Microsoft is gearing up for a “special event” in New York City, where it’s set to unveil not only new Surface devices but also AI-powered features for various Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, Bing, and more. Here’s a rundown of what to expect and how to follow the event.
When and Where?
The event will take place on Thursday, September 21st, starting at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET. It marks the return of in-person Surface events since the pandemic began. While former Windows and Surface head Panos Panay won’t be presenting, we can anticipate appearances from Yusuf Mehdi, head of consumer marketing, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The venue is New York City.
How to Tune In
Microsoft won’t be live streaming the event. However, you can stay updated by following live blogs and over at ITGrunts and we will provide real-time coverage as the announcements happen. Microsoft will post a recording of the event a few hours later on its event site at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.
Three New Surface Devices
Microsoft is rumored to introduce three new Surface devices at this special event. The star of the show could be the Surface Laptop Studio 2, featuring Intel’s 13th Gen processors, Nvidia’s RTX 4060, a microSD card slot, and a USB-A port. This laptop’s design resembles the original, with a versatile display that transforms it from a laptop to a tablet. Notably, it’s expected to ship with a whopping 64GB of RAM.
In addition to the Surface Laptop Studio 2, we might see the unveiling of the Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 3. The Surface Go 4 is anticipated to come with an Intel N200 processor, while the Surface Laptop Go 3 is expected to boast Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs. Both devices are rumored to ship in early October.
Windows AI Features
Microsoft is set to introduce more AI-powered features for Windows during this event. Windows Copilot, an AI “personal assistant,” is expected to be a significant part of this update. This feature aims to enhance user experiences with various improvements to Windows 11. While Copilot is a highlight, Microsoft may announce other AI-powered features for Windows apps, such as the Snipping Tool and Photos app, designed to make tasks like copying text from screenshots more efficient.
Surface AI Features
Microsoft has been investing in AI for its Surface devices, with features like Windows Studio Effects. These features, previously available on Arm-powered Surface devices, include adjustments for video calls to maintain eye contact. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 may feature its dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) to enhance AI capabilities. This AI focus could revolutionize how users interact with their computers.
Office and Bing AI Features
The event won’t be limited to Surface and Windows updates; expect news about Microsoft’s AI plans for Office and Bing. Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Office apps will likely take center stage, offering tools to summarize documents, generate emails, and streamline Excel tasks. Additionally, there may be announcements about Bing Chat Enterprise and its features for both consumer and enterprise versions.
Microsoft’s AI journey is poised to reshape its products and services, offering users enhanced capabilities and productivity tools. As we await the event, it’s clear that AI will play a significant role in Microsoft’s future, revolutionizing how we interact with technology.