Microsoft will introduce a new cover for their Surface tablets that will include a built-in battery. The price of the cover is unknown and availability is currently unclear and may be after the launch of the Surface 2. The add-on will be known as the “Power Cover,” and will be compatible with the first generation Surface Pro. The power cover in combination with the Surface 2 sporting a Haswell chip could provide all day battery life.

Thurrott provided some definitive details:

Compatibility. It will work with Surface Pro, Surface 2, and Surface Pro 2, but not the original Surface RT.

Typing experience. The Power Cover uses the same type of keyboard as the original Type Cover. That is, it is a real keyboard and not a flat Type Cover-type keyboard.

Surface charging. Like any external power supply, the Power Cover will charge the Surface while in use.

Battery charging. It charges while the Surface is charging.

Battery life. No word yet on the actual battery life gain, though I suspect it varies from device to device. My sources say that it “significantly” extends the battery life of compatible Surface devices.

Weight. 1.1 pounds (520 grams), compared to .55 pounds (250 grams) for the current-generation Type Cover. (There will be a new Type Cover. The Power Cover is a separate accessory, not a replacement for Type Cover.)

Thickness. .38 inches (9.75 mm), compared to .21 inches (5.33 mm) for today’s Type Cover.

Availability. Power Cover will ship this year, but after the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 launch.

via Neowin