Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release date, news & update: Kaby Lake & Windows 10 Creators Update in focus; MWC 2017 launch expected

Tech enthusiasts believe that 2017 is going to be a massive year for Microsoft as the company has a flurry of products scheduled to be released. These include the Surface Pro 5, Surface Book 2, Windows 10 Creators Update and a possible Surface Phone 2017. The Surface Phone was expected to be unveiled in 2016 but that did not happen. Now, all eyes are on Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 as Microsoft has already confirmed it attendance at the event. The handset has been tipped to be revolutionary and very different from known smartphones.

According to TechAdvisor, the Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 is expected to be a completely new phone that will adopt the Surface brand name and rather than replacing the Lumia phones, it will sit alongside them. Fans are also eagerly expecting the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 that will have the latest Intel Kaby Lake processor. However, it is also possible that Microsoft will wait till spring 2017 in order to release its devices with the Windows 10 Creators Update.

In December 2016, a Weibo leak showed an unknown Windows 10 phone with Surface branding. While it resulted in intense speculation where many thought it to be the Surface Phone 2017, tech experts argued it was an old prototype of a Windows Phone. PhoneArena also reported last year that Pegatron has kicked off production trials for the Microsoft Surface Phone 2017. Insider sources have also confirmed that Microsoft Corporate VP Panos Panay is already working on a prototype.

The Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 could be capable of emulating x86 apps on the ARM architecture in Continuum mode. Other reports have suggested 8GB RAM, 512GB internal storage, 21MP rear camera, 5.7-inch AMOLED screen and USB Type-C port. A smaller version of Surface Pen may also be included with the device. Stay tuned on IBT AU for more updates on the Surface Phone 2017 and other Surface products and their Australia release dates.

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