Microsoft News and rumors

The Framework Laptop gets an upgrade with 12th-Gen Intel Core chips

19 May 2022 · The Framework laptop gets a new upgrade! New 12th-Gen Intel processors are available in three options, and an upgrade kit for current users.

Safe from ARM: The pitfalls of ARM CPUs from Apple and Microsoft

25 Feb 2022 · Upgrading your music Mac or PC system? We take a look at ARM CPUs and consider some of the factors making it tricky for audio users.

Are the Windows 12 development plans already underway?

22 Feb 2022 · Windows 11 has barely touched ground yet, and already we're getting rumours of the development of Windows 12. Let's find out more!

New devices and accessories from the Microsoft Surface Event

New Surface product line lands at the Microsoft Surface Event 2021

22 Sep 2021 · Microsoft Surface Event 2021: The new Surface range includes laptops, tablets, smartphones and accessories, with plenty to interest musicians and producers.

Windows 11 has finally arrived, let’s take a look at the new interface

31 Aug 2021 · Microsoft reveals Windows 11! An improved user experience with useful changes and developments. Let's see how it affects music production.

5 of the best Windows laptops for music production

26 Jun 2021 · Which are the best Windows laptops for music production? We take a closer look at some of the latest high-end mobile workstations.

Windows 11 leak: A first glimpse at the new interface

16 Jun 2021 · Windows 11 is on its way, and a leaked version gives a few insights into what Microsoft has up its sleeve for the future. Here's what we know so far.

Microsoft event 24 June, is Windows 11 coming?

Windows 11: Will Microsoft announce a major update on June 24?

11 Jun 2021 · Is Windows 11 nearly here? Microsoft may be about to unveil "the next Windows" on 24 June, with an updated interface and plenty of improvements.

Optimize Windows 10 for music production with these hidden power tweaks!

05 Dec 2020 · Optimize your Windows 10 computer for music production - including power user tweaks Microsoft removed in the 2004 & 20H2 updates!

Microsoft Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2

Microsoft Surface for Music Production: Surface Book 3 or Surface Go 2?

01 Aug 2020 · While the Surface Book 3 pulses with premium power the Surface Go 2 can offer some surprisingly music-friendly stability at an affordable price point. Which one would make for an awesome DAW platform?

RE:Surface Project: Live music streaming reimagined on Microsoft’s Mixer

19 May 2020 · Microsoft is planning to rescue live music by mixing it up on their Mixer live-streaming platform as "RE:Surface" and bringing in audience participation, monetisation and really wild times.

Microsoft to lift limit on how many plug-in DLLs you can run in your DAW

11 Jan 2019 · An update to Windows 10 will lift limitations on the memory allocation of Dynamic Link Libraries from 128 to 4000 slots. If you've ever tried to run more than 128 unique plug-ins then that's good news!

Is Windows 10 S Mode any good for music making?

23 Sep 2018 · Windows 10 S Mode promises a slicker, more resilient and stable computing experience. Does it hold any advantages to the musician or producer, or is it just for regular users?

Surface Go: A £379 iPad killer from Microsoft?

11 Jul 2018 · Surface Go is your iPad-sized entry to the Microsoft Surface range at an interesting price that can run desktop music software. It comes with a keyboard and pen but does it have enough power?

Microsoft Surface Book 2: Leaving the MacBook Pro behind?

18 Oct 2017 · Microsoft announces the new Surface Book 2 with 8th generation CPUs, touch, pen, dial and Mixed Reality Nvidia graphics. Apple's offerings seem underwhelming at this point, unless you want a new phone.

Microsoft kills Groove Music Pass and pushes users to Spotify

03 Oct 2017 · In a deepening partnership between Microsoft and Spotify, Groove Music ceases it's Music Pass streaming surface and invites users to take their music catalogue to Spotify Premium.

Is the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 any good for music production?

18 Aug 2017 · In light of recent reliability concerns, SurfaceProAudio.com set out to investigate the Surface Pro 2017's ability to do music production. It's resulted in an hour long video of depth and detail.

Windows 10 S: Is Microsoft’s new OS any good for music?

05 May 2017 · Windows 10 S is streamlined for security, simplicity and speed. But is it a super new OS for music production or will it leave musicians stranded?