The device’s camera system has also been improved, and it’s getting Thunderbolt 4 ports for faster data transfers over cables. The screen is also 11% larger, coming in at 13 inches, and has a higher 120-hertz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. It has new main and graphics processors that the tech giant says will fuel a 40%-plus gain in performance and 74% faster graphics. A key part of that push is the Surface Pro 8, the latest version of Microsoft’s original tablet-laptop hybrid device. So the company is looking to rebuild momentum and make fresh inroads into the market. In July, Microsoft reported $1.5 billion in quarterly device revenue, its lowest in a year. and Asustek Computer Inc., meanwhile, hold 5% to 10% apiece. and Dell Technologies Inc., which have more than 15% of the market each. The industry is dominated by Lenovo Group Ltd., HP Inc. Still, Microsoft hasn’t entered the realm of the top six computer makers, according to recent data from Gartner Inc. While some consumers and technology analysts were skeptical of Microsoft’s entry into personal-computer hardware after a multidecade focus on software, the Redmond, Washington-based company has seen its portfolio and market share grow. The tech giant is gearing up for the holiday season, looking to challenge devices from Apple Inc., Samsung Electronics Co.
