An FFC certification for the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 has appeared online, keeping the rumor mill wheels turning nicely as the hype surrounding Microsoft's new hardware increases.
The certification includes some handy updates on what network hardware you can expect in the Microsoft Surface Pro 8, edging us closer to a prospective release date in 2021.
FFC Certification Reveals Surface Pro 8 Details
The FFC certification confirms that the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 8 will feature LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 6 via an Intel AX201 network adapter.
The news regarding LTE connectivity isn't unexpected. We recently reported on a series of leaked specifications for the Surface Pro 8, some of which included the LTE option.
The introduction of LTE connectivity to some Surface Pro 8 models is a welcome upgrade from the previous generation, which didn't include any LTE option. Interestingly enough, older generations of the Surface Pro, such as the Surface Pro 5, included an LTE option.
The other takeaway from the FFC certification is that the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 launch date might be closer than we think. Receiving an FCC certification verifies the hardware for use with telecommunications networks in the US, moving the new hardware another step closer to retailers.
What Else Do We Know About the Microsoft Surface Pro 8?
Right now, most users are working on the basis the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 will ship with a minimum of 8GB RAM on its entry-level Intel Core i3 model. There is likely to be a flagship Surface Pro 8 model, using the 11th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage.
We've also seen leaks relating to hardware performance too.
In early December 2020, we reported on a Geekbench 5 benchmark test leak that appeared to show an unspecified Microsoft device using an 11th generation Tiger Lake Intel Core i7-1185G7, a quad-core processor with a base frequency of 3.0GHz and a maximum frequency of 4.80GHz.
As the benchmark tallies with the expected specs of the flagship Surface Pro 8, it seems the benchmark leak was correct.
So, the big question: when will the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 hit the shelves? If previous release dates are anything to go by, the Surface Pro 8 may well launch in October 2021. However, with the FCC certification, the new hardware may launch earlier than expected.