Microsoft Surface Pro 4 release date: Tablet-laptop hybrid launching in October?

Surface Pro 3Microsoft Store

Microsoft has started rolling out its newest platform, Windows 10, to millions of users worldwide. Although the update has only been completed for about 14 million users to date, rumor mills have already shifted their focus on other Microsoft-related matters. One of the topics being speculated about is when Microsoft will be releasing complementary hardware to fully utilize Windows 10, with emphasis on the next Surface Pro. 

The Surface Pro 3, the most recent version in the Surface Pro series, has been reviewed most favorably both by users and leading tech experts. With the competition trying to outdo the device, such as Samsung already releasing their Galaxy Tab S2 and Apple reportedly coming out with a new, more powerful iPad Pro before the year ends, will fans of the Microsoft tablet hybrid be seeing the Surface Pro 4 this year? 

Recent speculations and reports seem to lean on the positive. 

According to rumors, Microsoft is just waiting for major partners, particularly Intel, to update their hardware lineup. It has been reported that Intel will be releasing a brand-new and more powerful Skylake processor this fall. Microsoft will reportedly integrate the new CPU to its upcoming Surface Pro 4, utilizing the new chip's power efficiency and accelerated performance features. 

Moreover, Microsoft is also rumored to be considering a 3D camera as one of the features of the Surface Pro 4, to fully take advantage of the new platform's Windows Hello feature. This option in Windows 10 adds better security for devices since it uses the owner's iris or facial features as a biometrics pass. However, only 3D cameras can fully use this Windows 10 feature. 

As for when users will be seeing Microsoft's new tablet, it is also reported that the company is targeting an October release to fully capitalize on the Windows 10 rollout and to keep up with other companies and their flagship hybrids.