Microsoft's Big Announcements This Week

This week was jam-packed for Microsoft with thrilling news, from sleek new Surface hardware to innovative Windows 11 enhancements and an intriguing leak regarding an upcoming Xbox handheld device.

Revolutionary Surface Devices Unveiled

Microsoft has just rolled out the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, both boasting ultra-compact designs that set a new standard in portability. The fanless Surface Pro is being hailed as the true successor to the Surface Pro X, featuring a stunning 90Hz display and a svelte thickness of just 7.8mm.

Both devices are powered by the impressive Snapdragon X Plus processors. Early reviews from our Editor-in-Chief indicated that this chip significantly elevates performance, but fans of traditional setups might find the Surface Laptop 13's cooling system worth noting as well.

However, it's not all roses. Microsoft has quietly discontinued the previous $999 models of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, likely to push sales of their new models, leaving some fans disappointed.

Exciting New Features Coming to Windows 11

In conjunction with the new hardware, Microsoft introduced a groundbreaking update to Windows 11, promising a suite of features designed to enhance user experience. Copilot+ PCs will get an AI assistant to help navigate settings, while new actions in Click To Do are on the horizon.

Gone are the days of endless searching—thanks to the new Ask Copilot feature, users can now interact directly with images on their screens and draft content in Microsoft Word seamlessly.

Creative tools like Photos, Paint, and Snipping Tool are being upgraded as well; expect to enjoy a relight feature in Photos and object selection support in Paint. File Explorer and Notepad will also be getting AI enhancements, making it easier than ever to create and format your documents.

Leak: The Next Xbox Handheld?

In a thrilling leak, details about Project Kennan, an Xbox handheld gaming device developed in partnership with ASUS, have emerged. Images from a US FCC filing showcase what appears to be this innovative gaming gadget, complete with an Xbox button layout that fans will recognize.

Expect this handheld to run on Windows 11, possibly featuring gaming-specific modifications. More exciting info is rumored to drop during Computex on May 20, 2025.

Legal Troubles for Palworld

In some unfortunate news, the developers of Palworld have faced yet another setback in their ongoing legal battle with Nintendo. A recent patch will strip away the ability to glide on Pals, following previous removals of key game mechanics. Given Nintendo's notorious legal tactics, this could be just the tip of the iceberg for Palworld players.

Could Backward Compatibility Be Making a Comeback?

On a brighter note, Microsoft has hinted at potentially reviving its backward compatibility program, which allows older Xbox titles to play on new hardware—an initiative loved by gamers since its debut in 2015. A job listing suggests they are looking to advance this program, aiming to secure the future of game preservation.

Tune into the Latest Insights!

For those eager to stay updated, the latest episode of the Windows Central Podcast dives deep into these exciting announcements, including insights on the new Surface devices and the latest developments in the tech world. Don't miss out—listen on your favorite platform!