As expected, Microsoft will hold a major press conference on October 26, 2016 in New York City. And while details are vague at this point, it’s fair to say that the rumors we’ve heard so far are almost certainly correct.
I’ve received an email invitation to the event, but its a bit vague. So here’s what I’ve heard from my sources.
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No Surface Pro 5 or Surface Book 2. As we’ve been saying for some time now, Microsoft will not refresh its flagship Surface tablets until Spring 2017. So we won’t hear anything about these devices at the October event.
No Surface phone. Microsoft is still not sure if it will even try to make a Surface phone, but in any event that device will not be launched this month.
No Band 3. We already know this, but it’s worth repeating: Microsoft Band 3 is not happening. Not this month. Not ever.
New Surface hardware. We’re still expecting Microsoft to announce new Surface hardware at this event, almost certainly various peripherals and possibly the rumored Surface All-In-One as well.
It’s a Windows event. This month’s event is about the next chapter in the Windows 10 story, and so it’s more Windows-focused than Surface-focused. We will almost certainly see some new Windows 10 devices from other PC makers, plus news about Windows 10 on PC, Xbox One and HoloLens. I’m hoping to hear more about the next version of Windows 10 as well.
It will be live streamed. So everyone can see what’s new right away.
I’m not sure yet if I can attend this event live: I’m traveling that day to Las Vegas and changing that will be messy and expensive. But if I don’t go, Brad will at least be there. That said, I’m going to try.
2592
<blockquote><em><a href="#19555">In reply to davidblouin:</a></em></blockquote>
<p>Here’s what Mary Jo Foley (from ZDNET) says regarding Windows Phone:</p>
<p>http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-schedules-its-fall-hardware-event-for-october-26/</p>
<p>"Microsoft officials recently confirmed there will be no new Band device this year, and my sources continue to say no new Microsoft phones of any kind are coming this year, either. If and when anything like a Surface Phone ends up materializing, it will likely be late 2017 or maybe even not until 2018, my contacts have said recently."</p>
<p>Her contacts within MS are for the most part spot on.</p>
<p> </p>
2592
<blockquote><em><a href="#19548">In reply to VancouverNinja:</a></em></blockquote>
<p>When it comes to MS rumors & having contacts within MS, Mary Jo is who I trust the most (no offense Paul): here’s what she says regarding Windows Phone:</p>
<p>http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-schedules-its-fall-hardware-event-for-october-26/</p>
<p>"Microsoft officials recently confirmed there will be no new Band device this year, and my sources continue to say no new Microsoft phones of any kind are coming this year, either. If and when anything like a Surface Phone ends up materializing, it will likely be late 2017 or maybe even not until 2018, my contacts have said recently."</p>
<p>Like it or not, WP is on life support. Introducing a Surface Phone in late 2017 or in 2018 is late, maybe too late.</p>
2592
<p>The Verge is pretty adamant there will be a Surface AIO announced at the event:</p>
<p>http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/7/13207612/microsoft-paint-windows-10-app</p>
<p>"Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell The Verge that any potential AIO PC will be aimed at creatives. Microsoft is said to be working on software and hardware that will enhance the use of stylus, touch, and traditional inputs on a full desktop PC."</p>
<p> </p>