Microsoft reportedly builds Surface Pro prototypes
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There also is speculation that the original plans for Microsoft’s iPad competitor, the Surface Go tablet, called for the device be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. Intel reportedly pressured Microsoft to have the lower priced tablets run on Intel’s Pentium Gold Processors instead. If Intel doesn’t put the squeeze on Microsoft so hard this year, the second generation Surface Go models could end up with Intel outside and Qualcomm inside.
The Surface Pro line is supposed to get a major redesign with new models to be unveiled during the fourth quarter of this year. Thurrott’s Brad Sams says to expect thinner bezels, the long awaited USB-C port, new color options and some other changes. That would be the time to expect Microsoft to make the change to Snapdragon chips for the Surface Pro, starting with the lower-end variants of the tablet.
In a related piece of news, testing has started on the Firefox for Windows 10 ARM browser.
Questions & Answers
Q.What kind of processors do current Surface Pro models use?
What kind of processors do current Surface Pro models use?
The current Surface Pro 6 models are powered by Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors. Microsoft has built prototypes using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, suggesting a possible shift for future versions.
Q.What changes might be coming to the Surface Pro line later this year?
What changes might be coming to the Surface Pro line later this year?
A major redesign is expected for the Surface Pro line in the fourth quarter. This could include thinner bezels, the addition of a USB-C port, and new colour options, among other changes.
Q.Why did the Surface Go tablet not use Qualcomm Snapdragon chips initially?
Why did the Surface Go tablet not use Qualcomm Snapdragon chips initially?
Original plans for the Surface Go reportedly included Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. However, Intel reportedly pressured Microsoft to use Intel’s Pentium Gold Processors for these lower-priced tablets instead.
Q.When might Microsoft introduce Snapdragon chips into the Surface Pro range?
When might Microsoft introduce Snapdragon chips into the Surface Pro range?
Microsoft might introduce Snapdragon chips into the Surface Pro line, starting with lower-end variants, when the new models are unveiled with a major redesign during the fourth quarter of this year.
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