Skip to main content

Microsoft announces October 2 event. Could the two-screen Surface finally debut?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft will be holding a media event in New York City on October 2, the company revealed on Tuesday. Although the “Save the Date” media invites do not specifically mention the Surface lineup, the Fall timeline would make it the perfect opportunity for a reveal of the long-rumored dual-screen Centarus device, as well as other Surface hardware.

Previous October events from Microsoft have announced the Surface Pro 6, Surface Studio, and Surface Laptop. This time, however, the media invite cryptically hints at the reveal of a possible foldable device. Instead of featuring the full-version traditional Microsoft Surface Logo, parts appear to be omitted, in the same way that a dual-screen device would fold.

In the lead up to the announcement of the media event, there have been several rumors supporting the existence of a dual-screen Surface Centaurus device. The device was said to be privately demonstrated internally to employees at Microsoft. Several listings on LinkedIn have also indicated the progress of a new version of Windows, known as Windows Core OS, which is reportedly powering this new device. Patents have also showcased Microsoft’s work on the project, from the hinges, display, and even the way apps would work.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Foldable Laptop
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While other rumors indicate that Microsoft is planning for a 2020 public release of Surface Centarus, other laptop and phone makers have already revealed dual-screen devices. Lenovo recently showcased a ThinkPad with a foldable display, and Samsung has its troubled Galaxy Fold.

It could be that we’ll get updates to other Surface products, such as the Surface Pro, Surface Go, Surface Studio, or Surface Laptop. Microsoft hasn’t been afraid of rolling out multiple major product updates in one press event, so our hopes are high that we’ll see a variety of announcements.

The flagship Surface Pro 7 is one we’ll be particularly interested in seeing. While previous iterations have been minor spec updates, all signs have pointed to a major redesign in 2019. It could not only finally get USB-C, but we may even see a redesigned keyboard and Surface Pen.

Digital Trends will be on the ground in New York and will be attending Microsoft’s October 2 event.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 3 is a more capable budget laptop
Surface Laptop Go 3 at Microsoft debut event.

At today's Surface event, Microsoft announced the third generation of its budget-priced Surface Laptop Go, the premium Surface Laptop Studio 2, and the Surface Go 4. Sporting a Microsoft pedigree, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is worth considering if you're looking for a nice-looking touchscreen notebook.

Microsoft upgraded several components in this year's offering to make the Surface Laptop Go 3 more competitive. Microsoft upgraded the processor to a 12th Gen Core i5-1235U, which deliversa massive upgrade of 88% faster performance. Memory and storage capacity are larger than ever for a Surface Laptop Go, with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. At the same time, battery life increases from 13 to 15 hours, so you can go all day with this laptop.

Read more
Microsoft September 2023 event: Copilot, Surface Laptop Studio 2, and more
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talks on stage during the Microsoft September event.

Microsoft's September event delivered a slew of exciting announcements. All things AI were a hot topic, ranging from the Microsoft Copilot to updates to Paint and Snipping Tool. Several new Surface products were also revealed, including the Surface Laptop Studio 2.

We were at the event and got all of the news firsthand. Here's everything that Microsoft unveiled as part of its September 2023 event.
A new category of computing

Read more
Microsoft’s executive shake-up casts a shadow on upcoming Surface event
Microsoft Corporate VP of Devices Panos Panay holding up a Surface Book.

In what some are calling the "end of an era," Microsoft revealed that long-time Surface and Windows leader, Panos Panay, would be leaving the company. The announcement comes just days before Microsoft's Surface and AI event on September 21, where the company is expected to reveal new devices like the Surface Laptop Studio 2.

Panay is a mainstay at Microsoft events, as well as the champion of Surface devices during Microsoft's presentations. Microsoft says the former executive won't be at the event on Thursday, according to Tom Warren.

Read more