Key Takeaways: Microsoft Surface 2019 Event
Written by Cisilion CSO, Rob Quickenden
Microsoft’s annual Surface event wrapped up last week and it certainly didn’t disappoint (I was on a road-trip in the US and was streaming live and boy did it exceed my expectations) – bringing a ton of big announcements this year – in-fact, close to 10 new products!
But that’s not the exciting bit – as while many of these were expected – like the annual upgrades to the core Surface Pro and laptop line up – Microsoft exceeded expectation and really excited the media with a new category (okay, categories) of devices which will be released next year.
“We didn’t expect Microsoft’s return to the smartphone
world in a big but very different way”
We fully expected Microsoft to show off a dual–screen Surface at the event – what we didn’t expect was Microsoft’s “return” to the smartphone world in a big but very different way! The Surface Neo, the larger laptop-sized device, and the Surface Duo, a more svelte phone, are Microsoft’s bets on the future of dual-screen technology.
They played back to the original ethos and category changer of the original Surface, which paved the way for the plethora of 2-in-1 and convertible PCs we see today. Both these devices scream quality -just look at the videos – especially when it comes to their 360-degree hinges. Over the past years, we’ve seen Microsoft refine the hinges on its Surface devices (the cantilever design on the Surface Studio is simply outstanding), and that experience definitely looks likes it being extended into the new device categories.
Here’s a summary of the announcements:
Surface Pro 7
The new Surface Pro delivers more power than ever, with a laptop-class Intel Core processor, all-day battery, and improved graphics — plus more multitasking connections, including both USB-C and USB-A ports.
Surface Pro X | New Premium 2-in-1 Tablet
Sleek design and ultimate mobility combine with razor-thin bezels that take your ideas to the edge of the brilliant 13” touchscreen. For a premium laptop experience on the go, click the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard in place.
Surface Laptop 3 (13″ & New 15″)
Sleek and light, it travels with ease and delivers improved speed and performance, all-day battery life, and outstanding graphics. Now in two sizes and two elegant keyboard finishes.
Surface Earbuds
Stay on top of your day, screen-free, with all-new Surface Earbuds. Featuring an ultra-comfortable design, intuitive touch and voice controls, immersive sound for music and calls, and an all-day battery. Leave your phone in your pocket and take control with Surface Earbuds.
Surface Neo | Dual-Screen & Foldable
The groundbreaking new dual-screen device that redefines how you get things done. With two 9” screens, a revolutionary 360° hinge, touch, pen, keyboard, and incredible new Windows experiences, Surface Neo enables you to do more, anywhere.
Surface Duo | Powered by Android
As Panos Panay turned to walk off the stage and the Surface event last week, after showing off the updated Surface Pro 7, the new Surface Pro X, updated Surface laptop and new 15” Surface Laptop as well as new Surface earbuds, and coming next year, the Surface Neo, he then turned around again to show off an early look at Surface Duo, a dual (5.6 inch) Surface Phone type device which is basically a little brother of the Surface Neo which will run a variant of Android OS and will therefore sport new and existing applications designed for Dual Screen devices – coming at the end of 2020!
In Summary
Of course, it’s too early to tell if Microsoft’s dual-screen Surface vision will succeed or fail, but they’re certainly far more interesting than any else other device manufacturers have unveiled so far. This combined with the advent of Windows 10 X, will see more PC makers build and announce dual-screen devices over the next year (they need Windows 10 X) and it’s a topic that I expect will remain hot news for months to comes!
Your Next Steps
Although the devices above are not currently available, you can now get great deals on existing Surface devices. Get in touch with the form below to start the next chapter of the Surface journey.