Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date, news & update: Intel Kaby Lake or not Intel Kaby Lake, that is the question

If latest reports are to be believed, Microsoft Surface Pro 5 could be the fastest hybrid yet from the Redmond tech giant. It is believed to be coming with the all-new AMD Ryzen chip. Moreover, the hybrid will be the right platform to show off the power of Windows 10.

The Surface Pro 4 was released back in October 2015. Hence, the next-gen hybrid is due for long. Microsoft is yet to reveal concrete details of the device though. Previously it was being speculated that the device will be powered by Intel’s Kaby Lake processor. Microsoft has long had an incredible working relationship with Intel, and has provided the Core i3, i5 and i7 chips for previous Surface Pro devices. The Kaby Lake chips seemed like a sure thing as it would increase the performance, power and battery life of the hybrid.

However, there are whispers that the device-maker may not go with the Kaby Lake architecture and settle for a Ryzen 7 chip from AMD. The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 predecessor received raging reviews but was also criticised because of poor battery performance. PC Advisor states that the theory emerged from a trailer of “Alien: Covenant,” which reportedly shows a Surface device. The surprise lies in the description of the YouTube video uploaded by 20^th Century Fox. Video has been shared below.

“Introducing Walter, the latest synthetic by Weyland-Yutani. Created to serve. Intelligence powered by AMD, Ryzen and Radeon,” the description reads.

It is also possible that the Pro 5 will come in two processor variants, one with the Kaby Lake and the other with the AMD chip. The Ryzen 7 chip has been launched recently, and now it seems it will find a place inside the Surface hybrid. The trailer shows a group of scientists using a device that has amazing similarities to the Surface Pro in build and design. AMD’s logo also appears in the video. There were rumours in February that the device has been leaked on Microsoft’s French website. The image of the product that surfaced online was definitely a Surface product.

There is immense anticipation among fans regarding the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 hybrid. It is expected to come in 4K UltraHD display. The screen could be the same 12.3 inches. Other rumoured specs include 16GB RAM, 512GB internal storage, highly-upgraded Surface Pen and wireless charging. While the device is expected in October, Microsoft may surprise fans by releasing it right after the Windows 10 Creators Update in April.