On October 2nd, 2018, at an event in New York City, Microsoft announced the upcoming release of some exciting new Surface devices –
Surface Pro 6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAueQoU8TQQ
The familiar Surface design upgraded with Intel’s 8th Gen processors, promising a 67% speed boost compared to the previous model, a new cooling system for reduced noise, and increased maximum battery usage of 13.5 hours. Memory and storage maxes out at 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD. The Surface Pro is now available in a gorgeous, matte all-black finish alongside the regular silver-gray.
Surface Laptop 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwK422sLD-s
Surface Laptop 2 looks very similar to its predecessor, but with the new Intel 8th Gen processors, a promised 87% performance increase, and 14.5 hours of battery life. A redesigned keyboard makes for quieter and more comfortable typing, and a revamped cooling system means the fan only kicks in at around 90% CPU usage.
As well as Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Platinum, the Surface Laptop 2 is also available in a new all-black finish, with its aluminum frame having a slightly glossier look and feel compared to the Surface Pro 6’s magnesium body.
Surface Studio 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmVAbB3M-4Y
The stunning all-in-one desktop gets an overhaul, its centerpiece a 28-inch, 4500×3000 (192ppi), 3:2 display boasting 38% more brightness, 22% more contrast, and support for the DCI-P3 color space. Surface Pen and Surface Dial are supported by the touchscreen. The familiar Studio hinge converts the PC into an almost flat drawing mode. Internally, the Surface Studio 2 uses 7th generation Intel Core i7 processors, and the hard disk is now an impressive 1TB or 2TB SSD. Video is handled by an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or GTX 1070.
Surface Headphones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFe_ZYtfsZg
Something of a surprise release, Microsoft also announced the Surface Headphones – a set of noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones to take on Beats and Bose. Rotary knobs on each cup set the volume and noise canceling with 13 levels of ambient noise control, and music is automatically paused or calls muted when the headphones are removed. Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana is also supported. Surface Headphones are compatible with Windows 10, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Early Reviews
- Microsoft Surface Pro 6 vs. Surface Laptop 2 (Digital Trends)
- Surface Pro 6 hands-on: Same looks, but a huge speed bump (Engadget)
- Hands on with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 (Mashable)
Japan Availability
The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 will be available to order in Japan from around October 16th, 2018.
Details on the Surface Studio 2 and Surface Headphones to follow.
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