Microsoft to unveil new Surface hardware at October event

Microsoft is hosting a Surface hardware event in New York. Press invitations were sent yesterday, and although details are scarce, we can at least confirm that the event will take place on 2 October.

The announcement comes almost exactly one year after the last Surface event. Last year we saw the launch of the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Studio 2 and a brand-new range of Surface Headphones; there are certainly a few products we hope to see renewed at this year’s event, but there’s also the distinct possibility that we’ll witness the launch of a totally new kind of product.

Codenamed “Centaurus,” Microsoft’s latest endeavour is rumoured to be a dual-screen hybrid product that will plug the gap between laptop and tablet. Reportedly, the new device was trialled during a recent internal meeting, although rumours suggest that Microsoft is considering a 2020 release date. This means that even if Centaurus does make an appearance, there’s every chance it will be no more than a brief teaser.

More concrete logic suggests that we’ll see some of Microsoft’s more well-worn products receive a much-needed lick of paint. The Surface Laptop 2 has seen no replacement since 2017, and the Surface Go remains the only Microsoft product of its kind; there’s even the off-chance that the Surface Book 2 will cede its position to a newer model.

The only evidence we have is the banner that adorns the invitation (above), which roughly depicts the Windows logo in black and white. If we were to clutch at straws, we might argue that the shape and positioning of the lines that comprise the logo look a little like the various form factors of Microsoft’s convertible laptop/tablet product line.

All we can do is wait. Microsoft’s Surface event will take place in New York City on 2 October – there will no doubt be a live stream on the day, so those of you keen to watch the launch unfold can do so from the comfort of your home.