Microsoft goes after the iPad with low-cost Surface Go Watch Now Video: Microsoft goes after the iPad with low-cost Surface Go Microsoft's Surface account on Twitter looks to be teasing the launch of a new member of the Surface family. Credit: Microsoft On July 9, @Surface tweeted: "Where will Surface go next?" Read also: Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade The accompanying image shows many of the current members of the Surface family: A Surface Pro, Surface Book, Surface Studio and Surface Laptop. Microsoft has been rumored to be working on a new Surface device, likely to be branded "Surface Go," based on at least one developer's recent tweet. As previously reported, this is expected to be a smaller-screen, $399 device powered by a lower-end Intel processor. Read also: Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade - CNET While a number of those responding to the Surface tweet seem to think that Microsoft is teasing the launch of its long-rumored dual-screen Andromeda mobile device, they're wrong. As I reported last week, Microsoft has temporarily (and possibly permanently) shelved Andromeda because the software isn't ready and the device doesn't yet have a clear purpose/niche. As I've also reported before, I don't think Microsoft will be launching revamped versions of the Surface Laptop or Surface Pro until this fall. Read also: Windows 10: A cheat sheet - TechRepublic As several people have noted, the Surface device screens in the image say "July 10" and show a time of 6:00. This could imply the launch of the new device is slated for tomorrow, possibly at 6:00 am. PT.<doc-sep>Microsoft is said to be working on a new cheap Surface tablet. And now, details have leaked on what you'll get for the rumored $399 price. A tweet from Microsoft's @surface account teased the new Surface for as early as tomorrow, July 10 at 6 a.m., as the desktops on the Surface Pro, Surface Book, Surface Studio and Surface Laptop all show that time and date. On the right side of the image, a small shadow suggests there's a new Surface that would be revealed if you zoomed out. Where will Surface go next? pic.twitter.com/9lz3MJmBAT — Microsoft Surface (@surface) July 9, 2018 Also, a document posted to Reddit on Sunday (July 8) points to a "New Microsoft Hardware Display and Type Cover set on Friday, 7/13." If both are true, the product could be unveiled on July 10, and then become available for pre-order on the 13th. To bolster that possibility and shed a bit more light on exactly what Microsoft has a planned, a poster on the Reddit page where the document was shared said that they had knowledge of the tech giant's plans. The person, whose comments were earlier reported on by TechRadar, added that the tablet would ship with a 10-inch screen and have an 1,800-by-1,200-pixel resolution. MORE: Microsoft Andromeda Rumor Roundup: Everything We Know So Far The new Surface will also come with USB-C and microSD support, according to the report, and offer a Pentium Gold processor. Add that to the Type Cover with touchpad you can use the Surface tablet as a mini notebook. According to the poster, who didn't confirm a tie to Microsoft or explain where the information is from, the tablet would come in a variety of versions, including one that has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Another would offer 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and only allow for Wi-Fi connectivity. Two LTE models will be available, each with 8GB of RAM. One model will have 128GB of storage and the other will come with 256GB, according to the report. Rumors have been swirling that Microsoft is planning a new tablet launch this summer. And although details have been slim, the reports had suggested that the company's pricing would start at around $399. The tablet would be a budget-friendly model that would provide ample power for those who want a simpler slate experience. This would give Microsoft a direct competitor to the new $329 iPad, not to mention Chromebooks. The insider who tipped Microsoft's plans on Reddit said that the device would be priced at around $399 for education customers. The person added that it would top out at $829 before you add in accessories. Microsoft, of course, is remaining silent on its plans. But if it's indeed working on a new Surface slate, look for it to be available sooner rather than later.<doc-sep>
The rumor mill has been rife with speculation that a budget Surface device is in the works, and we may get our first official look at it this week. The official Microsoft Surface Twitter account today posted an image of its current family of devices, all with the date of Tuesday, July 10 on their lock screens with the caption: "Where will Surface go next?" Where will Surface go next? pic.twitter.com/9lz3MJmBAT — Microsoft Surface (@surface) July 9, 2018 As The Verge notes, this image has been used by Microsoft before, but never with the dates and times included. And if you look closely at the image, you can spot another shadow off to the right, which doesn't appear to belong to any of the devices shown. With Microsoft's Andromeda device rumored to be on the backburner for now, it's most likely that Microsoft is teasing the announcement of a cheaper Surface coming to its lineup. The device is said to be targeting a $400 price point with an eye on competing in the market against Apple's iPad. Along with a rumored 10-inch screen and LTE option, the device is said to be packing Intel's Pentium chips, which would allow Microsoft to produce a reasonably priced tablet that can still perform well enough for general web browsing and office tasks. Last week, we caught a hint that Microsoft was gearing up to launch such a device with its move through the FCC. We'll have to wait until later this week to see if this apparent teaser pans out, but it's interesting nonetheless – and it's just in time to hit shelves before the back-to-school season kicks into high gear.