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The Surface 3 will reportedly drop Windows RT, run Windows 10 on power-sipping processor

Brad Jones
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Microsoft SURFACE Pro 3 back left angle kickstand
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Everything we’ve learned about Windows 10 in recent months has made it clear that Microsoft wants the OS to be standard across tablets and PCs, and now it seems that the Surface 3 will be designed with that goal in mind.

Microsoft is planning to announce the new tablet at its Build Developer Conference next month, according to a report by WinBeta. It’s thought that the device will drop the mobile-centric Windows RT that was used in its predecessor in favor of Windows 8.1 and, eventually, Windows 10 when that operating system is released. Owners will get a free upgrade to Windows 10, just like owners of any other Windows 8.1 machine. Microsoft recently made clear Windows RT owners won’t be getting Windows 10.

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The writing has been on the wall for Windows RT for some time now, but this development would seem to be the final nail in its coffin, as it confirms there’s no further devices planned with RT installed. The news also points towards a bridge between the regular and Pro editions of the Surface range.

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It’s expected that the Surface 3 will be fitted with an Intel Atom or Intel Core M processor, allowing it to run typical Windows x86 desktop apps. This marks a break from tradition, as only the Pro version of the Surface 2 had such capabilities thanks to its ARM-based processor. Whichever processor it has, the system is expected to be fanless for quiet operation.

It certainly seems that Microsoft is set to position the new Surface as having functionality closer to a traditional laptop than your standard tablet. With a fully-fledged version of Windows running on both the standard and Pro versions of the device, this could well be the edge that the Surface needs to dominate the competitive tablet marketplace.

All of this information comes from WinBeta, which cites confidental sources. The official announcement is expected at Microsoft’s Build Developer Conference which run from April 29 to May 1.

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Brad Jones
Brad Jones
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
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