Windows 10: Microsoft's next feature update is getting closer Watch Now

Rumors that Microsoft was planning some kind of Surface event this fall were circulating for months. That event takes place on October 2 in New York City, and will likely be about more than just new hardware.

Also: Windows 10 October 2018 Update: Microsoft hustles to kill bugs

Lately, Microsoft has been talking more in terms of "solutions," meaning hardware plus software plus services, rather than devices by themselves. So, I'm betting there will be news about Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products and services at this event, too.

There's not much of a clue in the invitation. It simply says "a moment of your time" and doesn't include any image or other information.



For months, I've heard Microsoft's fall event would be low-key, in terms of new hardware. I've heard Microsoft will likely update its Surface Pro (last year's model) and Surface Laptop with Intel 8th-generation processors, and likely new USB-C ports. I've also previously reported that Microsoft is believed to have been developing a Surface-branded headset, similar to the Jabra Evolve. I think this could potentially debut at the Oct. 2 event, as well.

Also: Microsoft touts AI, circular microphone advances in overlapped speech recognition work

I'm expecting Microsoft will share more about its "Modern Life Services" vision at the October 2 event, though officials may never publicly use those words.

Earlier this summer, at a Microsoft sales and partner conference, Corporate Vice President Yusuf Mehdi talked about the concept of "modern life services." The core idea is Microsoft, because of its productivity expertise, can help users -- especially "professional consumers" -- achieve more throughout their day, at work and home. I'm guessing the "a moment of your time" is likely a reference to saving time/productivity.

Also: Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller for gaming is now available CNET

The next version of Windows 10 (codenamed 19H1), Cortana, Outlook, OneNote, To-Do, and more Microsoft products that have potential consumer appeal are likely to get some time in the limelight, I'd think. And given Microsoft's continued, growing push to fit gaming into its product line-up and strategy, I wouldn't be surprised to see Xbox (especially controlled by Cortana and/or Alexa), Minecraft and games feature in some of the fall event demos, as well.

Those hoping for new Surface Pro or Surface Book devices, I believe, will have to wait for 2019. In fact, one of my contacts said a heavily redesigned new Surface Pro, codenamed "Carmel," is definitely a 2019 thing. Surface Hub 2, which Microsoft officials have been touting since earlier this calendar year, also is a 2019 deliverable.

Also: Microsoft 365: A cheat sheet TechRepublic

Surface Go with LTE, which Microsoft has said is a fall 2018 deliverable, could debut at this year's Surface event. Or maybe Microsoft will just start shipping it without a separate launch event.

Microsoft's fall event will happen a few weeks after Apple's own fall event on Sept.12 and a few days ahead of Google's expected Pixel 3 launch on Oct. 9.

Previous and related coverage:

Microsoft's new Windows 10 19H1 test build adds fixes, support for new app updates

Microsoft's latest Windows 10 19H1 Skip Ahead build, No. 18234, adds a bunch of minor updates and fixes, but still no major new features.

Another use for Cortana (and Alexa): Controlling Microsoft's Xbox

Cortana- and Alexa-powered devices soon will enable users to control many of their Xbox One console activities using their voice.

Microsoft to offer paid Windows 7 Extended Security Updates

Microsoft is stepping up its Windows 7 migration campaign with a paid security update option, Desktop App Assure service and more.

Microsoft permanently extends support for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education feature updates to 30 months

IT Pros rejoice: Microsoft is relenting on how quickly users will have to move to new Windows 10 feature updates.