Microsoft to Debut Second Generation of Surface Products at September 23 New York Event
Microsoft plans to introduce a new wave of its homegrown Surface hardware at a Sept. 23 event in New York.
Despite significant speculation about a smaller-size Surface tablet, the company is not expected to introduce a “mini” version, though it is likely to offer updated versions of the current lineup, which includes the Intel-based Surface Pro and ARM-based Surface RT.
The launch shows Microsoft’s commitment to the hardware effort despite weak sales of its first try, the Surface RT tablet. Microsoft had to take a $900 million charge to cover losses on that product.
That said, Microsoft has doubled down on becoming a “devices and services” company, announcing last week its plan to acquire Nokia’s phone business as part of an expanded push into hardware.
The Surface era began with a June 18, 2012, launch in Los Angeles, where Microsoft previewed the first two products — Surface RT and Surface Pro.