Microsoft's next Surface Pro might have a Snapdragon 8cx variant

Microsoft is working on several new Surface products for the autumn and into 2022, including a new Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro device, that volition likely exist announced in October. It's possible that we'll besides see a new form factor in the form of a dual-screen 2-in-1, codenamed Centaurus, but that device is not expected to offset shipping until sometime in 2022.

The other devices are expected to offset shipping in the fall, but not much will be changing on the surface (pun intended.) According to a report from Petri, of which we can ostend, Microsoft'south major hardware lineup this year is going to entail of mostly under the hood changes. The devices volition, for the about office, characteristic the same designs, this time with USB-C instead of the Surface Connect port.

Microsoft has been testing AMD Picasso SoC versions of the next Surface Laptop, as Microsoft's relationship with Intel is reportedly on shaky grounds. Information technology'south unclear why said relationship is on thin ice, but it'southward probable related to Intel's recent fleck shortage and lack of innovation in chip pattern.

More than interestingly, Microsoft is testing an ARM version of the adjacent Surface Pro every bit well. I've been hearing for a while now that Microsoft is working on a device codenamed Excalibur, and Petri confirms this, calculation that Excalibur is the 8cx SoC that Microsoft has been working closely with Qualcomm on, and is featured in some Surface Pro 7 prototypes.

The side by side Surface Pro will likewise be an Intel device, of course, but Microsoft may opt to also sell an ARM version equally well. The 8cx is said to rival that of an Intel Cadre i5 processor, which would fit right in with the entry level Surface Pro. It makes sense for Microsoft to ship an ARM device in the fall, as it is withal to ship a Surface PC with Windows 10 powered by ARM, even though Microsoft itself is pushing other OEMs to exercise then.

Finally, Petri goes on to mention that Microsoft may exist planning to unveil Microsoft Teams for life at the same effect, and could maybe formally denote Windows Lite. If Microsoft announces Windows Light in October, information technology needs to as well denote a Centaurus device aslope it to showcase to the world what Windows Lite is capable of.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Surface lineup? Let u.s.a. know in the comments.