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Next week on October 26 Microsoft is holding what now seems to be its yearly Windows 10 press event. Unlike last year's momentous shindig, we expect the 2016 event is going to be toned down substantially with fewer announcements and a lot less hardware. So, what do we expect to be announced? What rumors can we shoot down? Zac Bowden and I round up the sure bets for next week to keep everyone's expectations in check. Don't forget to check our Microsoft Event FAQ and bookmark our Event Live Blog and Fan Chat! What we expect Here are the top things we have high confidence in Microsoft announcing next week. While we may miss on some details, expect these categories to be addressed. Windows 10 2017 Features Microsoft has been testing its next major update — codenamed "Redstone 2" — for Windows 10 for a few months now, issuing Insiders a number of preview builds that so far, include only small tweaks and enhancements. Microsoft should hopefully be ready to detail some of the major new features planned for Windows 10 in 2017, similarly to the Windows 10 event held in January back in 2015. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more Some of those features may or may not include an Office Hub, which we exclusively revealed a few weeks ago, HomeHub, HoloShell, UWP File Explorer and much more.

We may also find out when exactly Redstone 2 will arrive for the public, as recent Insider builds have started referencing a Version 1703. Windows Central can confirm that Microsoft is aiming for a March 2017 launch for its next major Windows 10 update, and next week's event would be a very good time to announce that. Microsoft has a second major update for 2017 planned for Windows 10, codenamed Redstone 3, targeted for launch later in the summer. We doubt Microsoft will announce or showcase any planned features for this update, but you never know. Surface All-in-One Although there is not much this year regarding new hardware, a Surface All-in-One desktop (AIO) keeps popping up on our radar. Back in June, Digitimes initially reported the rumor, but through our sources we were able to corroborate the information. According to ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, the device goes by the codename "Cardinal" and that it "could be positioned as a product that can turn your desk into 'a studio.' " Our sources point to a home/living room focus as well, which could tie into reports of Microsoft Home Hub (more on that below).

Details are still very scarce, but the device could likely have a detachable display, inking support, and be modular in nature with add-on components. We heard 4K resolution batted around along with various screen sizes with 27 inches being the most likely (21- and 24-inch versions were also reportedly tested). The Verge's Tom Warren hinted that the unique PC could also have a GTX-1080 video card, which would be massive for gaming. Indeed, we have heard Microsoft is recruiting "media influencers" in the gaming industry to attend next week's event suggesting a gaming tie-in. In fact, a high-end video card will also make this VR- and AR-ready. Combined with Windows Holographic being put into Windows 10 plus some Project C games to the Windows Store and perhaps the Surface AIO will be a lot more than what we thought. Just imagine a Surface powering a 3D holographic experience... Earlier this year Microsoft and Wacom entered into an agreement to share technology and make 'dual protocol pens.' Those new pens are supposed to launch 'later this year' so now seems like a good time to bring those to market. Finally, officially co-branded Surface Keyboards and a Surface Mouse will likely be shown with the PC. After all, you need something to type on. One keyboard is small and minimalist while the other is ergonomic. However, these are merely re-branded Designer Keyboard, Designer Mouse, and Sculpt Keyboard designs updated with some new tech and gray color scheme.

Like all Surface products we have a feeling that whatever this device is it will be something unique, a little mind-blowing, and likely very expensive. HomeHub – Amazon Echo competitor? We're also hearing that Microsoft has some "smart connected" device, possibly similar to the Amazon Echo lined up for an unveiling at its October 26th event. Details are still pretty scarce, but according to our sources this device is related to a Windows 10 feature called "HomeHub."

Microsoft's potential Amazon Echo competitor is just that, but would be powered by Cortana instead of Amazon's Alexa. It's essentially a smart voice-activated speaker for the home. Ask it questions, set reminders, and give it commands for household appliances. Microsoft is positioning Cortana in the center of your life, and having her available in a dedicated device would make perfect sense. Other touted features is the ability to store files directly on the device, such as music, video, and documents, allowing them to be streamed to any other devices in the house. Similar to how a personal cloud server would work, like those WD My Cloud hard drives. Many have been waiting for Microsoft to enter the "smart assistant" market with a dedicated appliance; perhaps Microsoft will be willing to play a bigger part in the likes of the smart home market now, too. They're going up against some steep competition from Amazon, who has been refining and expanding the Echo's abilities with connections to hundreds of web services and smart home devices over the past two years. Plus Google's getting into smart home speaker game and Apple's rumored to be making their own Siri-powered home hub (for whatever that's worth). Maybe What about products and features we have heard about but are not entirely confident will be announced? These could happen next week, but we wouldn't be surprised if they didn't either. Surface Refresh – Bring on Kaby Lake? We do not expect a Surface Pro 5 or Surface Book 2 this year. While we have heard of a Surface Book 2 hinge redesign, we do not expect to know more about that device until Spring 2017. Nonetheless, we have heard some reports of a Kaby Lake refresh for the Surface line. Kaby Lake is the codename for Intel's 7th generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, which bring reduced heat, a double-digit bump in integer performance, improved Speed Shift technology, and native hardware support for 4K HEVC encoding/decoding at 10-bit depths and VP9 decoding. It has the same but improved 14nm process as its Skylake predecessor and precedes next year's 10nm shift to Cannonlake.