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Microsoft just sent out invites for an October 6 event in New York. “We have some exciting news to share about Windows 10 devices,” it says. It’s high time for new Surface tablets, but this could also be a chance for Microsoft to show off its entire lineup of products ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Reports that Microsoft will unveil a new Surface Pro 4 have been rolling in since May, but we also expect to see a new version of Microsoft Band , the ambitious fitness band unveiled last year. ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley expects to see the Surface Pro 4, Band 2 and new Lumia phones. CNET will be there to cover everything the Redmond, Washington-based tech giant has to share at the event.
With Apple’s iPad Pro is on track for November, Microsoft has the opportunity to show how its expected Surface Pro 4 stands out in comparison: namely, by being a flagship for tablets that can replace PCs.
Apple last week introduced a larger, more work-friendly iPad Pro, along with an optional keyboard and stylus called the Apple Pencil. The company likely hopes the iPad Pro will inject life into its tablet business, where sales have fallen for six consecutive quarters. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 , another larger tablet with a plug-in keyboard accessory, made waves when it launched last year as a sleek replacement for a traditional work PC. In January, Microsoft declared the Surface a billion-dollar business. But there are plenty of other Windows 10 devices, including Lenovo’s Miix 700 tablet, that already stand out attractive alternatives to PCs.
The Microsoft Band aims to offer the best of both smartwatches and fitness bands. The wearable has gotten steady software updates since its release last year, but its hardware design and performance could use improvements. Also, its not easy to find in stores.
Finally, could we hear more about HoloLens ? Microsoft has shown off its augmented reality headset, which floats 3D images in front of your eyes and overlays them on top of real-world environments, several times this year. At its E3 press conference in June, Microsoft wowed with a demonstration of how HoloLens could be used with the popular 3D building game Minecraft. While we know it will run a version of Windows 10, we still don’t know anything about its price or release date. Maybe we’ll hear more in October.
