After leaks, Microsoft confirms Surface, Windows AI event for March

Did Microsoft see its newest Surface devices leak in all their incrementally-increased glory, and decide that it was time to set a date? Or was the event coming all along and the leak was just happenstance? The world may never know…not that it’s all that important. After a pretty sizeable leak earlier this week, Microsoft has confirmed that a new “Digital event” will take place on March 21st.

“Advancing the new era of work with Copilot,” says the headline for the announcement page. It follows with “Tune in here for the latest in scaling AI in your environment with Copilot, Windows, and Surface.” That’s about it as far as any substantive information goes, aside from the fact that the event will be starting at 9 a.m. Pacific time, noon Eastern.

Microsoft

I find the very deliberate order of that promo illuminating — Microsoft literally gives the headline to Copilot, while Windows and Surface get “also starring” roles at the end of the text. Even with new entries in the company’s flagship hardware line, it’s clear that just like the last big event in September, the focus will be mostly on AI. Which is basically the trend for everything this year.

That said, there will be Surface news, almost certainly including the leaked Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10 tablet. The former seems to be getting a tweaked body design and new Thunderbolt ports, and possibly even a new ARM-based chip option. The latter will reportedly get an OLED screen, a first for the Surface Pro line, plus NFC and an improved webcam.

Naturally, all of this remains officially unofficial until Microsoft changes that. We’ll be watching with bated breath…and clacking keyboards, ready to bring you all the news.

Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer