Microsoft Announces Surface Pro 6, Windows 10 October 2018 Update

Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled refreshed models of Surface devices including the Surface Pro 2-in-1 tablet, while also rolling out the next major update to Windows 10.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company announced that the Windows 10 October 2018 Update is available to install now. Updated features include improved Timeline syncing across devices and the ability to send text messages on Android smartphones from your PC.

[Related: Head-To-Head: Microsoft Surface Go Vs. Surface Pro]

Microsoft said that the next Surface Pro version, the Surface Pro 6, will move up to eighth-generation Intel Core processors. The Surface Pro--the pioneering 2-in-1 tablet that's popular among business users--had last been updated in June 2017.

The Surface Pro 6 will keep pace with the previous version by offering 13.5 hours of battery life per charge and weighing 1.7 pounds.

The new model will add a black color variant, to join the silver color model, and will be priced starting at $899 for a version with an eighth-gen Intel Core i5 processor. The Surface Pro 6 will be available on Oct. 16.

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced a new update to its student-focused laptop with the Surface Laptop 2. The notebook will also move up to eighth-gen Intel Core processors, and will get an improved keyboard along with 14.5 hours of battery life. The original Surface Laptop had debuted in June 2017.

The Surface Laptop 2 will be available Oct. 16 for a starting price of $999.

Microsoft also unveiled a second-generation model of the Surface Studio, an all-in-one targeted at creative professionals such as artists and designers, which originally debuted in late 2016.

The Surface Studio 2 keeps the 28-inch touch screen and adjustable display positioning of the original model, and moves up to next-generation Nvidia Pascal graphics, a brighter display at 500 nits and up to 2 TB worth of solid state storage.

Microsoft said the Surface Studio 2 will be available “this holiday,” and pricing has not yet been disclosed.