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Windows 10 and Android are now the perfect match
Microsoft's new approach to mobile is pure pragmatism: Play nice with everyone, and get their users hooked on Microsoft apps. With the demise of Windows Phone -- a noble effort, especially after the 2011 Nokia partnership -- the company really has no choice. But now Microsoft is moving beyond merely getting its apps onto other platforms: It's integrating Android in Windows 10 with the "Your Phone" app, which gives you instant access to your mobile photos and text messages on the desktop. During its Surface launch event this week, Microsoft gave us a peek at something even more impressive: the ability to completely mirror your Android phone on Windows 10. All of a sudden, there's a much bigger reason for Windows users to avoid the iPhone.
Microsoft's Surface event by the numbers
Microsoft had a slew of new Surfaces to show off during Tuesday's press event held in New York. The company debuted its quad-core Surface Pro 6 and a significantly speedier Surface Laptop 2, not to mention a pair of Cortana-connected Surface Headphones.
Surface Pro 6 vs. the competition: More than just portability
Last year's Surface Pro was a satisfying, if unambitious entry to Microsoft's brand of hybrid laptops. With its sixth iteration, the line is offering a load of refinements like a higher contrast ratio for the screen. However, in a crowded marketplace full of lightweight hybrids and convertibles, what helps the Surface Pro stand apart? We've taken leading machines from Dell, HP and even last year's MacBook Air and laid their key specs out to see exactly what each offers under the hood.
Surface Headphones hands-on: Cortana, bring the noise
The biggest surprise during Microsoft's Surface launch event wasn't a computer -- it was a pair of headphones. The Surface Headphones are Microsoft's first entry into premium cans, but they have just about everything you'd want: They're wireless, feature noise-canceling and have Cortana directly integrated. At $350, they're competing with Sony's (excellent) 1000XM3 and Bose's Quiet Comfort II. But based on my quick demo, the Surface Headphones can easily hold their own.
Surface Studio 2 hands-on: A graphic designer's dream
In addition to a new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop and Surface headphones (whew!), Microsoft also unveiled an updated version of its Studio all-in-one at its New York event today. The Surface Studio 2 crams in a huge 2TB SSD (which is much faster than the hybrid drive from the original) while delivering a screen that Microsoft said is 38 percent brighter than before. It also features 22 percent better contrast and 13.5 million pixels. All of which is to say that this is a brilliant screen that should be great for creating masterpieces on. From what I can see so far at the crowded hands-on venue, the claim holds up.
Surface Pro 6 hands-on: Same looks, but a huge speed bump
Microsoft isn't revolutionizing anything with the Surface Pro 6 -- it has the same basic design as last year's Surface Pro, except there's a black case option. But the hardware upgrades make it even more compelling, especially for demanding users. Microsoft claims it's 67 percent faster than the previous model, mostly thanks to Intel's 8th generation Core CPUs. You can also stuff in up to 16GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD -- not the sort of specs you'd expect to see in a tablet.
Surface Laptop 2 vs. the competition: Power and price
After years of good hybrid machines Microsoft finally built a regular laptop in 2017, scoring a home run on the first swing. We were excited by the design, screen and battery life, but less thrilled about the limited port selection. Over a year later the sequel is here and looks like it'll continue that string of excellence — though the connection options haven't improved. If you're still on the fence about your next machine, we've lined some of the more outstanding models for your benefit so you can see which one might suit you best as you gear up for the fall.
Surface Laptop 2 hands-on: An upgrade in speed and style
At its Surface event in New York today, Microsoft unveiled a slew of new devices, including an updated version of its Laptop. The Surface Laptop 2 offers some seriously upgraded internals, which the company claims deliver 85 percent improved performance. Otherwise, most of the changes here aren't immediately obvious, save for the sharp new color option. But, I have to admit, the all-black Laptop 2 is really quite attractive.
Microsoft Launcher for Android adds Timeline and new design
One of Microsoft's focal points at its Surface event Tuesday was on helping you move seamlessly between devices. As part of that effort, it's updating Microsoft Launcher on Android with some new features, including long-awaited Timeline support.
Microsoft's Surface device subscriptions start at $25 per month
Microsoft's Surface devices tend to be costly, but the company might have a way of making them more palatable. It's launching a Surface All Access subscription model that finances your PC while throwing in some of the services you need. On top of the computer itself, you're also getting "accessories," Office 365, dedicated help and Microsoft Store perks. Think of it as Xbox All Access for the productivity crowd.
Microsoft's wireless Surface Headphones are all about Cortana
Lots of the news from Microsoft's Surface event leaked ahead of time, but we didn't necessarily expect to see these new Surface Headphones today. As you might expect, the main draw here is that Cortana is on board and easily accessible, but there are some other impressive specs here as well. Microsoft went with over-the-ears design which offers active noise cancellation; the company says it has 13 levels of noise cancellation all told. There are four beam-forming mics and four active noise cancelling mics as well as 40mm drivers.
Windows 10 will soon mirror your Android phone screen on your PC
Never mind running mobile apps on a PC -- Microsoft wants you to see your phone's particular apps on a PC. At the company's Surface event, mobile general manager Shilpa Ranganathan previewed a Windows 10 feature that would mirror your phone's entire screen on the desktop. You could see and reply to a Snapchat conversation without having to reach for the device on your desk. It's not certain when this will be available (it's not part of Windows 10's October Update), but it's likely to be Android-only. It's certainly a practical addition if you're tired of switching devices just to keep up with every social network you use.
The next Windows 10 update is focused on your phone
With the last Windows 10 release, in April, Microsoft introduced Timeline, a new way to keep track of what -- and when -- you're working on specific files and websites. Now the company is gearing up to bring the benefits of Timeline to your Android and iOS devices with the October Windows 10 update, which is available for direct download today. (It's coming to Windows Update next week.) Integration with smartphones is the broader trend with this release -- Microsoft is also finally debuting the Your Phone app, which lets you transfer files and handle text messages from Android devices on your PC.
Microsoft's Surface Studio 2 packs a 2TB SSD and improved display
In 2016, Microsoft unveiled its first all-in-one desktop, the Surface Studio, which was geared towards professionals and creatives and sported a huge touchscreen. Now, it's getting a bit of a refresh, and Microsoft gave a look at what the new Surface Studio has to offer during its Surface event today.
Microsoft claims the Surface Laptop 2 is 85 percent faster
It's been well over a year since Microsoft released the Surface Laptop, which was the most traditional PC the company had produced. But the combo of good design, strong performance and reasonable prices made it one of the best laptops on the market, even as its processor began to age a bit. Fortunately, today Microsoft has seen fit to do away with that looming problem, as the new Surface Laptop 2 has been upgraded to feature Intel's 8th-generation Core processors, just like the updated Surface Pro. The company says that amounts to an 85 percent speed boost over the original Surface Laptop And, as the leaks indicated, the Surface Laptop 2 comes in a sleek matte black color for the first time (also just like the Surface Pro).
Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 puts quad-core CPU power in a thin tablet
While the Surface line has been a leader in the convertible device market, competition is coming from all angles, including Lenovo's Yoga line, Apple's iPad Pro and even the leather HP Spectre Folio that was just unveiled. Last year's Surface Pro brought refinement to Microsoft's top-of-the-line convertible device, while staying incredibly light with great battery life. Now it's time for a refresh and the Surface Pro 6 comes with updated 8th generation Intel Core CPUs combined with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD all wrapped in black, blue, red or "platinum" grey. As shown by the leak earlier, it's sticking with same charging connector and USB 3.0 ports (no USB-C here). The design hasn't changed much, keeping that ubiquitous hinge and Surface Pen close by, and it's sticking to a 3:2 aspect ratio that helps maintain usefulness as a tablet. The 2,736 x 1,824 12.3-inch display is improved, at 267ppi and -- according to Panos Panay -- the best contrast ratio they've ever achieved. There's also an 8.0MP HD rear-facing camera to go with its 5MP / 1080p front-facing camera used for Windows Hello and video calls.
Live from Microsoft's Surface launch event
It's time for Microsoft's next batch of Surface devices! We're live in NYC at the company's launch event, where we're expecting to hear more about a refreshed Surface Pro, Laptop and Book. And judging from this afternoon's leak, it looks like we'll see a black Laptop and Surface Pro. (Check out our full preview here.) But who knows, maybe we'll actually get the rumored dual-screen Surface, code-named "Andromeda." Just don't hold your breath for a Surface Phone. The event begins at 4 PM Eastern! Check back for updates then. Unfortunately, you won't be able to stream this event live.
Leak reveals black Surface Laptop and Surface Pro
Those rumors of black Surface devices at Microsoft's impending October 2nd event might have some merit. WalkingCat (a historically good source of Microsoft scoops) has posted what appears to be a leaked press image showing matte black versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, along with what's likely a refreshed Surface Studio. The leak doesn't include specs or any other details. All the devices look similar to their existing counterparts apart from the new hue, though, reinforcing claims that these would be spec bumps rather than major revisions.
What Microsoft might unveil at its Surface event (and what it should)
Microsoft's Surface lineup has gone from being a messy, nearly unusable experiment to some of the best PCs on the market. The Surface and Surface Pro helped popularize the idea of hybrid tablet PCs -- so much so that even Apple is trying to mimic it with the iPad Pro. The Surface Book proved a convertible workstation could take on the MacBook Pro. And the Surface Studio showed there's even room to innovate with an all-in-one machine. Even the Surface Laptop, the most traditional PC Microsoft has built, manages to stand out in the increasingly crowded ultraportable market. (There's also the upcoming Surface Hub 2, which looks like it could be a group-teleconferencing screen you'd actually want to use.)
