Typically, when people spot odd things on official company social media the concept of a "controlled leak" becomes a topic of discussion. However, more times than not what we are dealing with is sloppy Photoshop work rather than an actual new product tease.
That's not quite the case with a recent Instagram image posted by the official Surface account. Many people in comments questioned the image posted with the topic "Surface Your key to success." The reason? That is not any Surface design we have seen yet.
In this situation those people are right, this is not a current Surface Book.
I can confirm that the image posted (it's not a photo) is from an internal Microsoft 'sizzler' reel meant to demonstrate some ideas for the new Surface Book 2. The video has recently been shown within Microsoft's various departments and meetings starting in July, and multiple people can confirm seeing the video where this image originates. That lends credence to the idea that Microsoft is purposefully teasing the new Surface Book 2. Nonetheless, it could also be posted in error, but that seems less likely.
New hinge on the way
Recently, I reported that the hinge has been reworked for the new Surface Book to have less of a gap when closed. When you look closely at the image posted, you can see how it has fewer ridges when compared to the current Surface Book, or, at the very least it has a shorter throw. Perhaps that is the other news I can report that this is the Surface Book 2 and not just a refresh with some new internals.
You may also be wondering if it is black or if that is some lighting trickery. Here, things become less clear. I have heard internal prototypes are black – or at least of a darker metal – but it is not yet known if those are because they are prototypes or if Microsoft will offer a new color variant or even replace the current silver/magnesium design.
As far as timing there is nothing new to report. Some intel suggests Microsoft will hold another Devices event in October in New York City, but I have seen some information that may indicate any October event may be to highlight new devices from partners only. I still hear of a Spring 2017 push for new Microsoft hardware timed with the release of Windows 10 Redstone 2.
Microsoft's new devices could include the Surface Book 2, Surface All-in-One (AIO), and the alleged "Surface Phone". All of that makes the timing of this Instagram post suspect as a teaser campaign started now suggests a Fall launch instead of Spring. Some circles think that Microsoft may just divide their hardware launch with some in the Fall, and others in the Spring.
For now, we'll have to wait and see what Microsoft has planned.
