The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is one of the much-awaited premium laptop updates from the Redmond-based tech giant. However, latest reports hint that Microsoft may just decide to wrap up the Surface device series, thus also spelling an end to the hybrid laptop's follow-up.
As reported by Tech Radar, there is a growing chance that the Microsoft Surface Book 2 will no longer be released. It is speculated that Microsoft will stop the production of Surface hardware starting in 2019. The rumored demise of Surface series came from Canalys Cannels Forum's analyst, Steve Brazier, who claimed that Microsoft will give up the Surface family as a cost-cutting measure.
According to Register, Brazier believed that Microsoft's hybrid Surface netbooks may end up with the same fate as the company's Windows smartphones. To note, Microsoft has also announced the end of their Windows 10 mobile hardware and software support.
"The Surface performance is choppy; there are good quarters and bad quarters, overall they are not making money. It doesn't make sense for them to be in this business," Brazier stated. He also noted that Microsoft is raking in profit with their software products. In terms of the income from Surface devices, it seems that the company is not reaching its target.
Even so, there is still hope that Microsoft will launch the major Surface Book update before the Surface family is put down altogether. According to an insider report, Microsoft is still planning to release the Surface Book 2, but the shipment of the next-gen 2-in-1 laptops will not happen until early 2018.
Microsoft will be holding a special hardware event in London on Oct. 31 called the "Future Decoded," which is believed to be the keynote event where the latest Surface devices will be launched. However, it is not expected that the Surface Book 2 will be present during the said hardware showcase.
Rumor has it that Microsoft will fix the hinge issue raised by the first Surface Book users. Also, the Surface Book 2 is expected to have its keyboard to be more easily detachable. The display of the Microsoft Surface Book 2 will highlight a 4K screen with 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution. The screen display will include VP9 and HEV 10-bit decode for high-quality graphics.
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is likely to receive the eighth-generation Intel laptop processor. It will sport USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports.
