What to expect from Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 event

Now that Samsung, Apple and Google have all unveiled the latest version of their flagship smartphones, the stage is set for Microsoft to make its big announcement.

But the star of Microsoft’s show is expected to be the new Surface Pro 4 tablet – a device which has started a trend in the tech industry. Last month competitor Apple 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 – drawing many comparisons to the Surface Pro.

Last week, Google unveiled a new Android-run tablet, dubbed the Pixel C, which also features a detachable keyboard.

Microsoft is expected to deliver a number of updates Tuesday, including two new smartphones, an official launch date for Windows 10 mobile and perhaps even a shipping date for its augmented reality headset.

The event, which kicks off at 10 a.m. ET in New York City, will be livestreamed on Microsoft’s website.

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.