steps The update does not require extra steps before or after installation Known Issues The update does not contain any known issues To download the latest Surface Pro 8 firmware, head to Settings > Windows Update. You can also get an offline package for manual installation by downloading it from the official support website. Keep in mind that Surface firmware updates are non-uninstallable, so back up important data before proceeding. The Surface Pro 8, launched in October 2021, still has two more years of active support ahead of it. Microsoft plans to discontinue the tablet on October 5, 2027. Source RIP Matrix | Farewell my friend Hope you enjoyed this news post. Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every single day for many years. 2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of August): 3,792 news posts