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Microsoft takes to Reddit for an AMA on the Surface 3, these are the highlights

Earlier today, Microsoft took to Reddit to answer questions from the community about the Surface 3 and below we have compiled all of the answers in an easy to read format. If you want to check out the entire interview, you can do so here.

Q: Does Surface 3 support Always On Always Connected (Connected Standby)?

A: Behavior is just like Surface Pro 3. 4 hours of connected standby, then into hibernate.

Q: Why did the team decide to ditch the Surface text logo for the Microsoft logo?

A: We realized that a Surface contains all of what we as Microsoft has to offer. It is the physical extension of a software experience. To reflect that, we thought it was more appropriate to carry the Microsoft mark. And we all liked this idea :)

Q: Can we convert the charging micro-USB port to a full-size USB port with an adapter, and then plug in any USB device to it?

A: Yes! The micro-USB port charging port also handles USB data

Q: Does abandoning the Surface RT feel anything like leaving a child to die in the snow?

Seriously though, are Surface RT owners at least going to get a half update (Windows 8.10?). The same thing happened with Windows Phone 7.8, and it was better than nothing.

A: As a parent of 3, I am proud to say I have no idea what that would feel like...

Windows has announced that there will be an update for 8.1, but want to set expectations that it definitely is not windows 10. there wont' be an upgrade path.

Q: Hello Panos, et al. My question for you is multi-part: Does the S3 support 4k displays at 60Hz? Also can you tell the folks that run the MS Online Store that the EDU discount is not working for the S3 accessories?

A: 4K at 30Hz with Intel X7 Gen8 engine.

Q: Does the Surface 3 with LTE have a GPS chip?

A: Yes, the LTE versions have a GPS chip

Q: Does the Surface 3 have a TPM?

A: It has a Firmware TPM as part of the SOC

Q: Will the Surface 3 support two 1440p displays via daisy-chained DisplayPort connections?

A: The Surface 3 does not support daisy chaining monitors over DisplayPort. The Pro line is great for folks who need this.

Q: Does the Surface 3 have the thermal threshold for CPU cutoff like the SP3? I enjoy playing Dota 2 for a couple of hours and this was the one thing I did not want happening, at the already low settings required to play it.

A: Yes we do thermally throttle on S3. DOTA2 not specifically tested. We did test Civ5 and with 4G SKU at 25+ FPS. Another reference point is 3D Mark Cloud Gate shows S3 at ~70% performance of SP3 i3.

Q: How is the eMMC performance in comparison to the SP3 SSD?

A: S3 eMMC is about 50% of SP3 SSD. If your workload involves heavy file transfers (like video editing) recommendation is SP3.

Microsoft did answer other questions but most of them were basic or the information is readily available. Our review unit will arrive next week which means if you didn't get a chance to ask your question to Microsoft, we should be able answer them at that time.

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