American multinational technology corporation Microsoft launched a new range of Surface products: the Surface Pro 9, the Surface Laptop 5, and the Surface Studio 2+.
These devices are Microsoft’s vision for the next era of Windows devices. The tech firm envisages an amalgamation of the PC and the cloud, along with innovative AI technology that unlocks new experiences.
Windows 11 is at the core of the new Surface products. Microsoft also introduced upcoming software changes and other integrations that bridge the gaps between Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems.
Microsoft also commemorated 10 years of their Surface hardware at the beginning of the live event.
Following are detailed specifications of each device launched at today’s live event.
2-in-1 Surface Pro 9:
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the tablet-cum-laptop that comes in two variants, and one of them includes Microsoft’s SQ 3 SoC, made in collaboration with Qualcomm. This opens 5G capabilities on the notebook, with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 512TB of SSD storage.
The other available variant comes with an Intel 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U processor and an Iris Xe GPU. It can be configured with up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Some exclusive features of the Surface Pro 9 are: ‘Portrait Blur’ on video calls, ‘Eye Contact’ which ensures you are making eye contact on a video call (in a non-creepy way), and NPU chip-based ‘Voice Focus’ that cuts down on background noise. These features are a part of Windows Studio Effects.
Microsoft will ship the Surface Pro 9 on October 25th, starting at $999.99 for the Intel model and $1,299.99 for the SQ3 version.
Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 has two display variants: a base model with a 13.5-inch display with a 2256×1504 pixel resolution and weighs 1.3 kgs; the top model with a 15-inch screen with a 2496×1664 pixel resolution and weighs 1.5 kg – roughly 300 grams heavier than its sibling. Both displays support Pixel Sense and Dolby Vision IQ for a rich viewing experience.
As for the processing power, the Surface Laptop 5 comes with up to 12th-Gen Intel Core i7-1255U CPU paired with 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, Iris Xe GPU, and 1TB of removable SSD. Other key features include Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, 60W charging support, an HD camera, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. Ports options include a USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, a single USB-A, and a 3.5mm audio jack. (Phew!!)
The base variant comes in four color options – Platinum with Alcantara, Sage, Matte Black, and Sandstone. The 15-inch variant comes only in Platinum and Matte Black finish – is Microsoft getting inspired by Apple’s Air and Pro laptops? Who knows!
Microsoft will ship the Surface Laptop 5 on October 25th, starting at $999.99 for the 13.5-inch variant and $1,299.99 for the 15-inch model. You can get the 15-inch model in Core i7, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage which will max out the cost at $2,399.
Surface Studio 2 Plus:
Microsoft also launched a premium Surface Studio 2 Plus and referred to it as “the ultimate creator’s canvas.” It comes with a distinct Zero Gravity Hinge, so users can easily adjust their viewing angle. Also, it is the only product in today’s Surface line-up with an 11th-Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor. It is a powerful CPU on the market, and it has a 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 CPU, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage.
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ also has a TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise-grade security and BitLocker support. In addition, it features a 28-inch display with a 4500×3000 pixels resolution, Gorilla Glass 3, and Dolby Vision support. There are plenty of port options: USB-C, two USB-A, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ comes with a Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, Surface Mouse, and a Power cord with a grip-release cable in the box.
It is priced at $4,299 and $4,499 if you want the stylus, keyboard, and mouse.
Carbon Aware:
Windows 11 will be the first operating system to be carbon-aware, pushing Microsoft a step further to its 2030 goal of being carbon negative. It will schedule Windows updates based on the user’s local grid having cleaner energy available – like solar power or wind.
Software features:
- Focus sessions: It encourages users to use the Pomodoro technique with Clock and Spotify integration to focus on their work.
- System-wide live captions: Windows 11 live captions can transcribe in-person conversations and capture microphone audio.
- Integrations with Apple: iCloud photos in Windows. Apple Music on Xbox; Apple Music & Apple TV to be available soon on Microsoft Store.
- Snap layouts: It will help users optimize their view when they need multiple apps or documents in front of them simultaneously.
- ‘Smart App Control’ allows only verified apps to be installed and used on any Windows device.
- ‘Good Notes,’ one of the world’s most advanced note-taking apps, will be available on Windows in early 2023.
- Bing image creator: It will create images from words, which will be available soon.
