Are Microsoft about to launch the Surface Pro 4, Band 2 and new Lumia phones?

2 months ago

Microsoft are hosting an event tomorrow which is likely to unveil a host of new gadgets from the tech giants.

A mixture of leaks and rumours have led many to conclude that we can expect to see the new Surface Pro 4 tablet’s debut appearance, as well as Microsoft’s Band 2.

The latest Lumia offerings – the 950 and 950 XL – should also be on display, after Microsoft appeared to inadvertently share details of the devices on its website.

Windows 10 for mobile is due to be rolled out, and there are indications this could soon extend to Xbox One.

Here is what we know so far about the forthcoming devices.

Surface Pro 4

Details are sketchy about the new Microsoft laptop-tablet, but it is expected to be slimmer than the Pro 3 and reports suggest it could utilise Windows Hello, which allows users to log on using face-recognition software.

It is rumoured that it could also come in a variety of screen sizes – with 12-inch, 14-inch and even 8-inch screens all suggested as possibilities.

Screen resolution is another key development to look out for, as several outlets have speculated the Surface Pro 4 could boast 4K or 5K capabilities.

Intel’s Core M Broadwell processors are also widely believed to be powering the device.

Microsoft Band 2

An image alleging to be a leaked design of the second Microsoft smartwatch has been doing the rounds on social media, showing a noticeably more curved screen than the first watch.

A frequent criticism of the original Microsoft Band was its uncomfortable fit – largely caused by the flat screen – which is likely to be adjusted by a change in screen and battery type, it has been reported.

It is expected to continue to function chiefly as a fitness-monitoring wearable, potentially with new sensors such as GPS to track your exercise and it should, inevitably, be powered by Windows 10.

Much like its predecessor, it will most likely be compatible with everything from your PC to your phone.

Lumia 950, 950 XL and 550

The launch of the next generation of Lumia smartphones is believed to be one of the dead certs for tomorrow’s events.

A bizarre blunder saw the Lumia 950 and 950 XL briefly listed on Microsoft’s online store and an assortment of other leaks appear to have revealed certain technical specifications.

The Lumia 950 is reported to have a 5.2-inch screen, whereas the larger Lumia 950 XL has a 5.7-inch screen.

Both models are rumoured to feature a 20-megapixel camera and 32 GB of storage, as well as Windows 10.

There is also some speculation that Microsoft could use the opportunity to announce their first low-cost smartphone – the Lumia 550.

True to form, a number of leaks have let certain details out of the bag.

It is hinted to have a screen with an HD display between 4.7 and five inches, 8GB of storage, with a five-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera.

The cheap and cheerful model should be available from around £80, according to reports.

Anything else?

The Windows 10 mobile OS will likely be one of the centrepieces of tomorrow’s event, which Microsoft hopes will allow greater connectivity between your phone and other devices.

This will also soon become available to Xbox One users, and some suspect the event could be the platform used to reveal more details of what this might look like.