Microsoft is reportedly set to refresh its ARM-powered Surface Pro X within the fall.
In line with Windows Central, Microsoft will replace the 2-in-1 with a brand new ‘SQ2’ processor and introduce the ‘platinum’ color choice together with new Kind Cowl colors. Sadly, sources advised Home windows Central that the brand new Professional X — Professional X 2? — gained’t function any vital design modifications.
The most important exterior change would be the new color choice. Microsoft has lengthy provided its Floor gadgets in a ‘platinum’ color, and extra not too long ago in matte black. It seems just like the Floor Professional X 2 can even be obtainable in platinum. The primary Professional X solely got here in black. Home windows Central suggests that is Microsoft’s manner of indicating the Professional X 2 can be prepared for the mainstream client.
Moreover, the Kind Cowl equipment for the Professional X 2 will are available the identical colors as what’s obtainable for the usual Floor Professional system.
As for the brand new SQ2 processor, it’s probably based mostly on Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 and can boast improved efficiency over final yr’s SQ1. Curiously, Microsoft reportedly plans to announce x86 64-bit app emulation, which may enter preview later this yr. If that the case, the Floor Professional X2 might not endure from the app drawback that plagued the unique Professional X.
At the moment, Home windows on ARM can solely emulate 32-bit x86 apps — x86 being the instruction set utilized by Intel and AMD CPUs and likewise what most apps and video games use. Nonetheless, most trendy packages use the 64-bit variant which, sadly, ARM CPUs at the moment can’t emulate. That meant for the Floor Professional X, there was an unlucky lack of apps.
With the extra highly effective SQ2 and assist for 64-bit x86 emulation, the Floor Professional X 2 could possibly be a superb choice when it arrives, assuming the emulation works properly. And with extra platforms adopting ARM, it may encourage builders to start transitioning their apps to ARM as properly.
Lastly, Home windows Central notes that it hasn’t heard any rumours concerning the Floor Professional X 2 supporting 5G. Contemplating one of many large advantages of the 8cx Gen 2 is 5G assist, if the SQ2 is predicated on that chip, it may very properly embrace 5G. If that’s the case, the Professional X 2 could be the primary Floor system to supply 5G connectivity.
The Floor Professional X 2 may arrive in October alongside a brand new, low-cost 12.5-inch Surface Laptop codenamed ‘Sparti.’
Supply: Windows Central
