Better the second time around? Microsoft plots Surface 2 announcement for Sept. 23

By Nick Mokey Published September 9, 2013

Apple may have the tech world fixated on the long-awaited release of the iPhone 5S (and maybe 5C) tomorrow, but Microsoft wants you to turn your attention on another target: the Surface 2.

Despite universally disappointing reviews on the Pro version of its original Surface and dismal sales, Microsoft will announce a new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 on September 23. The news won’t come as much of a surprise to Surface enthusiasts (if they exist) since Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang already let the cat out of the bag last month on an upcoming Surface sequel.

Recommended Videos

So what’s in store for the next version of Microsoft’s ill-fated Surface? According to Neowin, the Pro version will pack more RAM, a “refined” kickstand, and perhaps most importantly, a Haswell Core i5 processor from Intel, which should help address complaints about battery life. We’ve also heard a docking station for the Pro is in the works, along with a “power cover” to further extend battery life.

As for the Surface 2, Neowin reports the latest Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, along with a 1080p screen.

Given the October 17 release date for Windows 8.1, you can also expect both machines to run the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, and perhaps for the launch to coincide with that date.

Former Editor in Chief

As Digital Trends’ Editor in Chief, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team covering every gadget under the sun, along with…

Topics

Computing

M5 MacBook Pro tests show Apple is pretty close to fixing its worst weakness

Windows games are now surprisingly playable, through emulation

MacBook Pro.

For years, Macs have had one glaring weakness: gaming. But with the new M5 MacBook Pro, Apple might finally be getting close to fixing that. Or at least brute-forcing its way around it. Recent testing by Andrew Tsai shows the M5 Max MacBook Pro can run a wide range of AAA Windows games smoothly, even through emulation layers like CrossOver.

We’re talking heavy titles like Horizon Forbidden West and Black Myth: Wukong, and while not every game was perfect, the majority ran “superbly” despite not being native macOS apps. That’s kind of wild when you think about it, considering these are Windows games running on an ARM-based Mac… through translation.

Computing

Don’t try this $3 app that makes your MacBook moan, but I know you want to

This absurd $3 Mac app went viral for all the wrong reasons

Computer, Electronics, Laptop, MacBook

There are useful apps, there are pointless app,s and then there is SlapMac, which sits in a category all by itself.

This app has gone viral online for one very stupid (and fun) reason: it makes your MacBook play sound effects when you slap it. Just spank your Mac and hear it moan, fart, or throw punches. The app creator has apparently made $5,000 in just three days, which is what makes the story even more absurd.

Computing

Apple’s ridiculous $700 wheels for its desktop PC are gone for good

The $700 Apple wheels are dead, long live ridiculous tech accessories

Machine, Wheel, Tire, Apple Mac Pro Wheels

Apple has officially discontinued the Mac Pro, and by extension, the $700 Mac Pro Wheels Kit is also dead.

Yes, that sentence is still funny in 2026. It marks the end of one of the company's most infamous desktop add-ons. For anyone who somehow missed this saga, the Wheels Kit launched back in 2020 as an upgrade for the Mac Pro. It allowed you to add wheels for $400, but buying the standalone kit later costs a whopping $700 because the base machine already included the standard feet. Apple also sold a separate $300 Feet Kit for people who wanted to swap back.