Microsoft's 6 October event: 5 expected Windows 10 hardware launches

Microsoft is finally on a note to launch the first range of Windows 10 hardware at its 6 October event. As this is one of the most anticipated events of the year, some leaks and rumours have already surfaced about the upcoming offerings. Here, we cover a list of five major expected Windows hardware launches that could happen at the event.

Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL

The list of expected launches at the Windows 10 hardware event begins with the Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL. Codenamed Cityman and Talkman, both the new smartphones are so far rumoured to be the flagship Windows 10 Mobile offerings with high-end specifications like QHD display panels, 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 and 810 processors and USB-C charging support.

A recent rumour claimed that the new Lumia smartphones will feature triple-LED flash to give a multi-tone support in dark shots. The Lumia 950 with a 5.2-inch display panel is said to be available with a price tag of €659 in Europe, while the Lumia 950 XL with a massive 5.7-inch display would go on sale for €749.

Lumia 550

Apart from the flagship Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL, Microsoft is rumoured to be working on an affordable Windows 10 smartphone, called the Lumia 550. This new smartphone is said to have a 4.7-inch HD display and a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor. Moreover, it appears to be an upgrade version of the previously launched Lumia 535.

Surface Pro 4

The Redmond giant is not only working on some Windows 10 smartphones but also appears to be in development to launch the Surface Pro 4 at its Windows 10 hardware event on 6 October. The Surface Pro 4 is rumoured to have a 13-inch display with ultra-thin bezels and Intel Skylake processors. It is additionally expected to come preloaded with the Smart Frame feature that adjusts the screen on the basis of orientation.

Microsoft would compete against the newly announced Apple iPad Pro and Google Pixel C by launching the Surface Pro 4. The tablet will be available as the successor to 2014's Surface Pro 3.

Band 2

The Microsoft Band went on sale in the US in 2014 as the company's first smart wearable band. And now, there are rumours that the software giant is working to launch its next-generation version at the Windows 10 hardware event. The Microsoft Band 2 is rumoured to have an all-new array of sensors that track most of your fitness and activity logs. Furthermore, it would have an improved design with metallic input.

VR headset

After Google and Facebook, Microsoft is reportedly in plans to be the third tech giant to launch its virtual reality (VR) headset. The VR headset by the software company would come in the form of a VR Kit, an affordable competitor against Google Cardboard. This could be available especially for Windows-based Lumia smartphones and some special apps are expected to arrive on the Windows app store following the VR headset launch at the event on Tuesday.

Microsoft is live streaming the event on its site to reveal all the details directly on your couch. The live stream will begin at 10am ET.