Microsoft is hosting a special event in New York City on September 21st, and we can’t say anything about what we’ll be seeing, but my sources have been able to shed some light on exactly what Microsoft will be talking about.
I do my best to anticipate what the company might discuss at these special events every year, like the previous Surface event in the fall of 2022. The main highlights this year will be the new Surface hardware and the focus will be on that. AI capabilities are coming to Windows 11 and Surface alike.
So, with all that in mind, I’ll be announcing what I’m listening to during the show, With spoilers ahead!
Windows 11, Microsoft 365, and AI
This is the theme of the year for Microsoft, so you can expect to hear more about its artificial intelligence plans for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365. I’m told that a particular highlight launching in the preview for Windows Copilot will be a third-party plugin, which will enhance the AI’s capabilities as a ‘Windows Assistant’. The company already has third-party developers lined up, including Meme, Adobe and Spotify, some of which will be featured.
Third-party plugins will be the lifeblood of Windows Copilot. Besides, Assistant is nothing more than a smart web search interface, so the company will spend time detailing how this new plugin system will enable users. I suspect we’ll also get an overview of the AI-powered Windows 11 version 23H2 update that’s expected to roll out in the next few weeks.
I hear Microsoft 365 Copilot will also get some airtime during the event, though I’m not sure exactly what will be highlighted. I know that Microsoft plans to launch Assistant for consumers next year, so maybe it will be made official on that day.
I understand that Microsoft will talk about how artificial intelligence in Windows can be enhanced with dedicated hardware, showing how specific AI workloads can be improved using NPUs (neural processing units). . I know the company is working on new AI features for Photos, Paint and Snipping Tool, which may be officially unveiled during the event as well.
On the hardware front, Microsoft will ship a new Surface PC this fall. Last year, Microsoft’s fall event included the Surface Pro 9, Surface Laptop 5, and Surface Studio 2+, which mainly feature bumpy features and improved internal designs that increase repairability. This fall, you can expect the same for other products in the Surface portfolio.
All of the devices I mentioned are expected to launch this fall, and what I hear is new for them:
Surface Laptop Studio 2
The star of this fall show will be Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Studio 2, featuring an updated 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 64GB of RAM for the first time in a Surface product, and dedicated graphics in the form of NVIDIA GeForce. RTX 4050 and 4060 laptop GPUs. I’m also told that the device will feature a dedicated NPU/VPU to power many of the new AI experiences unveiled during the event.
Curiously, I’m told that Microsoft won’t sell a variant of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 with an Intel Core i5 processor, meaning the entry-level SKU will start out of the gate with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. storage, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. That means the Surface Laptop Studio 2 will have a higher starting price than its predecessor, but you’ll get a better CPU and more storage for the money.
On the outside, my sources say that the overall design remains the same but with an expanded selection of ports, a USB-A port and a microSD card reader in addition to the dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports already present. I’ve also heard that the device will ship with an updated haptic touchpad with expanded granular feedback levels.
Regarding the display, I’m told that the Laptop Studio 2 will have an updated display with support for HDR content. Unfortunately, the company doesn’t plan to introduce a larger size as some had hoped, meaning 14.4-inches will remain the only display size available for the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
Surface Laptop Go 3
Microsoft is also planning to ship a refreshed Surface Laptop Go 3, codenamed Gulliver, which will feature a similar design to its predecessor but with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. I hear the 4GB model has been scrapped, meaning the entry-level configuration will start with 8GB of RAM for the first time, but this will come at an increased starting price.
I’ve also heard that Microsoft plans to offer the Surface Laptop Go 3 with 16GB of RAM for the first time in its consumer stores. Previously, the Surface Laptop Go with 16GB of RAM was exclusive to Microsoft’s business channel. As for how the device fits into the AI theme, I’m told the company will highlight the ability to use Voice Clarity capabilities, part of Windows Studio Effects’ AI features.
Surface Go 4
Next, I hear that Microsoft will introduce an updated Surface Go with a new Intel N200 processor and a redesigned internal layout that will make the product more repairable. Microsoft originally intended to ship the new Surface Go with ARM this fall, but my sources say that production has been pushed back.
As with the Surface Laptop Go 3, I’ve heard that Microsoft scrapped the 4GB RAM variant of the new Surface Go, meaning the entry-level model will ship with 8GB of RAM out of the gate. This means that the starting price is likely to increase.
On the outside, the Surface Go 4 will look similar to its predecessor, and I’m told the device will only be sold to business customers, like the Surface Pro 7+ that was first announced in 2021. Surface Go 4 will have Voice Clarity AI capabilities for the first time.
The new Surface Hub 2S
Announced earlier this year, Microsoft will begin shipping its new Surface Hub 2S this fall, pre-loaded with a new OS dubbed ‘Team Rooms on Windows’. The new hub will feature an upgraded 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11300H, offering a massive performance jump over the 8th Gen processor found in the current Surface Hub 2S.
Additionally, I hear that the new Surface Hub 2S will finally enable rotation, allowing the screen to be used in landscape or portrait mode as was initially advertised in 2018. The new Hub 2S will be sold as a complete package and as a standalone compute cartridge. For customers looking to upgrade their existing Surface Hub 2S device instead.
I’m not sure if this device will get airtime during the event since it’s an enterprise-only product, but I do know that it will launch this fall. So maybe it’s there.
No Surface Pro 10 or Surface Laptop 6
Curiously, I’m told there are no plans to ship a new Surface Laptop or Surface Pro this fall. So, if you’re waiting for them, I won’t hold your breath. I’ve heard that Microsoft is saving that for the big Windows vNext push next year, but that’s a later story.
We also won’t see a new Surface Duo or Surface Studio AIO, which isn’t surprising.
Overall, hardware announcements this year will be relatively minor, save for the Surface Laptop Studio 2, which is shaping up to be a bit more significant. It’s good to see Microsoft remove the 4GB RAM models from its lineup, but that will increase the starting price for all base configurations.
Windows 12?
I’ve seen some people theorize that Microsoft could take this event as an opportunity to tease the next major version of the Windows platform, which we know is currently in development under the code name ‘Hudson Valley’ and is expected to launch next year. So says my source Not likely. While the next version of Windows is said to be more AI-centric, I think it’s too early to flesh out those plans right now.
That doesn’t mean Microsoft can’t tease that something else is coming soon, but I wouldn’t count on it. I think it wants to focus on Windows 11 23H2 (read our review of the Windows 11 2023 Update) and the new Surface PC launching this fall.
So what I’m hearing is that we won’t be able to see and see the special event in New York City. Of course, Microsoft may have a few surprises up its sleeve, so you’ll have to tune in to our event live blog to find out the news as it happens. Windows Central will be on the ground on September 21st, so don’t miss it!