How to watch and what to expect from Microsoft’s October 26 event

Microsoft's next event is happening on October 26th, with all eyes waiting to see the new Surface AiO PC. Here's where to watch and what to expect.

Microsoft Event October 26, 2016

The next Microsoft fall event is happening very soon in New York City, and as expected there are many rumors circulating around about the Windows 10 hardware and software the company will be unveiling.

The press event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 10:00 AM ET, and while the event will mostly be filled with journalists, everyone is invited to watch the live stream at Microsoft.

Although it’s yet unclear exactly everything the company is planning to reveal, there are a few things we’re expecting to see during the event on October 26th.

Surface All-in-One PC

We’ve been hearing for a while that Microsoft is working on a desktop PC carrying the Surface brand (potentially be named “Surface Studio”). The Surface PC is expected to be an elegant all-in-one device designed for the living room.

In addition, it’s said that the Surface AiO PC will be a modular device with stackable components to make the device easy to upgrade.

Surface All-in-One PC design (patent)

Tech specs information is very thin at this time, but it’s likely that the Surface All-in-One PC will feature Intel’s Kady Lake processor and NVidia GTX-1080 graphics. And we might see various screen sizes, including a 27-inch model with support for 4K resolution.

Also, images recently leaked onto the web revealing a Surface branded keyboard and mouse, which we think will be bundled with the device.

Windows 10 Redstone 2 update

Microsoft is also expected to spend a big part of the show talking about the Windows 10 and what the future holds for devices running the operating system, and on new devices from partners.

Back in August, the company released the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which was developed under the Redstone 1 codename and brought a lot of new features and improvements. However, Microsoft is also working to bring two additional major updates in 2017. These updates are currently known as Redstone 2 and Redstone 3, and while the company has been rolling out test versions of the next update giving us a glimpse of what’s to come, we’re also expecting the company to share more details about the roadmap.

It could also be the time when we finally know for sure the release date for Windows 10 Redstone 2, as recent preview builds of the operating system refers the new version as 1703, which suggests Microsoft is targeting March 2017 as a potential release time.

Microsoft’s HomeHub

A new report from Windows Central suggests that Microsoft might also be planning to introduce a speaker device similar to Amazon Echo and Google Home, which will carry the HomeHub name.

If the rumors are true, we could be seeing a device likely to be powered by Cortana intelligence that help users answering questions, run a number of basic tasks, set reminders, and a lot more.

The HomeHub is also expected to be a device that would be able to connect to your Windows 10 devices around the house to access media, such as music, or other type of media like pictures and videos to have them streamed to other devices, including Xbox One.

Desktop Win32 apps and games in the Store

At one point during the event, Microsoft may also talk more about its efforts to help developers to bring traditional desktop applications to the Windows Store with its “Desktop Bridge” app converter (formerly known with the Project Centennial codename).

DesktopAppCoverter for Windows 10

Desktop Bridge is a small set of tools that makes it easier for developers to re-package their apps, and in terms, convert them into Windows Store applications with the ability to plug new Windows 10 specific features, such as notifications, Live Tiles updates, and Cortana integration.

In addition, we may also see new apps that could be bundled with the new Surface PC, such as the new Paint app, which recently leaked onto the web.

No Surface Pro 5 nor Surface Book 2

Currently there is no evidence of Microsoft planning to reveal a brand new “Surface Pro 5” or “Surface Book 2” during the October 26th event. However, the software giant may announce a hardware refresh of the current models.

Surface Book during the Windows 10 Devices event NYC
VP of Microsoft Surface Panos Panay speaks on stage at Windows 10 Devices Event

In the case these devices appear in the event, it’ll likely be to announce the upgrade to Intel’s Kady Lake processors. These new chips are supposed to be faster with better graphics while reducing heat, a power consumption.

No Microsoft Band 3 nor Surface Phone

Microsoft has already discontinued its Band 2 and said that there is no intention to release a Microsoft Band 3. This is happening despite recent leaked images revealed a prototype of a new version of the fitness tracker with waterproof design, blood pressure tracking, and support for RFID.

Microsoft Band 3 and Microsoft Band 2 side-by-side
Microsoft Band 3 and Microsoft Band 2 side-by-side

There has been also a number of rumors about a new mobile device, which we think it will be a Surface branded phone. However, Microsoft isn’t expected to show anything during the October 26th event in New York City. If there is a “Surface Phone” in the works, it won’t be a device to compete with Apple’s iPhone or Google Pixel. Instead, it would be a phone for the business market. However, we won’t likely hear anything official until sometime in 2017 or 2018.

What do you want to see from Microsoft during the Wednesday event? Tell us in the comments below.

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.