This week in Microsoft news, Windows 11 Dev channel users start testing a new branch of early development builds, the company announces a hardware event for new Surface devices, and more.
Microsoft surfaceRSS
Surface Laptop 3 users are now receiving the August firmware update that brings general improvements, addresses security vulnerabilities as well as improves stability when using Microsoft accessories.
Images of what is claimed to be a Surface Duo 2 device have leaked on YouTube, showing off a new triple-camera array at the back and a black color. The Duo 2 is expected to launch later this year.
Microsoft today announced a bunch of Teams Rooms improvements aimed at "hybrid" meetings, such as new video layouts, features from the desktop, and Surface Hub-specific improvements.
Specifications of Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 have leaked, hinting at Ryzen 4000 chips for the AMD-powered versions. The Intel versions are said to be powered by 11th-gen Tiger Lake chips.
The Surface Laptop 3 is receiving its first firmware update for the year. The updates are available for the Intel versions, which include the 13.5-inch variant and the 15-inch business-only variant.
As we're nearing the holiday season, the volume of news has decreased a little. We did however get new Edge builds, new game expansions, and more. Be sure to catch up via our handy overview.
More details of the upcoming Surface Pro 8 have leaked, corroborating earlier reports of a minor refresh. The leaks hint at the configuration options for both the LTE and Wi-Fi-only models.
Microsoft is releasing firmware and driver updates for the Surface Laptop 1, Laptop 2, Pro 5, and Pro 6. These updates bring fixes to audio performance and stability, and other improvements.
Benchmarks of Surface devices running new Intel and AMD processors have been spotted. The two listings include devices with Intel's 11th-gen chip and a custom AMD offering, likely for the Laptop 4.
Supposed images of the Surface Pro 8 and Laptop 4 have leaked. The Pro 8 might also feature an LTE variant. The refresh is expected to be minor, with the launch expected to happen in January 2021.
The past seven days saw the release of Microsoft's Series X|S consoles, the arrival of a bunch of patches for Windows, and EOL dates for Surface devices. Be sure to catch up via our handy overview.
Microsoft has provided updates on the driver and firmware update support lifecycles for a bunch of Surface PC. These include devices as old as the Surface Pro 4 to the latest Laptop Go.
Here's a comparison of the Surface Laptop Go versus the latest-generation Surface Laptop, the Surface Laptop 3, to help you make up your mind about which one works the best for you.
_medium.jpg)
Microsoft and GameStop have struck a deal that will enable GameStop to run its business operations using Dynamics 365. GameStop store associates will also use Teams and Surface devices.
Microsoft's rumored 12.5-inch mid-range Surface laptop is reportedly being referred to as Laptop Go. The device, along with the Surface Pro X 2, might launch as early as this Thursday, October 1.
Microsoft's rumored mid-range 12.5-inch Surface laptop - codenamed Sparti - powered by a 10th-gen Core i5 and 8GB of RAM is reportedly set to cost $699, with the highest SKU costing $1,199.
Microsoft has released firmware updates for the first-gen Surface Go, bringing camera improvements, charging fixes, and more. The updates are out for both, the Wi-Fi and LTE models.
The NFL will use Microsoft Teams to virtually connect players with fans and bring spectators into the game since they are unable to personally attend the event live due to the pandemic.
Surface Pro X users running Windows Insider builds are receiving a new firmware update. While there is no official changelog, users are noticing version revisions to the GPU, cameras, and more.
Microsoft is offering some hefty discounts on its Surface PCs on the Microsoft Store. The Laptop 3 is seeing discounts of up to $400, while the Pro 7 is being sold for up to $250 off.
Following the updates to the Surface Book 2 and Laptop 3 earlier today, the Pro 6 and Pro 5 (2017) are also receiving firmware updates targeted exclusively at Surface Dock 2 reliability improvements.
Microsoft has quietly updated the release information page for the Windows 10 May 2020 Update to suggest that the update block for Surface devices may still be present due to "other safeguards".
Amazon is currently offering up to 35% off the Surface Pro X with its Deal of the Day. So you will only have the chance to get them at these prices today. They start at $749.99 for the base model.
Microsoft has launched a new Surface Audio app on Windows 10, Android, and iOS to help manage the Headphones and Earbuds devices. The app lets users set the devices up, update firmware, and more.
Microsoft announced a bunch of new products during its special event today, including the Surface Pro 7, Laptop 3, and Pro X. Preorders are now open for those products in the Microsoft Store.
_medium.jpg)
Microsoft has announced the latest iteration of the Surface Laptop, which is the first Surface device to be powered by an AMD Ryzen processor. It uses a custom Ryzen 7 processor with Vega 11 graphics.
A new patent filed by Microsoft hints that the company might be planning to re-imagine the USB-C connector with magnetic latching mechanisms, bringing the benefits of both worlds to future devices.
Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for the devices group, Panos Panay, revealed a new color variant of the Surface Laptop 2 for China: blush. The new color version is designed by Quan Jasinski.
Microsoft today unveiled Surface Headphones at its event in New York. The headphones employ noise cancellation and have Cortana built in. They will be available in the US and UK during the holidays.
Just hours before Microsoft takes to the stage in New York to unveil new Surface devices, official images have leaked, confirming the new black colored Surface Studio, Laptop, and Pro.
Microsoft's Surface laptop brand has now regained its designation as a recommended product by Consumer Reports based on a survey of its members. The device lost that status in August last year.
Microsoft today announced Microsoft Managed Desktop, an end-to-end device management service that helps enterprises deploy, manage, and support software and hardware for a monthly subscription fee.
Without disclosing a reason, Microsoft has quietly shut down its Surface Plus program slightly over a year after launch. The plan offered financing options and device upgrades every 18 months.
Following suit with other Surface devices, the Surface Book is now receiving a long list of firmware and driver updates. The updates also include fixes for Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities.
Microsoft's Surface Go is here, and it is whelming. It brings all the hardware goodness one would expect from Surface, but Windows 10 offers fewer reasons to pick up a Surface tablet than 8.1.
You can shop, albeit indirectly, for Surface hardware and accessories right from within the Microsoft Store app if you have version 11709.1001.7 of the app or later installed on your Windows 10 PC.
After today's announcement by Consumer Reports that all Surface devices would lose their 'recommended' status, Microsoft released a statement advocating for the high quality of its devices.
Consumer Reports says around 25% of Surface owners will experience "problems by the end of the second year of ownership". The poor reliability of Surface devices means CR no longer recommends them.
Microsoft has finally announced the date at which the Surface Studio will be available in new markets. Starting June 15, you'll be able to grab the Studio in the UK, Austria, France, China, and more.
Recommended by 
