Private plans have been reported that claim Microsoft will be unveiling new Surface tablet-computer models this month at a New York City event. The sources mention a switch in Surface's processor supplier, as well as a mini Surface device.
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Bloomberg is citing people with insider knowledge of Microsoft's plans who wish to remain anonymous, but promise the switch from Nvidia to Qualcomm will be announced at this event on May 20. The event itself is not a secret--Microsoft invited a limited number of press to a "small gathering" for a Surface-focused event earlier this week.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor is the leader among many top smartphones on the market, including the speedy Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One M8. Microsoft's switch will be a blow to Nvidia, who has not found a consistent home for its Tegra line of processors (Apple uses its own hardware in its iPhone products).
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The presence of a Qualcomm processor in a Surface model supports the existence of a mini model, which is more likely to take advantage of an ARM-based processor. It's not the only new version that will supposedly be revealed, however, as Microsoft is also ready to show off an Intel-based Surface.
It's unclear if the two devices will be part of a new brand line, or the Intel model is an upgraded version of what already exists. The mini will almost certainly run Windows RT, not the full Windows 8 Pro experience, but we will have to wait until later this month to find out the details for sure.
