Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Release Date, Specs & Features: Official Announcement Arriving By July

Last year, Microsoft exceeded expectations when it announced the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, a hybrid tablet/laptop that runs on powerful specs, but features a slim and portable design. 

Unfortunately, in spite the warm welcome by consumers, the device has not yet reached its target goal as far as sales is concerned. And so in Microsoft's attempt to bank on the Surface Pro 3's success, it will most definitely release a successor. 

And that next-generation device could be unveiled at the latter part of the year.

According to a report by Kdramastars, the new device may be released in July, as leaked by an alleged source. In the report, the tipster is a member of popular image board 4Chan and said that his sources tell him of an upcoming release date at that time of the year.

"Microsoft is looking into putting out the Surface Pro 4 on July 2015. My sources say that Microsoft will reveal it on GDC and they will use that and a gaming PC plus an Xbox to show how powerful Windows 10 and DX12 is", noted by the anonymous tipster.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 was announced around May last year, so getting a later release date may seem odd for the Redmond giant. What could be the problem?

In a new report, it appears Microsoft will be directly aiming at the upcoming MacBook Air with Retina display, which should be unveiled at Apple's annual WWDC event in June.

Latinos Report pointed out that due to the similarities of the MacBook Air 2015 and the Microsoft Surface Pro in specs and purpose for portability, the two may go head-to-head by the latter part of the year.

Apple usually announced a new MacBook in its WWDC event every June. However, last year the Cupertino giant did not announce any new laptops, and instead focused on the development of OS X Yosemite, and the iOS 8. 

But while Apple may still hold out a new MacBook announcement, it might already be too late to catch up in the ultraportable market. The last MacBook Air that Apple launched (nor upgraded) is the MacBook Airs of mid-2013. 

As for the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, some of its rumored specs are noteworthy, including a 2160 x 1440 resolution, the new Windows 10 OS, an Intel Core M processor, and a 12.9 to 14-inch touchscreen display. The fact that it can be converted to a tablet is still the slate's advantage over the MacBook Air.