Microsoft will host a business-focused "digital event" on March 21, where it will once again discuss its AI ambitions. The Redmond-based tech giant says to expect updates on "Copilot, Windows 11, and extending AI in a Surface-based environment." In short, we're likely to hear about new developments in Windows Copilot and see new Surface devices.

Since we did not see a Microsoft Surface Pro 10 in 2023, it is reasonable to assume that the company may announce this machine. There are also rumors that a Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 may be on the horizon. The same rumors suggest that the Surface Pro 10 will feature a new ultrawide webcam, while the Surface Laptop 6 will receive a modest redesign.

While the event is primarily enterprise (business) oriented, it should provide a glimpse of what the average customer can expect from this year's Copilot and Surface devices. If you've been keeping an eye on Microsoft's AI ambitions or are interested in the company's Surface devices, this event is worth checking out.

Here's what we know and have heard about Microsoft's Surface event.

Microsoft has not officially announced the Surface Pro 10. While it is quite possible that this device will (with all due respect) make an appearance at the event, we do not want to assume that its appearance is a definite. With that in mind, let's dive into what we've heard about the Surface Pro 10.

According to Windows Central sources, Microsoft plans to release the Surface Pro 10 in spring 2024. Interestingly, the CPU will reportedly be a choice between Intel and Qualcomm. Given that the company did not release a new Surface Pro last year, one is inclined to believe this release date rumor.

We do not believe that the Surface Pro 10 will have a radically different design. In fact, it may be indistinguishable from the Surface Pro 9 when placed side-by-side. As such, it is expected to have a kickstand on the back and a similar aluminum body with similar general dimensions. However, according to Windows Central, Microsoft may round the corners of the display, include a wide-field webcam, and add new color options.

Port selection may be minimal, but rumors suggest that an NFC reader may be included for business customers. If there is a choice of Intel or Qualcomm chips, the ports may vary depending on which model you get. The Intel model supports Thunderbolt 4, so expect it to have USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 ports. However, the Qualcomm model will likely have the older USB-C 3.2 port. Nevertheless, the Qualcomm version is rumored to have a nano SIM slot like the previous Surface Pro. This means it can be used with 5G for an additional fee.

In terms of performance, the Surface Pro 10 will definitely surpass its predecessor. Rumor has it that Microsoft will be including either an Intel Meteor Lake CPU or a Qualcomm chip in the Surface Pro 10, specifically Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chip. According to an exclusive interview we conducted with Qualcomm's CMO, Dom McGuire has indicated quite strongly that the Snapdragon X Elite may be the first to be included in the upcoming Surface Pro 10.

Like the Surface Pro 10, there has been no official announcement about the Surface Laptop 6. There aren't many rumors about the device, but the tidbits we have heard sound promising, if not revolutionary.

Rumors claim that the laptop will be redesigned to include thinner bezels, more rounded corners, a tactile touchpad, a pair of USB-C ports, and even a USB-A port. like the Surface Pro 10, the Surface Laptop 6 will also be available in Intel or Qualcomm models, and given the upcoming event's focus on AI, Meteor Lake and Snapdragon X Elite (respectively) are likely.

In addition to improved performance, the new chips should (hopefully) improve battery life over the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, which has been disappointing in terms of durability. While the battery life probably won't match the best MacBooks, expect at least the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10 to last a few more hours than their respective predecessors.

According to Windows Central sources, Microsoft is working on a new AI-focused experience for Windows 11 known internally as "AI Explorer."

This is supposed to be an "advanced co-pilot" that can catalog everything you do on your PC, allowing you to search for moments in your timeline using natural language. Allegedly, this further enhanced copilot will work across apps, documents, web pages, conversations, and images. In effect, this would (in theory) make it easier to search the history of your PC experience.

For example, if you ask Copilot about an online conversation you had with someone on a particular topic, it will search your computer for that conversation and topic, with vague prompts like (in the Windows Central example) "Find that thing about dinosaurs." Windows will pull up all instances related to dinosaurs opened on the PC.

Microsoft's Surface event may not be that exciting to the general public, given its enterprise focus. But as I said, it should give us an idea of what to expect when these services and devices inevitably appear for everyday users. In any case, it's a good idea to keep an eye on what Microsoft has to announce.

We're covering Microsoft's Surface event (as we call it for now), so stay tuned for an update on March 21.