Surface Pro 5 release date, news and update: Microsoft banking heavily on Windows 10 features; Surface Connector, Kaby Lake chip tipped

Microsoft is reportedly working hard on the Surface Pro 5. It is going to be the most powerful Surface Pro device yet. It will come with some heavy-duty hardware, a well-detailed screen and the latest Windows 10 feature.

New reports suggest that Microsoft is about to take a big decision on how the device will be powered. Past Surface Pro releases have been plagued by various complaints from customers mostly regarding the devices’ battery life. The company may be considering the pocket supply for the Surface Pro 5, a new Microsoft patent uncovered by FreePatentsOnline has revealed. Currently, the predecessor has a special Microsoft-made Surface Connector that magnetically connects to the device.

This ensures the wire is not pulled out accidentally. The unit can only be used with a Surface Pro device, which is not the case with devices using USB Type-C charging ports and cables. These ports are compatible with different devices. Earlier rumours have pointed out that Microsoft too could shift to these USB Type-C cables, but now this move seems to have been dropped. Keeping the Connector makes sense as users can reuse accessories and cables from past products.

Microsoft had previously stated that it will make all Surface Pro 3 Type covers, docks and adapters fully compatible with its successor. Technology podcaster Paul Thurrott has revealed that Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is keeping the Surface Connector, and that the device will be powered by an Intel Kaby Lake processor. However, he also stated clearly that fans should not expect something dramatic from the upcoming hybrid, reports Express. The screen size may remain 12.3 inches like that of Surface Pro 4.

Fans expect at least 16GB RAM, 512GB internal storage and a smarter Surface Pen, capable of wireless charging. Microsoft generally releases its Surface devices in October. Hence, the Surface Pro 5 may also come out during that month. However, the release of the Windows 10 Creators Update may make the Redmond tech giant spring a surprise anytime soon. The Surface Pro 4 needs an upgrade to successfully showcase the power of the latest Windows 10 update.

The upgrade from Surface Pro 4 to Surface Pro 5 should be considered similar to the upgrade from 2015 MacBook Pro to the 2016 device. The main objective of the upcoming Surface device is to show what current hardware is capable of along with the software-based innovations in Windows 10 and its cloud services, writes Forbes. Microsoft is facing the same dilemma as that of Apple facing with MacBook Pro. There’s nothing fundamentally new for the next generation of these devices.