Microsoft Surface Event 2024 hosted some great reveals. The company took a big step forward following its annual developer conference, Build. It unveiled two new Surface laptops, the Surface Laptop (7th Gen) and Surface Pro (11th Gen), powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors.
Both models will meet with technology enthusiasts on June 18 with a starting price of $1000. Of course, these two products are not the only products introduced at the event. You will also hear something about artificial intelligence. Here are all the details…
Microsoft Surface Event 2024: Next-generation chips are unveiled
Following Apple’s switch to its M-series chips, Microsoft has chosen Qualcomm over Intel for its new Surface models. The company chose its devices’ Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, claiming that the chips optimize performance and battery life and power new artificial intelligence capabilities.
Qualcomm says the Snapdragon X Elite offers high performance while consuming less power than its competitors. Microsoft shared that its new Surface devices have longer battery life and faster speed than the M3 MacBook Air.
Future Intel processors on the agenda
Microsoft doesn’t plan to rely solely on Qualcomm chips for all its future devices. With Intel’s announcement that it will launch its Lunar Lake chips with AI performance later this year, there is a good chance that Microsoft will produce models with Intel chips.
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft’s new Surface laptops are called “Copilot+ PC“.
Surface Laptop (7th Generation)
Surface Laptop (7th Generation) comes with thin bezels, a responsive touchpad, and two different display options: 13.8-inch and 15-inch. You can find the other technical specifications of the device in the table we have prepared for you below:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Thinner bezels, haptic touchpad |
| CPU | Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite |
| RAM | Up to 64GB LDPPR5x |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Display Sizes | 13.8-inch touchscreen, 15-inch (120Hz refresh rate) |
| Display Type | PixelSense flow display, 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Display Brightness | Up to 600 nits |
| Color Gamut | P3 |
| Webcam | 1080p with Windows Hello |
| Battery | Up to 66 Whr – up to 22 hours local video playback |
| Dimensions (13.8″) | 11.9 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches |
| Dimensions (15″) | 13 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight (13.8″) | 2.96 pounds |
| Weight (15″) | 3.67 pounds |
| Price | From $999 |
Surface Pro (11th Generation)
Microsoft also presented the 11th version of the Surface Pro series to users. The 11th generation of Surface Pro has both a normal version and an OLED screen option. The technical specifications of both options are as follows:
Surface Pro 11 with OLED | Surface Pro 11 | |
|---|---|---|
Starting Price | $1,299 | $999 |
CPU | Snapdragon X Elite | Snapdragon X Plus |
RAM | 16GB, 32GB | 16GB |
Storage | 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
Display | 13 inches OLED (2880 x 1920) | 13 inches LCD (2880 x 1920) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno | Qualcomm Adeno |
Ports | 2x USB-C/USB 4 | 2x USB-C/USB 4 |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
Battery life | 10 hours web, 14 hours video | 10 hours web, 14 hours video |
Size | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches |
Weight | 1.97 pounds | 1.97 pounds |
Surface Pro Flex Keyboard: More versatile typing experience
The new keyboard, called the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, can be detached and placed anywhere for a more versatile typing experience. The touchpad is 14 percent larger than the previous model. A thicker key set option is also considered for people with impaired vision. The device is also compatible with the old Surface Slim Pen Stylus.
Copilot and Windows Studio effects
Microsoft has announced new features for Qualcomm-powered devices running Windows 11, which will be available on June 18. Notable new features include Windows Studio Effects and live translations. Here’s what’s new:
- Live Captions: Real-time captions for video or voice calls, even while watching movies. It currently translates from 44 languages into English.
Live Captions (Image credit) - Recall: Allows you to easily find any content (text, images, videos) that you have previously seen or interacted with on your computer. Thanks to its advanced language models, it understands natural language queries to help you quickly find what you’re looking for. It’s privacy-focused, and your data is stored on your device.
Recall (Image credit) - Windows Studio Effects: AI-powered features that improve the webcam experience on new Surface PCs. Includes creative filters, lighting adjustment, eye contact correction, background blur, and sound enhancement.
- Cocreator (in Paint): Helps you improve your drawings using artificial intelligence. It understands what you write or draw and creates an enriched version to add to your canvas. This makes it easier to express your creativity.
Cocreator (Image credit)
These new technologies from Microsoft have the potential to boost productivity, facilitate communication, and support the creative process. Live translations, in particular, can make communicating with people in different languages easier, helping us communicate more effectively globally.
Microsoft’s new Surface laptops open a new chapter in the world of technology. They offer performance powered by Snapdragon processors, AI capabilities, and innovative features. Available June 18, these models not only meet users’ expectations but also shed light on future technology.
Featured image credit: Microsoft
