Gadgets
Surface Pro 4, Lumia 950 expected to finally be unveiled this October
Now that Windows 10 is out, Microsoft can finally move away from software and start focusing on the hardware. As it happens, word on the street is that the Redmond-based company is working on that as we speak and will be ready to showcase something big this October at a special event. The Verge and other sources close to the matter are now convinced that the long-awaited Surface Pro 4 will finally make its first appearance at this event, but that’s just the beginning because Microsoft is reportedly also preparing to unveil a new wearable device, as well as a couple of new smartphones.
In fact, it would appear that the highly anticipated Surface Pro 4 might not be the main star of the show after all. Though the tablet is certainly something to look forward to, Microsoft will mainly use the event as a launching pad for the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. It’s been a long while since the last Lumia launch and fans of the brand have been just dying to see a new addition to the series, so it would definitely make sense if Microsoft were to focus on the smartphones and not the tablet. Having said that, I’m pretty sure that the Lumia 950 will not completely overshadow the Surface Pro 4 as many people have been eager to learn more about this device as well.
In addition, we will apparently also get to see the Microsoft Band 2 at the October event and possibly even the long-rumored Xbox One Slim, though it’s probably a good idea to take this with a grain of salt for now. The company itself is still keeping this event under wraps for the moment so we’ll need to wait a little while longer in order to learn more details about all these devices. The Verge also mentions that although Microsoft will be present at the IFA next month, it won’t be unveiling anything major at the Berlin event.
Despite Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, The Elder Scrolls 6 was not confirmed as an Xbox exclusive a few months ago. This happened because Xbox executive Phil Spencer indicated that target platforms hadn’t been selected yet, but it always felt like he was talking about the game being years away rather than the RPG being on PlayStation.
If you’re still holding out, Microsoft plans to release The Elder Scrolls 6 just on Xbox and PC. Documents from the company’s FTC lawsuit were recently released. In the document, Bethesda’s announced titles (both as a publisher and developer) are listed, and The Elder Scrolls 6 is listed for Xbox, PC, and nothing else.
We expected this, but The Elder Scrolls 6 was announced before Microsoft acquired its developer. The Elder Scrolls is a beloved franchise that’s been on various platforms for generations, so this isn’t Starfield.
However, the game isn’t due until 2026 at the earliest, according to the paper, and who knows what the gaming landscape will be like then.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer’s mid-2020 dystopian email suggests the business was interested in buying Warner Bros Interactive and Bethesda. Even more alarming, the CEO calls buying Nintendo a “career moment” and “good for both companies” — and there are even rumors that Microsoft was interested in Valve.
While Spencer warns that acquiring Nintendo would be “hostile action” but “playing the long game”, the unprecedented corporate convergence is shockingly casual. He added: “Nintendo is taking a long time to realize their future is off their hardware. A long time… He even ended the chat with a smiling emoji to make it look more evil.
Spencer claims that Warner Bros Interactive was “gettable” when Microsoft was rumored to acquire it. He adds that “we wouldn’t own any of the IP which hurts long-term flexibility”. Because most Warner Bros Interactive developers work on franchises like Batman, Harry Potter, and others, the studios are worth little without the brands.
The email is over three years old, but it reveals Microsoft’s blasé approach to acquisitions and its goals. While its eventual acquisition of Activision Blizzard may have changed its plans, this leaked exchange suggests that Microsoft will not stop until it has absorbed as much of the industry as possible, even targeting Nintendo.
Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor director Stig Asmussen is leaving Respawn Entertainment for unknown reasons. Asmussen had planned a trilogy for Cal Kestis, but it appears another author will need to write it.
Bloomberg reports that an EA spokesperson said: “Stig Asmussen has left Respawn to pursue other adventures, and we wish him the best. Veteran Respawn leaders will lead Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.”
This move is surprising, but Asmussen leaves on a high note. Jedi: Survivor is a great game despite its performance issues, which is rare for a Star Wars game. We’ll see where Asmussen goes, but we’re excited.
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