Microsoft is internet hosting a particular occasion in New York Metropolis on September 21 and stays tight-lipped about what we’ll see, however my sources have been in a position to shed some mild on what precisely Microsoft is planning to speak about.
I do my finest to set expectations round what the corporate would possibly focus on at these particular occasions yearly, simply as I did with the earlier Floor occasion in fall 2022. The rundown for this yr’s principal highlights might be new Floor {hardware} and a give attention to the AI capabilities coming to Home windows 11 and Floor alike.
So, with all that in thoughts, here is the low-down on all the pieces I hear might be introduced in the course of the occasion, with spoilers forward!
Home windows 11, Microsoft 365, and AI
It has been the yr’s theme for Microsoft, so you’ll be able to count on to listen to extra about its synthetic intelligence plans for Home windows 11 and Microsoft 365. I am advised a particular spotlight might be third-party plugins launching in preview for Home windows Copilot, which is able to improve the AI’s capabilities as a ‘Home windows assistant.’ The corporate already has third-party builders lined up, together with Mem, Adobe, and Spotify, a few of which might be demonstrated.
Third-party plugins would be the lifeblood of the Home windows Copilot. With out it, the assistant is nothing greater than a sensible net looking out interface, so the corporate will spend time detailing how this new plugin system will empower customers. I think we’ll additionally get an summary of the AI-driven Home windows 11 model 23H2 replace that is anticipated to start out rolling out within the subsequent handful of weeks.
I hear that Microsoft 365 Copilot will get some airtime in the course of the occasion too, although I am uncertain what precisely might be highlighted. I do know that Microsoft plans to launch the assistant for shoppers subsequent yr, so maybe that might be made official on the day.
I perceive that Microsoft will speak about how synthetic intelligence in Home windows will be enhanced with devoted {hardware}, showcasing how particular AI workloads will be improved utilizing an NPU (neural processing unit.) That is the place the Floor portion of the occasion will doubtless take middle stage. I do know the corporate has been engaged on new AI options for Pictures, Paint, and Snipping Device, which can formally be unveiled in the course of the occasion as nicely.
On the {hardware} entrance, Microsoft might be delivery new Floor PCs this fall. Final yr, Microsoft’s fall occasion included the Floor Professional 9, Floor Laptop computer 5, and Floor Studio 2+, which primarily featured spec bumps and up to date inner designs that enhanced repairability. This fall, you’ll be able to count on a lot of the identical for different merchandise within the Floor portfolio.
Listed below are all of the units I am advised are anticipated to launch this fall, and what I hear is new with them:
Floor Laptop computer Studio 2
The star of the present this fall might be Microsoft’s new Floor Laptop computer Studio 2, which is able to function an up to date thirteenth Gen Intel Core i7 processor, as much as 64GB RAM for the primary time in a Floor product, and devoted graphics within the type of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 and 4060 laptop computer GPUs. I’m additionally advised the machine will function a devoted NPU/VPU to energy lots of the new AI experiences unveiled in the course of the occasion.
Curiously, I’m advised Microsoft is not going to be promoting a variant of the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 with an Intel Core i5 processor, which means the entry-level SKU will begin out of the gate with an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. This implies the beginning value of the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 might be greater than its predecessor, however you’re going to get a greater CPU and extra storage for the cash.
On the surface, my sources say the general design stays the identical however with an expanded number of ports, together with one USB-A port and a microSD card reader along with the already current twin Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. I additionally hear the machine will ship with an up to date haptic touchpad with prolonged granular suggestions ranges.
Relating to the show, I’m advised the Laptop computer Studio 2 will function an up to date show that is brighter with assist for HDR content material. Sadly, the corporate just isn’t planning to introduce a bigger measurement as some had hoped, which means 14.4-inches will stay the one show measurement accessible for the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2.
Floor Laptop computer Go 3
Microsoft can be planning to ship a refreshed Floor Laptop computer Go 3, codenamed Gulliver, which is able to function an equivalent design to its predecessor however with twelfth Gen Intel Core i5 processors. I hear the 4GB mannequin has been scrapped, which means the entry-level config will begin with 8GB RAM for the primary time, however this can come at an elevated beginning value.
I additionally heard that Microsoft plans to supply the Floor Laptop computer Go 3 with 16GB RAM for the primary time in its shopper retailer. Beforehand, the Floor Laptop computer Go along with 16GB RAM was unique to Microsoft’s industrial channels. Relating to how this machine suits in with the AI theme, I’m advised the corporate will spotlight its means to make the most of Voice Readability capabilities, one of many AI options a part of Home windows Studio Results.
Floor Go 4
Up subsequent, I hear Microsoft will introduce an up to date Floor Go along with a more moderen Intel N200 processor and a redesigned inner structure that makes the product extra repairable. Microsoft initially supposed to ship a brand new Floor Go along with ARM this fall, however my sources say that product has been postponed for now.
Just like the Floor Laptop computer Go 3, I hear Microsoft has scrapped the 4GB RAM variant of the brand new Floor Go, which means the entry-level mannequin will ship with 8GB RAM out of the gate. This additionally means the beginning value will doubtless be growing.
On the surface, the Floor Go 4 will look the identical as its predecessor, and I’m advised the machine will solely be offered to industrial prospects, similar to the Floor Professional 7+ was when it was first introduced in 2021. I hear the Floor Go 4 may also function Voice Readability AI capabilities for the primary time.
New Floor Hub 2S
Introduced earlier this yr, Microsoft will start delivery its new Floor Hub 2S this fall, pre-loaded with a brand new OS dubbed ‘Groups Rooms on Home windows.’ The brand new Hub will function an upgraded eleventh Gen Intel Core i5-11300H, offering an enormous efficiency leap over the eighth Gen processor discovered within the present Floor Hub 2S.
Moreover, I hear the brand new Floor Hub 2S will lastly allow rotation, permitting the display for use in both panorama or portrait mode as was initially marketed in 2018. The brand new Hub 2S might be offered as an entire bundle and as a standalone compute cartridge for purchasers who might need to improve their current Floor Hub 2S units as an alternative.
I am not totally positive if this machine will get any airtime in the course of the occasion because it’s an enterprise-only product, however I do know it is supposed to start out delivery this fall. So possibly it will be there.
No Floor Professional 10 or Floor Laptop computer 6
Curiously, I am advised there aren’t any plans to ship a brand new Floor Laptop computer or Floor Professional this fall. So, if you happen to’ve been holding out for these, I would not maintain your breath. I hear Microsoft is saving these for the larger Home windows vNext push subsequent yr, however that is a narrative for a later date.
We additionally will not see a brand new Floor Duo or Floor Studio AIO, which is unsurprising.
General, the {hardware} bulletins might be comparatively minor this yr, save for the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2, which is shaping as much as be a bit extra important. It is good to see Microsoft eradicating the 4GB RAM fashions from its lineup, however this can enhance the beginning value for all the bottom configurations.
Home windows 12?
I’ve seen a number of individuals theorize that Microsoft might take this occasion as a chance to tease the following main model of the Home windows platform, which we all know is presently in improvement below the codename ‘Hudson Valley’ and is anticipated to launch subsequent yr. My sources say that is unlikely. Whereas the following model of Home windows is claimed to be way more AI-centric, I feel it is nonetheless too early to take the wraps off these plans presently.
That does not imply Microsoft cannot tease that one thing extra is coming quickly, however I’d not depend on it. For now, I feel it desires to give attention to Home windows 11 23H2 and the brand new Floor PCs launching this fall.
In order that’s all the pieces I am listening to we are going to and will not see on the particular occasion in New York Metropolis. In fact, Microsoft might have some surprises up its sleeve, so you will need to tune into our occasion dwell weblog on the day to seek out out the information because it occurs. Home windows Central might be on the bottom on September 21, so do not miss it!
