Microsoft’s October event: What to expect and where to watch

Microsoft has sent invitations to the media, asking them to attend an event in New York City, where it will likely introduce new devices in its Surface line.

The event is considered a hardware event. But we may see more than just hardware. Here’s everything you need to know, including what the messaging on Microsoft’s invite means, where you can live stream the event, and all the devices and software updates expected. Keep checking back, too.

Pocket-lint/Microsoft

What does “Imagine what you’ll do” mean?

Microsoft’s event invitation mentioned “Imagine what you’ll do” as a tagline, as well as “see what’s next for Windows 10” messaging, which indicates the company will not just focus on hardware.

The next major upgrade to Windows 10 won’t release until 2017, so it’ll be interesting to learn what the company is actually teasing here.

When is Microsoft’s October event?

Microsoft will hold its event on 26 October at 10 am ET (7 am PT).

Will Microsoft stream the October event?

Yes. The live stream will be available from the company’s website.

What will Microsoft announce?

Surface all-in-one PC

Microsoft is reportedly bringing the Surface brand to all-in-one PC desktops.

According to ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft hardware event in late October is meant to showcase a new Surface-branded device going by the codename Cardinal. The device is thought to be an all-in-one PC that may come in 21-inch, 24-inch, and 27-inch screen sizes (something Windows Central also claimed).

Cardinal could use the same Perceptive Pixel screen tech found in Surface Hub. Although ZDNet was unsure if three different sizes were in the works, as well as whether the device’s codename is its real name, the site reminded readers that Microsoft had a patent published in 2016 for an all-in-one modular PC.

Laptops and tablets

The Verge claimed the company isn’t planning to update its Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book devices at the autumn event, because it will unveil laptops and devices from OEMs instead. According to ZDNet, which said the theme of the event will be “The next chapter in the Windows story”, we can definitely expect new OEM devices.

Xbox-related updates

According to ZDNet, Microsoft will announce some gaming-related updates. The Verge also said Microsoft will discuss its Xbox gaming strategy while outlining its vision for the future of Windows 10.

Windows 10 updates

The Verge claimed Microsoft will focus on its vision for the future of Windows 10, such as new features in Windows 10, because the company reportedly plans to introduce via two major software updates in 2017, and those new Windows 10 features will tie into its Xbox gaming strategy. ZDNet said we may hear news on the “Redstone 2” update.

Is that it?

Yep. A Surface Phone is not expected until sometime later, if Microsoft doesn’t ditch the project, and Microsoft officials have already confirmed there’d be no new Band device this year. Check out Pocket-lint’s Microsoft hub for more news.