Surface RT Upgrade to be Called Surface 2, Feature Tegra Processor

The Surface 2, a follow-up to the original Surface RT device running Microsoft’s Windows RT operating system, will feature a next generation Tegra processor and modestly improved internals.

According to reports from the WinSuperSite, outside the device will appear identical to the Surface RT that shipped almost a year ago. That includes the device’s weight, thickness and the VaporMg casing that covers the rear and sides of the Surface RT. In fact the only external differences highlighted in the report is possibility of the tablet shipping in white and the new adjustable kickstand that reports first surfaced about last week to the Surface Pro 2.

On the other hand, these reports indicate that the Surface 2 will completely outstrip the internals of the Surface RT. Allegedly, the device will feature a 10.6-inch 1080p display that will silence the critics of the first device’s screen quality. That display will be powered by a Tegra 4 processor and 4GB of RAM, allowing for faster performance overall. If that’s true, it’ll address the second huge complaint Surface users had last fall: performance.

While the Surface RT did allow users to launch Metro applications fairly quickly, performing most file operations inside the desktop environment simply took way too much time, killing the usefulness of its Windows RT operating system in the process.

Today’s report didn’t note if users could expect upgraded front-facing and rear-facing cameras for this device, another small but valid complaint from users of last year’s model. It did indicate that users can expected the Surface 2 to sport a full-size USB 3.0 and support for Bluetooth 4.0, two things that the Surface RT did not.

While it seems Microsoft is dropping the “RT” suffix from it’s cheaper Surface offering’s name, this tablet will still run Windows RT. Windows RT  features support for tablet and smartphone processors but lacks support for desktop applications.

Read: Microsoft Surface Pro Dock Details Surface Early

Previous rumors pointed to the launch of updated versions of the Surface tablet line sometime this fall or winter, however that remains in the air. To date, Microsoft hasn’t detailed when it is planning to launch any new versions of the Surface before the holiday season. That being said, the company has made it’s consumer aspirations clear, something that would have to entail yearly refreshes for it’s hardware, just like what Apple does with the iPad.

The company has confirmed that it’ll be holding a special Surface related event on September 23rd in New York City.