Will Windows 10 Make It To 20? IT Watchers Discuss

Mark your calendars, Microsoft watchers. The tech giant has announced that its Windows 10 hardware event will take place Oct. 6 in New York.

Reports of a fall hardware launch first popped up toward the end of August, but Microsoft did not confirm the details of its event before sending invitations on Sept. 14. The event will take place at the event venue Skylight at Moynihan Station in Midtown Manhattan.

The invitations did not share details on the upcoming devices other than their relation to Windows 10. One of the key components of Microsoft's new OS is its ability to run across PCs, tablets, and smartphones, so it's likely we'll see a range of new products on Oct. 6.

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Microsoft's rumor mill rarely slows, and the tech community has been actively discussing ideas of what's in store. Plenty of companies have already begun building devices for Windows 10, but this marks the first major hardware release since the Windows 10 launch on July 29.

The Surface Pro 4 is one device predicted to take the stage. While it won't be very different from the Surface Pro 3, ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley reports the updated model will likely be thinner, lighter, and faster than its predecessor.

Microsoft may also choose to boost the size and resolution of the Surface Pro 4. The Verge cites industry rumors speculating Redmond might unveil an additional 14-inch Surface.

Such a product would be an interesting follow-up to Apple's debut of the iPad Pro on Sept. 9. Cupertino is trying to revive its sluggish iPad sales by catering to an enterprise audience. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro shares many features with the Surface, including a compatible keyboard and stylus.

We're also anticipating two long-awaited premium Lumia smartphones. The devices are currently codenamed Talkman and Cityman, but are expected to be released as the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, respectively.

Details of the two Lumias have been leaking for a few months now.

Some predicted specs for the 950, as reported by Windows Central, include a 5.2-inch screen, 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, a 20MP PureView rear camera, a 5MP wide-angle front camera, and a USB Type-C port. The 950 XL is expected to have the same RAM, internal storage, camera specs, and USB, with a 5.7-inch display and support for Microsoft's digital Surface pen.

Other devices expected to receive an upgrade include the Microsoft Band, Redmond's fitness tracker with smartwatch capabilities. We may also get an update on HoloLens, the augmented reality headset unveiled earlier this year.

InformationWeek will be in attendance at Microsoft's hardware launch, so stay tuned for more updates before, during, and after the event.