Sources speaking to ZDNet and Thurott.com have dropped the codename for a major overhaul to Microsofts Surface Pro: Carmel.
According to ZDNets Mary Jo Foley, the product wont launch until mid-2019 but will be heavily redesigned.Both reports also reference codenames for the previously reported upcoming Xbox and HoloLens sequels, known internally as Scarlett and Sydney, respectively.Since Microsoft issued what amounted to a processor refresh for last years Surface Pro device, fans have been chomping at the bit for a true successor.
Even Microsoft resisted naming the device the Surface Pro 5, for Surface lead Panos Panay felt it wasnt different enough to deserve the numbered moniker.Panay told CNET in an interview last year that Microsoft will formally issue the next numbered Surface Pro when it's meaningful and the change is right, we'll put it on market.
He clarified that you'll see that same meaningful impact when Pro 5, or Pro Next hits the market," swiftly adding that, "there's no such thing as a Pro 5."ZDNets report assumes the next Surface Pro device will be the Surface Pro 6, though that may just be a reference to that this will have been the sixth Surface Pro.However, a reference later in the report cites that refreshes of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop could land later this year with 8th-generation Intel Core processors, and that they could employ USB-C ports in conjunction with Microsofts proprietary Surface Connect port.So, regardless of whether Microsoft calls this heavily redesigned Surface Pro the 5 or 6, know that the firm is hard at work on making a new 2-in-1 tablet worthy of a number.