Microsoft expected to unveil Surface Pro 4, new smartphones at Oct. 6 event

It looks like Microsoft is gearing up to go head-to-head with Apple.

On Monday, the software giant sent out invitations to a press event on October 6, where the company is expected to unveil its highly anticipated Surface Pro 4 two-in-one tablet.

The invite sent to media doesn’t provide much information about the event, but simply reads, “We have some exciting news to share about Windows 10 devices.” The event kicks off at 10 a.m. ET in New York City.

The announcement of the event comes less than a week after Apple’s annual fall press event, where the company unveiled a new tablet dubbed the iPad Pro.

The new device is the largest, most powerful tablet the company has ever created, with a screen measuring 12.9 inches diagonally and full-sized software keyboard for more capable typing. The iPad Pro will also get its own line of accessories, including the Apple Pencil that will allow users to draw and write on the screen, and the Smart Keyboard cover, which folds out to reveal a full keyboard.

Of course, Apple’s latest tablet drew immediate comparisons to Microsoft’s Surface Pro lineup, which had its own fold-out keyboard long before the iPad. But Apple’s latest unveiling may draw more interest to Microsoft’s event, as consumers look to compare the latest tablet models.

READ MORE: How Apple’s new iPad Pro compares to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3

Here’s what to expect from Microsoft’s October 6 event:

Surface Pro 4

Microsoft’s flagship tablet-laptop hybrid is due for an update and although the majority of the rumours surrounding the Surface Pro 4 say the device will look the same, it’s likely to get some sizable internal upgrades.

According to The Verge, Microsoft may increase the display size and resolution of the next Surface Pro tablet – a move that would make it more competitive with the impressive retina display on Apple’s iPad Pro.

Many reports have also suggested that the tablet-laptop hybrid could have Windows Hello – the software giant’s new facial recognition and fingerprint scanning login technology.

However, recent reports suggest that the Surface Pro 4 will only have fingerprint scanning technology.

There has also been talk of a 14-inch version (the current model, Surface Pro 3, has a 12-inch screen).

Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL

Microsoft is also widely expected to unveil two new smartphones during its event – the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.

The Lumia 950 XL is expected to be the next flagship phone for Windows 10 and is rumoured to support Microsoft’s Surface Pen technology, allowing users to incorporate a stylus into their smartphone use, and a new smart cover.

The phones are rumoured to have a 5.2-inch and 5.7-inch screens and include a 20-megapixel camera, according to The Verge.

Windows 10 mobile

While Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system was rolled out to desktop and tablet users last month, the company has yet to announce a date for the mobile version of its flagship OS.

Windows 10 mobile – just one of the seven different versions of Windows 10 – will run on smartphones and smaller tablets, to replace Windows Phone 8.1.

“It boasts the same, new universal Windows apps that are included in Windows 10 Home, as well as the new touch-optimized version of Office,” reads Microsoft’s website.

This will be a free upgrade for users running Windows Phone 8.1.

Shipping date for HoloLens

Another rumour – or perhaps hope – for Microsoft’s upcoming event is that the company may finally announce a shipping date for its HoloLens augmented reality headset.

The headset allows users to interact with and see 3D digital holograms in their own environment.

READ MORE: Microsoft’s HoloLens headset is getting lots of buzz, but will it take off?

Microsoft first unveiled the device in January during a Windows 10 event and has since been busy showing off how it works; however, we have yet to hear an official launch date.