Microsoft is still not talking about the Surface Pro 4, which is the name given to the Surface Pro 3's successor. The current model had been released over a year ago in May 2014 and is seen to be needing an update. Despite the lack of information, the cybersphere continues to speculate on the upcoming tablet and wonder whether it would be at par or even better than Apple's MacBook Air.
Based on the buzz circulating the mobile industry in the past months, it appears that the PC-making company is indeed set to release a new Surface Pro, although the date remains unclear. Some, like Tech Times, have speculated that it may be unveiled in October this year or some time after the release of Windows 10.
Recently, DigiTimes reported that supply sources revealed Microsoft had "placed a large order for Samsung Electronics' 256GB solid state drive (SSD) to be used for its new Surface tablet" and that the shipments of the components have been scheduled for September this year, "with the tablet estimated to become available in the market in October."
"The new Surface tablet will feature the same ultra-thin form factor, bezel size and large-size display as the predecessor model and will come with Intel's new Skylake processor and Windows 10," the site added.
Speaking about Skylake, Apple had reportedly refrained from updating its iMac line and the Retina MacBook Pro as it was waiting for the latest high-end processor to roll out of Intel's doors, as noted by The Motley Fool. The chip maker is allegedly gearing for an August release of the CPU - an event that may trigger a flurry of activity among tech giants as it scrambles to install the new chip into newer iterations of their crucial products.
If indeed the rumored Surface Pro 4 will beat other tablets or laptop brands to the Skylake chip race, it can be considered as having an edge over such devices as Intel's upcoming processor is seen as the most powerful chipset option in the world right now. It can enable wireless charging and faster data connection, among others.
In addition, Microsoft is said to have invested in an Israeli firm that furnishes Surface Pro stylus for the company, which could signify Microsoft's seriousness in the tablet-making business.
Considering the rumored improvements that may be seen in Pro 4, it appears the upcoming Microsoft slate is made to compete against MacBook Air. Will the Surface Pro 4 be a better laptop/tablet hybrid than its predecessor and convince tablet users to switch to Microsoft? Tell us what you think!
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