Microsoft is going to launch a new Surface 2 running Windows RT 8.1 and a Surface Pro 2 with Windows 8.1. Both are updated models of the existing tablets, and will feature a new two-stage kickstand. Microsoft will upgrade its Surface Pro 2 to Intel's new Haswell processor, and the company is also planning to ship units with 8GB of RAM on board. The new Surface 2 will make use of Nvidia's Tegra 4 chipset. Both are expected to launch around the same time as Windows 8.1 starts shipping on October 18th.
Paul Thurrott reports that a new "Power Cover" accessory for Surface Pro, Surface 2, and Surface Pro 2, will ship later this year which will not work with the original Surface RT. The reason: Microsoft switched to a new connector style for the Surface Pro to support the new battery-equipped covers that will help boost the life of the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, and Surface 2.