A new firmware for Surface Pro 3 has been released by Microsoft featuring advanced device security capabilities, modifications to boot process, etc. Likewise, competition between Microsoft and Apple is brewing as each sets the release of the MacBook Retina 2015 and the Surface Pro 4, respectively.
Previously, Microsoft released a firmware update for Surface Pro 3 together with the original Surface RT on Tuesday, March 10. It renamed the Surface Hub app to Surface App so that confusions with upcoming Surface Hub hardware would be avoided, reports by Thurrot.com.
TN TechNet Blogs have posted information for the improvements of Surface Pro 3 gadgets.
The update is named "Surface Pro UEFI (v3.11.760.0)". It will provide "added flexibility to configure UEFI in Surface Pro" gadgets. The following are the improvements made available:
1. Modifications to boot process. With the update, alternative devices like the USB flash drives and PXE can now configure UEFI in order to allow the system boot and this will not require Volume Down button to be pressed at boot time.
2. Advanced device security capabilities. Microsoft was able to receive many requests from various costumers to have advanced device security capabilities. One example they cited are education customers. If they wanted the cameras of students to be turned off in order to have focus in their class, people concerned (such as teachers) can now have the option to selectively disable cameras or other device through hardware ports such as side USB port, docking ports, front camera, rear camera, on board audio, MicroSD card, WiFi, Bluetooth. They can also have the option to disable Boot from Network (PXE) capability.
3. OS Configuration Settings. This will help large enterprise customers since it will allow them to configure UEFI settings to be managed remotely. Microsoft will also release a downloadable tool for commercial customers too.
4. Improvements on the following:
a. EFI applications performance such as 3rd party disk encryption software
b. the reliability of the ESC key functions in pre-OS environments like Bitlocker Recovery screen.
c. prevent the drives from loading when trying to attach a cover or plug in a USB device.
To download the update, click.
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Surface Pro 4 is seems to be challenging MacBook Retina 2015.
Christian Post cited reports by Yibada that the Surface Pro 4 is rumored to roll out in two models: 12-inch and 14-inch versions in order to rival Apple MacBooks.
The Surface Pro is said to have a 2160 x 1440 resolution for the two versions in order to, again, rival Apple's new MacBook Retina display.
Previous rumors were also cited that the Surface Pro 4 will be built with the Intel Core M Broadwell chipset, similar to the MacBook 2015. But, other reports said that the latest Intel Core M chip in the upcoming Surface Pro will be better and faster.
Indeed, the race for technological innovations is getting more intense between these two major companies.
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