Satya Nadella, Microsoft Corp chief executive, attends the unveil event of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in New York
Satya Nadella, Microsoft Corp chief executive, attends the unveil event of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in New York in this file photo taken May 20, 2014. Nadella committed to develop its Xbox gaming platform in a letter to company employees, quashing rumors that the unit might be spun off. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files

Rumoured for a 2015 release date that is simultaneous with that of the Windows 10, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is proving as one of the most anticipated devices this year. The tablet is tipped to deliver the necessary upgrades that could propel it to the top of the market, likely beating the perennial leader iPad from Apple.

While everything about the Windows tablet remains speculative at this point, the specs and features connected so far to the device point to a winning path. And among the swirling rumours of its capabilities, there are four ways that will enable the SP4 to wrestle its opponents to the ground:

Windows 10

Beyond the build, said to be fanless and therefore significantly slimmed down, and the hardware specs, which reports said is headlined by Intel Broadwell-class fifth-generation chip, the one thing that really generates excitement around the Pro is Windows 10. The Microsoft operating system, overhauled and redesigned, is wildly rumoured to debut this coming July and in its tow – the sexy and powerful Surface Pro 4.

This likelihood alone should furiously ring the cash register bell for the Pro 4. As a combo package, the SP4 and Windows 10 attracted attention for Microsoft that the company has not seen in decades. It appears that the new experience that Microsoft said is what Windows 10 and by default, the Pro 4, is all about gained considerable traction.

Universal apps and functions

Switching from the iPad or Android tablets to the Surface Pro 4 or any other Windows-powered devices is made easy by Microsoft with its Universal pitch. The software giant will make key Windows applications – Calendar, Mail and Maps – available to other platforms and readily usable.

But specifically for Pro 4 would-be buyers, the apps that they can’t live without from iOS and Android systems will soon become accessible via the Windows 10 device. Microsoft is proving a tool to developers that according to 9to5Mac will allow the effortless porting of iOS or Android apps to the Windows system. The question though is how quick the plan will graduate to reality.

The magic of Continuum

Continuum, according to Microsoft, will make any mobile devices, foremost of which the Surface Pro 4, behave and look like a regular personal computer. The Windows 10 feature, CNET said, will automatically detect the exact type device that it is running and will adopt its settings accordingly.

For instance, when installed on a regular PC the Windows 10 configuration will be optimised for keyboard and mouse inputs. For tablets and smartphones, the main setting is touch-centric and no adjustments from users will be required all thanks to Continuum.

Finally, a true laptop replacement

A BGR report noted that basing on the leaked specs of the Pro 4 from sources in China, the Microsoft tablet is turning out to be a worthy rival and replacement for the Retina MacBook. But specs aside, SP4 hardwired features, with Continuum on the spotlight, indeed make it a real laptop replacement.

When users want the Pro 4 to function as a tablet, they can just tap and swipe and the device will behave as expected. When they need to work on a report, the SP4 can be simply paired with a keyboard accessory and Windows 10 will morph the device’s interface and functions to that of a laptop – effortless as Microsoft said.

No official word yet from Microsoft but it is believed that the Surface Pro 4 release date is shortly after the Windows 10 launch in late July. The target, reports said, is for the products to come out in time for the 2015 back-to-school season.

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