Today, Microsoft will bare its collective souls to the world, unveiling its latest products across a wide range of lineups. The Microsoft event is scheduled to include at least two phones – the first to come with Windows 10 – as well as a Surface tablet, a new Microsoft Band fitness tracker, and quite possibly more besides. Here’s what we know so far.
Lumia phones
Windows Phone fans have been waiting a long time for a true flagship to be released, but they can expect two at Microsoft’s event. The Lumia 950 and 950 XL have been leaked countless times in the runup to Tuesday, even by Microsoft themselves. The Lumia 950 will be a 5.2-inch phone with a upper mid-range specifications list, including a 20-megapixel PureView rear camera, Qi wireless charging and USB-C. The 950 XL is a 5.7-inch phone with slightly better, flagship-level specs, and largely the same features (plus Surface Pen support). A removable battery has also been shown in leaked photos, which would be a big surprise for a Windows phone.
The two phones will be joined by the Lumia 550, a more budget-minded handset that has only been leaked more recently. The phone should have a 4.7-inch display and fairly limited storage at 8GB. All three phones should run Windows 10 – including its Hello face sign-on system – and the more powerful duo will support the Continuum feature that turns them into full PCs when connected to the Continuum Hub.
Surface tablets
Another Microsoft mainstay should be seeing an update at the event too: Surface. The Surface Pro 4 should be announced, with recent rumours suggesting that the tablet could come with bezel-free edges thanks to so-called Smart Frame tech. Basically, the 13-inch tablet could turn itself into a 12-inch tablet with a larger bezel when used with touch, but retain its full display size when used as a keyboard, mouse and stylus device.
There have been few leaks here, so there are few details beyond broad ideas like a better display and an improved stylus. One tantalising possibility is a larger Surface Laptop with a 14-inch display, but again there are few details available.
Microsoft Band wearables
Last year’s Microsoft Band was a bulky, inelegant fitness tracker that nonetheless provided comprehensive activity data and worked well across platforms. Microsoft are planning a followup, not surprisingly called the Microsoft Band 2, which should improve the wearable’s look and feel thanks to a new curved-screen design.
More..?
Windows 10 and Xbox are the other big areas that could see news on Tuesday. The Xbox One is scheduled to run Windows 10 in November, so we could see some more details on this at the event. A thinner Xbox One console has also been rumoured, but little proof has been mustered yet. Finally, Windows 10 on PCs will be updated in November as well, so we may learn more about whatever Microsoft is including in the release.
Tune in
Microsoft’s event is scheduled to begin at 7AM Pacific Time – that’s 3PM here in the UK. Be sure to tune in for the event, which can be watched live via Microsoft’s website or followed via live blogs like these from PC Advisor, The Verge and Engadget. Thanks for checking our preview, and stay posted for new Microsoft gadgets and accessories to appear at Mobile Fun!