Technology giant Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be released in late July, fueling speculation that the Surface Pro 4 could be launched sooner than expected.
According to Peter Bright of Ars Technica, Microsoft previously stated that the latest Windows operating system would be released in the summer, which could have gone as late as the autumnal equinox, Sept. 23. However, AMD CEO Lisa Su mentioned that Windows 10 would be released in late July.
"[AMD] was factoring in [...] the Windows 10 launch at the end of July," Su said.
Daryl Deino of the Inquisitr reported that the announcement of the Windows 10 launch date was significant because the Surface Pro 4 would be the first device to run on Microsoft's latest operating system. In addition, Microsoft has slashed the price of the Surface Pro 3, a move that some believed that the company's upcoming laptop/tablet hybrid would be released soon.
"Now that we know that Windows 10 is likely to be released in July, it's almost certain that the Surface Pro 4 will arrive at the same time," Deino wrote.
Bright contended that Windows 10 would be "a substantial release." He noted that applications such as Mail and Calendar are being rebuilt.
"The Start Menu and Start Screen have both been rewritten, turning them into hybrids of Windows 7 and 8," Bright wrote. "On the inside, the graphics stack has an updated driver model built to support DirectX 12. The new apps, browser, and Start experience are all currently unfinished and all highly visible."
Kane Fulton of TechRadar elaborated on the potential specs behind the Surface Pro 4, comparing it with its soon-to-be predecessor, Surface Pro 3.
"The Surface Pro 4 could offer similar storage options to the Surface Pro 3, starting at 64GB and rising to 128 GB, 256 GB and 500 GB," Fulton wrote. "It wouldn't be surprising if Microsoft introduced a Surface Pro 4 with a 1TB storage option for the first time."
Fulton added that the Surface Pro 4 "will come with a 2K screen sporting a 2,160 x 1,440 pixel-resolution." It would also come with "Xbox game streaming."
"Inside, it's rumored to come with an Intel Core-i5 and Core-i7 processor, in addition to a stylus pen like the Surface Pro 3," Fulton wrote. "If true, that would place just two months between the Surface 3 becoming available and the Surface 4 launching."
Fulton included more details about the upcoming Surface Pro 4, including the possibility that it could come with Intel's Core M "Broadwell" CPU. Microsoft may toss in new accessories as well.
"The Surface Pro 4 could also come with new accessories following Microsoft's acquisition of N-Trig, the Israel-based company behind its Surface tablets' pressure-sensitive stylus technology," Fulton wrote.
Even though it could be a tough slog, Fulton contended that Microsoft may be able to take on Apple's new MacBook with this device.
"Microsoft has a tough job on its hands following the launch of Apple's new MacBook, but if the rumors are on the money, the Surface Pro 4 could well notch a victory on the portable notebook battleground," Fulton wrote.
