Microsoft Surface Book 2 release date, specs, features: Second-generation laptop to be unveiled next month; possible rollout in 2017?

Promotional image for the Microsoft Surface BookMicrosoft Official Website

Microsoft is said to be developing the second generation of its 2-in-1 laptop which is speculated to be unveiled by next month during a media event. It is also rumored that the Surface Book 2 will be made available by early 2017. However, the company remains mum on anything regarding the device.

Laptop aficionados are highly anticipating that an upgraded Surface Book will soon be announced by the Redmond-based tech giant. It is almost close to a year since the product was launched, and many innovations and technologies can now be added to its next model.

There are several reports suggesting that the upcoming device will have the new Intel Kaby Lake processor. This will then be complemented by an enhanced display screen, said to be offering a 4K resolution, 3D display capabilities, and a USB 3.1. Additionally, it is also said to be thinner and lighter, and it will offer a longer battery life. VR (virtual reality) support is also speculated to arrive as well.

Other Surface products are also said to be coming along that includes the Surface Pro 5, as well as the alleged Surface Phone that will replace the company's Lumia series smartphones. The Verge also suggested that a Surface all-in-one (AIO) PC could arrive and that it may have three models — 21-, 24-, and 27-inch variants.

The company is also said to be working on a revamped version of its Fulcrum hinge found in the Surface Book. It is said to be a concern among its users who were not able to detach the tablet easily when they want to shift from laptop mode to tablet mode.

However, nothing is still set in stone concerning these Microsoft devices.

Meanwhile, the tech giant is offering discounts on several of its products. The Surface Book with an Intel Core i5 and 8 GB RAM/128 GB storage is now available with a US$150 discount. It is now priced at $1,349 ($1,499 before.) The same discount is also offered for the Surface Pro 4 with Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB of space. The offer is said to be valid until October 1, The BitBag added.