Microsoft may be preparing to launch three new Surface-branded all-in-one (AIO) PCs later this year. Reports of a Surface AIO first began in June when DigiTimes claimed that Microsoft is planning a Surface AIO as an alternative to the Surface Book. Windows Central now reports that Microsoft is testing three display sizes: 21-inch at full HD, 24-inch at 4K, and 27-inch at 4K. Microsoft is just reportedly testing the devices, and it's not clear if the PCs will ever make it to the market.

Microsoft regularly tests a wide range of potential hardware for its Surface-branded devices, and the company has attempted to break from the normal approach to tablets and laptops with the Surface Pro and Surface Book. If Microsoft is planning to launch a Surface AIO, it's easy to imagine that it wouldn't be your typical desktop machine that we've seen from the likes of HP, Dell, Apple, Lenovo, and others.

Microsoft hinted back in July that it's planning a new Surface-branded device for this year, and three more for 2017. Windows Central also reports that the Surface Book successor will have a hinge that allows the device to close flush like a traditional laptop. Existing Surface Books have an unsightly gap, introduced by Microsoft's use of a fulcrum hinge that lets the display detach from the keyboard base. The rumored redesign will allow the display and keyboard to sit flush and closed against each other when the lid to the Surface Book is closed.

Details around Microsoft's plans for a Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2 are still vague, and the company could be waiting on Intel's Kaby Lake processors to introduce a refresh early next year. Microsoft is also planning two major software updates to Windows 10 next year, with the first expected to debut alongside new hardware in early 2017.

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