Microsoft working on Surface 2 successor running full version of Windows

Microsoft is reportedly building a new low-end Surface running the full version of Windows.

Microsoft Surface 2 back kickstand

Microsoft launched the Surface RT successor, Surface 2, back in 2013, since then the software giant also released the successful Surface Pro 3, but a Surface 3 has been particular absent.

The Surface 2 and Surface RT, both run Windows RT, which is a version of the operating system that runs on ARM-based processors, and as we all now know Microsoft is ditching this version for a new version of Windows 10 tailor for mobile devices.

So, it was unclear if the company was ever going to continue with a non-pro version of its tablet. We even knew Microsoft was planning to release a Surface Mini, but the tablet was killed just before the Surface Pro 3 launch.

Today, according to a new report from WinBeta, it’s likely that Microsoft may be planning to launch a Surface 2 successor, but given that Microsoft is discontinuing Windows RT, the new tablet may come pre-loaded with the full version of Windows instead. The same report also details that the new device is fanless and it will feature a low-performance processor, which indicates that an Intel Atom or Core M processor will probably power the new device.

This will be a new tablet aimed for everyday use and not for professionals. It appears that Microsoft is thinking on announcing the device in 2015, during the BUILD time frame, and launch will occur soon after, which means that it’s likely the “Surface 3” will come pre-loaded with Windows 8.1, if the launch happens before the release of Windows 10. Of course, if that is the case, we can expect the device to be upgradable to Windows 10.

It’s worth pointing out that the new iteration of the non-professional version of the tablet is probably unlikely to carry the “Surface 3” name, as we’re also waiting for the company to announce the Surface Pro 4, which would make the name unsuited for the device.

Microsoft previously confirmed the death of Windows RT by stating that ARM-based devices won’t upgrade to Windows 10, instead the company will release a series of updates bringing some Windows 10 features to the operating system.

BUILD is closing in and it’ll be interesting to see what the company is going to unveil during the conference, as we’re also hoping to hear more about the Surface Pro 4, HoloLens, and maybe new flagship of Lumia phones.

Source WinBeta

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.