Microsoft hints at new Surface device coming soon, more next year

Microsoft appears to be readying a new Surface device for launch this year. Shubhan Chemburkar, an Indian app developer, spotted a number of Surface hints at Microsoft's building 88 during a recent visit. Microsoft has a wall dedicated to its hardware efforts over the years, complete with the Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, and updated Surface Pen and Type Cover. There is one spot on the wall with a Surface placeholder for 2016 and the caption "coming soon."
While the silhouette is clearly a Surface-related placeholder, it's not clear if the device that will launch this year is a tablet, laptop, an accessory for existing devices, or something completely new. Recent rumors have suggested Microsoft may be preparing to launch a Surface-branded AIO later this year. DigiTimes reported earlier this week that Microsoft is planning a Surface AIO as an alternative to the Surface Book. Sources familiar with Microsoft's Surface plans tell The Verge the company is experimenting with a number of traditional PC form factors that could be Surface-branded.

Chemburkar's photos also include placeholders for three more Surface devices expected to launch in 2017. Microsoft has long been rumoured to be working on a Surface Phone, and the company is expected to launch successors to the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 next year.