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Microsoft unveils new Surface Pro & Surface Laptop

Tue, 21st May 2024

Microsoft has unveiled the latest additions to its Surface lineup, introducing the all-new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. Branded as Copilot+ PCs, these devices are touted as the fastest and most intelligent Windows PCs to date, offering superior performance, extended battery life, and innovative AI experiences.

Copilot+ PCs make significant advancements in computing with the integration of Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. These processors promise optimal processing and response times, outperforming even the latest MacBook Air. Microsoft has collaborated with global developers to optimise applications for these processors, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. Notably, the new Prism emulation engine delivers a twofold performance boost compared to the Surface Pro 9 with 5G.

The Copilot+ PCs are equipped with the most powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the PC category, capable of over 45 trillion operations per second. This computational power enhances AI features, such as the Recall feature allowing users to search through their PC's content using natural language or visual clues. Another feature, Cocreator in Paint, assists in creating and refining images in real-time. Live Captions, now with live translation, provides real-time transcriptions of audio in multiple languages.

The new Surface Pro represents a substantial upgrade from its predecessors, combining increased performance, extensive battery life, and cutting-edge AI capabilities in a versatile design. Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, it offers speeds 90% faster than the Surface Pro 9 and supports up to three external 4K displays. It features a 13-inch display with optional OLED and HDR technology, offering impressive brightness and colour fidelity. Additional improvements include an ultra-wide, quad-HD front-facing camera, and a 10MP Ultra HD rear-facing camera capable of 4K video.

Sustainability has also been a key focus, with the Surface Pro utilising more recycled materials than previous models. The enclosure incorporates 72% recycled content, and components like the motherboard and battery have become more replaceable.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard has been revamped for greater flexibility, enabling it to be used either attached or detached. It incorporates enhanced carbon fibre layers for stability and includes a larger haptic touchpad. The Surface Slim Pen has also seen improvements, featuring Zero Force inking and 4,096 points of pressure sensitivity for a more natural writing experience.

The new Surface Laptop continues to redefine the classic PC category with modern lines and a stunning PixelSense touchscreen display. Available in two sizes, the laptop's display offers a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR, and Dolby Vision IQ. The redesigned Surface Laptop boasts an 86% speed increase over the Laptop 5 and can power up to three external 4K monitors. The 15-inch model offers up to 22 hours of battery life, while the 13.8-inch version provides up to 20 hours.

Accessibility, security, and sustainability are central to the design of these new Surface devices. From adaptive accessories to chip-to-cloud security measures, Microsoft aims to make technology inclusive and secure while reducing environmental impact. The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop use 100% recycled aluminium alloy for their enclosures and entirely recycled rare-earth metal magnets, achieving a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous models.

Both devices start at USD $999 and are available for pre-order now, with a launch date set for mid-June. Microsoft continues its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity with these latest additions to the Surface lineup.

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