Microsoft is hosting a mystery event on May 23 – what will we see?

Two days removed from its Windows 10 S and Surface Laptop #MicrosoftEDU event, Microsoft has announced it's ready to do it all over again later this month.

The company just sent out save-the-date notices for a May 23 event in Shanghai. In a blog post, Microsoft wrote: "There is more. We will share what's next on May 23 from Shanghai." There's also an up-and-running page where updates, information and other news about the event will (eventually) appear.

Microsoft's official Twitter account also announced the event this evening: 

Considering Microsoft revealed new hardware and software aimed at educators and students earlier this week, and its Build 2017 developer conference is next week, one has to wonder, what else could the Windows 10 maker possibly have left to announce?

Apparently, more hardware, according to Windows Central.

Specifics are scare, but the site says it's confirmed we're in for "new hardware news." The announcements will be both "global and regional", Windows Central reports, suggesting some devices will get global releases while others will be exclusive to China. 

This event is apparently taking place at 7pm local time, or 4am PT/7am ET/12pm GMT.

The final tidbit is that Panos Panay, who heads Microsoft's Surface division, is making the trip. He revealed as much with an Instagram post.

What will Microsoft announce?

As to what mystery hardware Microsoft will announce, two possibilities are the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. Since neither was unveiled at Microsoft's May 2 event, the tablet and laptop could be waiting to punch their ticket to Shanghai. 

Another option, though likely not the headliner at an event like this, are more Windows Mixed Reality headsets, such as the Acer Mixed Reality Head-Mounted Display we recently went hands-on with.

A final option that's admittedly a slim chance is the long-rumored Surface Phone. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed on Tuesday the company is still interested in making phones, but that these may not look like the smartphones we're used to seeing. 

He hinted a new Microsoft handset could emulate how the company approached developing 2-in-1s, though we're reading a bit between the lines there.   

Whatever Microsoft has planned for May 23, tune in to TechRadar as we'll bring you all the latest. Oh, and tune in next week, too, when we'll be at Build.

May 05, 2017 at 08:52AM
Michelle Fitzsimmons