Surface Devices Archives

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Advancing security with Windows and Surface | Microsoft SFI Report Nov 2025

Microsoft is committed to security through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which employs 34,000 engineers to enhance cybersecurity. The November 2025 SFI Progress Report outlines advancements in security, including principles of Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Secure Operations integrated into Windows and Surface products. Key updates include: - Windows 11 introduces passwordless sign-in with Passkeys and FIDO2 credentials to reduce phishing risks. - Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now widely used, lowering account compromise risks. - Windows Hotpatch allows security updates without device restarts, achieving 81% compliance within 24 hours of Patch Tuesday. - Windows 11 features quick machine recovery for automatic, cloud-connected recovery from boot failures. Surface devices lead in security by enabling all recommended features by default and developing memory-safe firmware to address vulnerabilities. Notably, 70% of security vulnerabilities are linked to memory safety issues, and Surface uses Rust-based UEFI firmware to enhance defenses. Surface also develops Windows drivers in Rust to eliminate memory safety bugs and shares innovations through the Open Device Partnership to improve security across the ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 13, 2025

New AMD Arm CPUs are coming, and with Steam Deck-type socket, according to leak

AMD is reportedly shipping test kits for a new lineup of Arm CPUs integrated with GPUs, with the latest chip codenamed Soundwave appearing in shipping manifests. This marks AMD's renewed commitment to the Arm CPU market after previously exploring it with the Opteron A1100 CPUs in 2016. The new Soundwave chips are expected to utilize the upcoming FF5 socket, which may replace the current FF3 socket used in devices like the Steam Deck. Shipping manifests have been uncovered that list test kits based on BGA1074 sockets, confirming the authenticity of the Soundwave kits. Speculation suggests these chips may be system on chips (SoCs) with integrated GPUs.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.

Winsage

August 11, 2025

Get ready for back to school with great deals on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs

As the academic year approaches, there is an increased demand for reliable and high-performance PCs that support students' academic needs and personal style. Windows 11, enhanced with Copilot, offers tools for productivity and organization. Microsoft is promoting back-to-school discounts on Surface devices, including savings on the Surface Pro 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch, and Surface Pro 12-inch. Students can trade in their Windows 10 PCs for cash back and receive a complimentary trial of Microsoft 365 Personal. Various manufacturers, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, are offering Windows 11 PCs designed for learning and creativity. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart are providing deals on laptops and tech accessories.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft made an exclusive 50th anniversary variant of Windows 11’s iconic wallpaper — here’s what it looks like and how you can download it

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by distributing a limited-edition Surface Laptop 7, featuring a gold Microsoft logo and a retro logo from 1975. Each laptop includes unique firmware with a new boot logo and a special default Windows 11 wallpaper called "Bloom," designed by Six N. Five. The 50th anniversary Bloom wallpaper has a darker floral design with gold accents, making it exclusive to this device and not available for public sale.

Winsage

August 3, 2025

This is Microsoft’s canceled Windows-based Surface Duo — the dual-screen Windows Phone from 2018 that we never got

Recent images reveal that the Surface Duo was initially conceived as a Windows Phone codenamed Andromeda, featuring a custom-built operating system designed for its dual-screen form factor. The project was shelved in 2018 due to challenges faced during development. Prototypes from 2017 and 2018 show that Andromeda included features such as a back camera system, integrated wireless charging for the Surface Slim Pen, and a premium metal frame, which were not present in the final Surface Duo. Andromeda also had smaller hinges, which were later enlarged in the Surface Duo for added stiffness. The operating system for Andromeda was based on Windows Core OS, featuring a universal shell for dual-screen use, a home screen designed for note-taking, and a lock screen that functioned as an inking canvas.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Opera complains over Microsoft Edge persuasion tactics

Opera has filed a complaint with Brazil's Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) against Microsoft, alleging anti-competitive practices that favor the Edge browser. The complaint claims that Microsoft uses "all-or-nothing" bundled rebates to ensure PC manufacturers pre-install Edge as the default browser and employs "dark pattern tactics" that disregard users' browser choices and restrict switching from Edge in Windows "S mode." In Brazil, Opera's market share is 6.78%, compared to Edge's 11.52% and Chrome's 74.95%. Opera's General Counsel, Aaron McParlan, advocates for a browser choice screen similar to one previously mandated by the EU. Additionally, Opera has filed an appeal with the EU General Court regarding the European Commission's decision not to classify Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act. Microsoft has not yet commented on the complaint.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10 is ten years old and it had some of the best and worst ideas ever

Windows 10 was a significant advancement for Microsoft, introducing features like Cortana, a digital assistant, and Windows Hello, a biometric security feature. It celebrated its tenth anniversary but is set to retire in October 2025, with Microsoft ending support for it. Despite the rise of Windows 11, which faced criticism for its TPM 2.0 security requirements, Windows 10 maintained a strong user base until recently. Additional features included the Action Center and the Xbox App, while some elements from Windows 8 persisted. Cortana was designed to enhance user interaction, but Windows 11's changes have been viewed as less inclusive, impacting users with older PCs.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Introducing Surface Laptop 5G: Seamless connectivity, built for business

Microsoft has expanded its Surface Copilot+ PC portfolio with the introduction of the Surface Laptop 5G, a 13.8-inch device powered by Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, set to ship on August 26. The new 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro are available for immediate purchase. The Surface Laptop 5G features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second, enhancing on-device intelligence and productivity. It includes an integrated 5G modem for continuous connectivity to Microsoft 365 Copilot and other cloud tools. The device has a dynamic antenna system with six antennas that adapt to surroundings, ensuring reliable connectivity and the ability to function as a mobile hotspot. It supports both NanoSIM and eSIM options and weighs under 3 pounds for portability. The device underwent rigorous real-world testing for performance and connectivity. IT departments can remotely manage the devices, and the Surface Management Portal offers centralized visibility into device health. The Surface Laptop 5G is part of a growing portfolio of Copilot+ PCs designed for modern business needs.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Microsoft Surface PCs with Arm-based AMD chip could arrive in 2026

Microsoft is set to introduce a new line of Surface PCs in 2026 featuring AMD's Arm-based chip, codenamed Sound Wave. The Sound Wave chip is expected to be an APU with six CPU cores (two for performance and four for efficiency) and an integrated GPU with four compute units based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture, designed for a thermal envelope of 5-10W. This suggests a strategy for low-powered Surface PCs, potentially refreshing the Surface Go or Surface Hub models. This will be the first time since the Surface Laptop 4 that Microsoft incorporates an AMD processor into its Surface lineup. Recently, Microsoft launched new models, including a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface Laptop, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, which may outperform the upcoming AMD Sound Wave chip.