Android 5 release date, news and rumors

Android 5 is going to be exciting, there's no doubt about that. Google saves the change to a new number for the big things, with both Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich making big alterations to the way we use our Android phones.

We thought it would have been Key Lime Pie that showed off the next level, but on 31 October 2013, Google officially revealed its next minor update, Android 4.4 KitKat, which now clears the road for Android 5.

The dessert-themed code name that we assume will begin with L is anyone's guess at this stage. Android 5.0 Lemon Cheesecake or Android 5.0 Lemon Meringue Pie, anyone? Though there's talk that it might be called Android Lollipop or even Android Moonshine, as it's apparently internally known. While the latest leaks point simply to Android L.

It may not be called Android 5 though, with some rumors suggesting the next major iteration from Google's wheel house could arrive as Android 4.5. That would make sense as we've had 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 in recent years.

That said, it appears Google may have just dropped a hint as to the version number of the next iteration of Android. 5.0 is currently looking favorable after the time of "5.00" appeared on screenshots posted on Twitter by the search giant - a signal Google has used before.

Is Android 5.0 next in line? (credit: @Google)

As we wait on official news of that name, we're constantly combing the web to see what's going to be happening with this L-powered update, so check back to see what we've uncovered and the level of likelihood each rumor brings.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next major upgrade for Android, to follow on from Android 4.4
• When is it out? We're thinking mid-2014
• What will it cost? Nothing, it'll be a free upgrade

Android 5.0 release date

Until Android 4.4 was announced we had expected the Android 5.0 release date to be some time in October 2013. We instead saw Android 4.4 KitKat launch on 31 October, so now we're expecting to see Android 5.0 shown off in mid-2014, quite possibly at Google IO, Google's annual two-day developer conference in San Francisco.

That's a year on from when we had originally expected to see Android 5.0, which was at Google IO 2013, which took place from May 15 to May 17 2013.

Sundar Pichai, Google's new head of Android told Wired that 2013's IO was "not a time when we have much in the way of launches of new products or a new operating system"," which makes us wonder when the new software will be coming.

Our take: Android updates are still coming too slowly for our liking, as while each 0.1-numbered upgrade is good, it's not enough to make us want the native experience.

We're expecting Google to make Android 5 rather special indeed, which means it can only wait a maximum of 6-7 months after KitKat was announced to show it off - so mid-2014 has to happen, in our opinion.

More recent reports of Android 4.5 being next in line may put a spanner in the major overhaul thinking, so we're not getting too carried away just yet. In any case Google I/O is set for June 25-26, so with any luck we should know just what Android Lollipop will be bringing to the table soon.

Android 5.0 phones

The first handset to run Android 5 will either be a Nexus phone or tablet, and given the timing of the announcement we think it might be the latter. The Google Nexus 5 launched Android 4.4 at the tail end of next year, and we reckon the Nexus 10 (2014) will appear soon - meaning a tablet launch for the new OS.

HTC looks like the front runner to bring this tablet to the market, so we're thinking that this could happen mid-2014, which puts it firmly on course to be made soon.

We're also hearing a lot of rumblings about a Nexus 8, a slate which will supposedly launch with Android 4.5, so maybe that's the device that Android Lollipop will make its debut on.

Will it be known as a Nexus though? The scheme is under threat from Android Silver, but it doesn't look like that's launching yet, so we reckon the Nexus name will be kept for at least the next round of devices.

Androids out in force at Google IO 2012

Samsung's Android 5.0 upgrades

Although Samsung is yet to officially confirm its Android 5.0 schedule, a SamMobile source is claiming to know which phones and tablets will be getting the upgrade. According to the source, the devices set to receive the upgrade are the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy Note 8.0 and Galaxy Note 10.1. Do note that this claim was made before Google announced Android 4.4, so if it was ever correct, it's probably a lot less correct now.

As you'd expect, the S4 will be getting an Android update, but to which version?

Android 5.0 features

Android Geeks reported that Google Babble would debut on Android 5.0. Babble was the code name for Google's cross-platform service and app with the aim of unifying its various chat services which include Talk, Hangout, Voice, Messenger, Chat for Google Drive and Chat on Google+.

A screenshot that we were sent from a Google employee on 8 April confirmed that not only was this unified chat service on the way, but that it was called Google Babel not Babble. On 10 May, we discovered that Babel would launch as Google Hangouts, and on 15 May we saw it come to life for devices running Android 2.3 and up. So much for it debuting on Android 5.

We've been fishing for info on Babel

A more recent idea is that Google's next version of Android will have more fitness smarts built in - and this is an idea we think has legs, if you'll pardon the sort-of pun.

Apple is set to go big in this area with the iWatch and iOS 8, and other brands, such as Samsung and LG, are making strides too.

The idea is future versions of Android will allow the software to harness "fitness data from sensors on your Android device."

These could be built into future Android phones and tablets, but it's also likely that the API will play nicely with Android-based smartwatches and even Google Glass.

It also looks like Android 5 may add support for 64-bit processors, as the Nexus 8 is rumored to have one and to be running the new version of Android. That in turn would allow for more than 4GB of RAM in devices, opening the floodgates to enormous increases in power.

Some have speculated that Android 5.0 will be actually Chrome OS, Google's high power operating system for its Chromebooks - that it would use Android for low- to mid-level handsets and put Chrome on the high end.

However, this makes little sense given the effort that would be needed for app integration, so like Microsoft and Windows Phone the mobile OS will very likely continue as is.

A recent image of 'Android L' (which is presumably Android 4.5 / 5) appears to show the browser floating in the middle of the screen, which may mean we'll be getting split screen apps. That would certainly be a useful feature, particularly on larger devices. Samsung and Sony already do this but if the functionality is baked into Android then all devices potentially could.

Android 5.0 interface

While little is known about the potential interface changes for the next iteration of Google's mobile platform, be it Android 5.0 or Android 4.5, a screenshot has appeared online claiming to reveal the upcoming version.

The screenshot shows new icons apparently destined for Android 4.5

There's a clear visual overhaul present in the screenshot, and according to the leak the new design is being referred to as "Moonshine" internally at Google.

We've also caught a glimpse of how the dialer might look in Android 4.5 / Android 5, courtesy of an image leaked by Google itself. It's not in for a radical redesign but if the image is to be believed then it will be going blue, rather than sticking with the current light gray colour.

Google IO 2014: 10 things we expect

Update: Google IO 2014 rumors will be put to rest tomorrow, as the schedule is up and giveaways like a Project Tango tablet are suspected.

Google IO 2014 kicks off with a 9 a.m. Pacific start time tomorrow, June 25. Coincidentally, 25 is the number of cutting-edge tech companies the search engine giant snapped up since its last conference.

That means intimidating-looking robots, smart home technology and smartwatches are among the rumors for the Google IO keynote. The developer schedule strongly hints at a strong gaming and wearables.

You won't be able to see this year's surprises in person if you missed registration. Google IO tickets were sold in a lottery and exorbitantly priced for average Android user, but cheaper than Apple's WWDC 2014.

Luckily, there will be a Google IO live stream to watch the most popular events on both the June 25 and June 26 dates. Hangout sessions are also scheduled for in-depth developer broadcasts.

Even better for the anxious Android community, we have a list of Google IO rumors and predictions before the event gets underway next month. There's no ticket lottery or registration fee required.

1. It's time for a Google watch

Smartwatches powered by Google's Android Wear platform are expected at the conference, but we don't foresee an official Google watch being announced just yet.

Instead, the square-shaped LG G Watch in stealth black and champagne gold colors is expected to be the first Android Wear device. It'll match the newly launched LG G3 phone quite nicely.

Motorola's even more fashionable circular Moto 360 is also due for its first on-stage appearance at Google IO. Expect it to feature wireless Qi charging and a price around $249 (about £146, AU$265).

What does Google have up its Android Wear sleeve at Google IO?

The difference between these two Android Wear watches and the equally sophisticated-looking Pebble Steel and Samsung Gear 2 comes down to predictive Google Now-like alerts.

The company's intelligent software delivers relevant information to your wrist - from counting down the stops before you exit a public bus to Jellyfish warnings before entering the ocean.

The rumored Apple iWatch is said to focus on fitness with Nike in tow, so expect Google to tout activity tracking features too. Google Fit may roll heart rate, steps taken and blood glucose data into one platform.

The LG G Watch release date is thought to be July 7, but we'll likely have a hands-on tomorrow at Google IO. Moto 360, meanwhile, is expected later in July, and Samsung, HTC and Fossil are expected to announce Android Wear watches in the near future.

2. Android 5.0 lollipop to lick iOS

Google is overdue for an L-themed Android 5.0 update, and there's reason to believe its name will be a Google logo-appropriate "lollipop" on a stick. Google IO happens nine months after KitKat 4.4 was announced, and we're in the mood for something non-chocolatey.

The timing is right. Android updates happen every five to eight months; Ice Cream Sandwich came out eight months after Honeycomb and Jelly Bean 4.1 came out eight months after ICS. Jelly Bean 4.2, 4.3 and KitKat 4.4 averaged five months between them.

New features could include better cross-platform messaging integration and new apps that take into account Google's forthcoming line of smartwatches.

Android 5.0 could skip over Android 4.5

Sure, Google merged SMS and Hangouts into one, but texts still don't appear on computers. Apple pulled it off seamlessly with iMessages on Mac and iOS 7 and is about to perfect SMS on devices with iOS 8.

There needs to be an Android-Chrome equivalent with SMS and Hangouts baked into the mobile app and unifies the two modes for messaging.

Google Voice is also long overdue to be rolled into Google Hangouts, an app that has gobbled up text messaging, instant messaging and video calls into one location in recent months.

The latest Android 4.4.3 update brought a slightly tweaked dialer, but we're ready to be rid of these silent piecemeal changes for something more significant at Google IO.

Just don't expect the pure Android Nexus 6 to appear alongside with these software changes. Google's focusing on its Android Silver launch and it may be doing away with its Nexus program.

3. Updates to Nexus 10, Chromebook Pixel 2

Google likes to introduce Android updates with new hardware. That's perfect because it needs a new larger Nexus tablet to compete with the redesigned 9.7-inch iPad Air.

The Nexus 10 2014 would do the trick, but it may not come from Samsung. The South Korean electronics giant is doing its own 10-inch thing with the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Google is in need of a refreshed Nexus 10

Asus and LG could easily fill that role and have provided Google with Nexus hardware before. In fact, Asus may already be making a Nexus 8 tab to replace its popular Nexus 7 later this year.

The developer-only Project Tango Tablet, meanwhile, could also act as a Google IO 2014 giveaway. Like the Project Tango phone, this 7-inch slate has multiple cameras and depth sensors to map the 3D world. It's also roughly the price of a Google IO ticket.

New Chrome OS features at Google IO could be delivered through a Chromebook Pixel refresh even though the laptop's existing specs are strong. It's the price that needs to come down.

A Chromebook Pixel 2 could be why the Google Play Store is currently out of stock of select models of Google's premium notebook with a square-shaped screen.

4. More Google Glass, fewer skydiving stunts

Google Glass is perhaps more controversial than it was a year ago, but curious beta testers are still paying its wild $1,500 (about £879, AU$1,593) price now that it's available to everyone in the US.

That's good news for Google, but it doesn't really bode well for its fans who want a Google Glass consumer version at a more affordable price from the conference.

Think about it. It'd be a slap in every Glasshole's geeked-out face if Google encouraged them to buy Glass during Aprils much-hyped one-day sale and May's open enrollment if a newer and cheaper version came out in June.

This only this would work is if Google gave all Explorers the consumer version for free. It would account for the steep built-in price when analysts have pegged the consumer edition at as little as $300 (about £176, AU$319). But that may be wishful thinking among Explorers.

Google IO challenges: The battery needs to be small in the back, yet more powerful

Instead, the international rollout of Google Glass would please the UK and Australia, and it's a distinct possibility now that Google has dropped invites and its silly timed-sale teasing altogether in the US.

We also expect more apps via Google's open Glass API to be announced along with a demo of what the recent Android KitKat upgrade means for the wearable tech's future.

Anything more than a consumer version preview or a release date is unlikely, but a free Explorer Edition as a giveaway to attendees isn't a long shot given the cost of Google IO tickets.

5. Reasons to tune into Chromecast, Android TV

Google has sold a bunch of Chromecast dongles, but it doesn't mean much if there aren't more apps available for the inexpensive media streaming device.

On the higher end of the television spectrum, Google is set to flip the switch on its rebranded Android TV platform within flat-screens and set-top boxes - in case you didn't have enough apps and gaming options.

There's a lot of work to be done here. The company has a long way to go before it catches up to the app lists of the Apple TV, Roku 3 and similarly shaped Roku Streaming Stick.

Chromecast really needs more apps

The new Amazon Fire TV set-top box is also hot on its trail thanks to Amazon Instant Video. In fact, all of Google's Android devices lack. We'd also it and Spotify in the US and Sky, iTV and Demand 5 in the UK.

That could happen at Google IO. We fully expect more app announcements and a personalized main menu with the weather and photos to come to the thumb drive-sized smart TV device.

Just don't expect YouTube's Music Pass to be one of its new streaming services. It's reportedly been delayed over licensing issues. Casting the subscription-based Google Music will have to do.

It's also a wonder why Chromecast doesn't fully support Android device mirroring, a trick that makes us love the iOS-projecting Apple TV. We could be in for a true AirPlay rival at Google IO.

The next version of Android will be revealed Wednesday

Google IO 2014 kicks off tomorrow and we can expect some exciting announcements from the company's annual developer conference. How big are we talking here? Try the next version of Android big.

In a long form Bloomberg Businessweek profile on Sundar Pichai, the Android chief said he plans to preview the "L" release of Android during the conference's opening day Wednesday.

The move would be a significant shift towards greater transparency; the search giant has classically withheld its annual operating system updates until fall.

In the interview, Pichai said he wants, "the world to understand what [Google is] doing sooner." More importantly, he remarked that manufactures have complained the latest versions of Android have always been revealed too late for device makers to implement.

Up until now, Nexus phones were often the only handsets to get the latest software first. With this year's early preview, we could see the latest versions of Android land on all devices sooner.

Goodbye, Google TV

Alongside an early look at Android "L," Google IO may include an introduction to Android TV. Leaked on April 6, the new entertainment platform will purportedly include Netflix, YouTube, and other video streaming service apps arranged in easy-to-navigate cards similar to the PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2hvc3RpbmdraXRhLmNvbQ0iIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIiByZWw9Im5vZm9sbG93Ij5BcHBsZSA8L2E+TV set-top box.

To help prevent repeating the same mistakes that plagued Google TV into obsolescence, Pichai has supposedly brought everyone working on the TV software into one team to create a single, consistent experience.

Given the company's recent success with Chromecast, Google should have an easier time attracting content providers. Additionally, it should have a cache of streaming apps that already work with the new entertainment platform.

Don't forget Android Wear

In a brief mention, Pichai said he would announce new manufacturing partners and devices utilizing Google's wearable platform, Android Wear.

Health tracking was on the Android point man's tongue, which means we will likely see fitness trackers and biosensor-equipped wearable computers.

• Google's wearable line up could include the Motorola Moto 360 and LG G Watch

Mozilla may be working on a Chromecast-style streaming stick

Mozilla is reportedly plotting a Firefox OS-based streaming stick to rival the PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2hvc3RpbmdraXRhLmNvbQ0iIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIiByZWw9Im5vZm9sbG93Ij5Hb29nbGUgPC9hPg==Chromecast device.

GigaOm brings a hands-on PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+dmlkZW8gPC9hPg==showing the as-yet-unannounced device in action. According to report the stick has no name, no release date and it's unclear which markets it will launch in.

According to the report, the streaming stick, in its current form, is capable of running PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+QW5kcm9pZCA8L2E+and PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+aU9TIDwvYT4=apps will also allow developers to create apps that play nice with Windows Phone, the Amazon Fire platform.

As always with Mozilla, the focus will be on openness, the reporter who has been 'tracking the device' with Mozilla insiders for months said.

No restrictions

In response to the report a Mozilla spokesperson suggested the hardware may not be the company's doing, but that of a third-party using the open source software.

"Firefox OS is an open platform freely available for any company to build on top of without restriction. This means companies can experiment with different form factors that run Firefox OS," a spokesperson said.

Could Mozilla compete with the almighty Chromecast? Let us know your thoughts below.

• Amazon Fire Phone: 8 things you need to know

Via The Verge

Facebook's Slingshot app arrives to take aim at Snapchat

Update: Well, that didn't take very long. Facebook has officially unveiled Slingshot, and it's setting its sights squarely at Snapchat.

"Photos and 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- a la Snapchat - to other users, with the option to deface said media with text and drawing.

Sling like you're winning

Perhaps the only real difference is that Slingshot also includes a "react" button that allows users to return an instant snapshot reaction to the latest picture of your friend's lunch.

The app will be completely free when it arrives. The source does say, however, that Facebook may hold back the rollout if it comes up against any last-minute snags.

We dropped Facebook a line but it refused to comment on the story.

• While you're waiting for that, check out our 20 best World Cup apps

4oD's Android app is no longer an Inbetweener with 3G/4G streaming

Channel 4 has updated its 4oD app for Android to offer programme streaming over 3G and 4G mobile networks.

The update comes precisely two weeks after the broadcaster finally updated its PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+aU9TIDwvYT4=app to accommodate mobile data streaming of live and on demand content.

Until very recently users of the application on both platforms were limited to streaming programming over Wi-Fi.

Users were, and still are, available to download programmes from the last 30 days for offline viewing, but the addition of mobile data streaming will enable those spur-of-the-moment viewing decisions.

Parity

The feature now gives 4oD parity with the BBC iPlayer and ITV player apps which also have the ability to stream over 3G and 4G

The updated app, which can now be downloaded from the PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL2hvc3RpbmdraXRhLmNvbQ0iIHRhcmdldD0iX2JsYW5rIiByZWw9Im5vZm9sbG93Ij5Hb29nbGUgPC9hPg==Play store, also brings access to 4Shorts, offering hundreds of classic clips from the archives along with a host of original shorts.

Users are, of course, advised to use Wi-Fi whenever possible so as not to drain their data allowance.

• Streaming on the go? Perhaps it's time for a Netflix subscription

Via Engadget

After smartphones, Amazon's next trick could be slimmer Kindles

With anticipation running high for this week's rumored Amazon smartphone unveiling, interest in all things Amazon is at its peak, making this a perfect time to see what's coming next.

BloombergBusinessweek has offered a glimpse into the top-secret lair where Amazon does most of the R&D work for new hardware such as Fire TV, not to mention a smartphone expected to be announced at a media event on Wednesday.

Known as "Lab126," the facilities are home to more than 1,600 employees, many who have been working there since Amazon founder Jeff Bezos set up the division to create the first Kindle e-book reader back in 2004.

Amazon's hardware gurus will reportedly return to the Kindle well for a new "remarkably thin" version of the Kindle Paperwhite codenamed "Ice Wine," with insiders also dishing on a Square-style credit card reader Amazon may use to shore up its payment business.

Science projects

The report from "The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon" author Brad Stone doesn't offer details as to how Amazon plans to slim down the Kindle, instead offering a tantalizing peek into other devices spearheaded by the billionaire CEO.

According to loose-lipped employees, Amazon's rumored smartphone has been in gestation at Lab126 since 2009, along with other so-called "science projects" that include a device capable of projecting computer images onto any surface.

Said to be powered by a forked version of PGEgaHJlZj0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy5ob3N0aW5na2l0YS5jb20NIiB0YXJnZXQ9Il9ibGFuayIgcmVsPSJub2ZvbGxvdyI+QW5kcm9pZCA8L2E+similar to the company's Kindle Fire tablets, Amazon's smartphone will reportedly offer a 3D user interface that uses four infrared cameras to track the user's face and pupils as they're looking at the display.

Known internally as "Duke," the Amazon handset may wind up an AT&T exclusive at launch thanks to the carrier's Sponsored Data program, capable of offloading some or all mobile data expenses to a user's annual Amazon Prime subscription.

• Bask in the warm glow of our latest MacBook Air review!

iPad Air 2 release date, news and rumors

The iPad Air 2, the obvious follow up to the iPad Air, is set to be an iterative update to the current best and the Cupertino based firm will be looking to continue its domination at the top end of the market.
Many rival manufacturers have attempted to ape the iPad's success, but numerous have tried and failed to match the premium build quality, consumer lust and ultimately the sales figures that processor, as well as sporting an 8MP rear camera and inheriting Touch ID from the Kuo's theories are looking increasingly believable, as according to sources speaking to ETNews the iPad Air 2 will have an A8 chip, which is expected to improve efficiency and increase battery life, and its main camera will be boosted from 5 to 8MP, while the front-facing snapper will be increased to 1.5MP.
However they went on to say that the design is going to be similar to that of the original iPad Air and its screen will stick at a resolution of 2048 x 1536.

We've also caught a glimpse of what might be the iPad Air 2's front panel and it appears that the display is integrated into the panel, which would allow it to be slimmer than the iPad Air, which has a separate display and panel.
A more comprehensive leak claiming to show off a prototype iPad Air 2 in pretty much all its glory has also hit the web, revealing subtle design changes rather than a total overhaul.

(credit: nowhereelse)

Something worth noting in this series of images is the fact the TouchID button from the iPhone 5S appears to be on the iPad Air 2, backing up Kuo's claim that the biometric tech will land on the slate.

A new button design may be on the cards (credit: nowhereelse)

Will the camera get a boost? (credit: nowhereelse)

A slim profile is pretty much nailed on (credit: nowhereelse)

That's all we have so far, but given there's a while until the launch of the new device, it makes sense there's very little information around right now - we'd recommend keeping an eye on the current model if you're after a new tablet.
That said, while we loved the new model, there's always room for improvement. Head over to page two to see what we'd love to see on the iPad Air 2.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review

Scores in depth

Update: We've updated our Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review with a video overview hosted by none other than TechRadar US editor-in-chief Wil O'Neal. Check it out below!

Knock it for the Windows 8 launch. Lay into it for how it debuted the Xbox One. But, when it comes to its latest product, the Surface Pro 3, don't pull out the torches and pitchforks just yet – Microsoft is onto something here.

Over the past few years, the Redmond, Wash. Windows maker has proved to be one of the bolder technology companies, for better or worse. Microsoft clearly isn't afraid to fall on its face in the hope of landing on what in the world tech users want next in this turbulent market, and the Surface Pro 3 is – well, it just might be an exception.

The company has been hammering away at what it considers is a problem with tablets for years. Since the launch of the Surface Pro, Microsoft has sought after the ultimate mobile computing device, one that could replace the laptop with a tablet-first approach.

The Surface Pro 3 is closer than Microsoft has ever been to making good on that vision. After over a week with the slate, I'd go so far as to say that the Pro 3 is closer than any laptop-tablet hybrid released yet.

Microsoft was so sure of itself that not only did it directly compare the Pro 3 to Apple's iPad Air and 13-inch MacBook Air, it gave members of the press pre-release Surface Pro 3 units during an announcement event in New York. Sure, the units have bugs as of this review, but who cares? They'll be fixed in time for the June 20 launch.

"I forced the giving away of the device, just so you're aware," Surface team lead Panos Panay told me just after the reveal. "I said, 'You know what? I want the product in people's hands.' 'But the bugs are still there. They're not all done until June 20, until it's on market.' I don't care. The purity of the device is still true, and on June 20 there will be more drops."

One look at the thing might explain Panay's eagerness to get the Surface Pro 3. It's no iPad Air, that's for sure, but the iPad Air isn't packing a 12-inch display.

Design

Yes, Microsoft bumped the Surface Pro touchscreen from a tiny 10.6 inches to a far roomier 12 inches. In the process, the pixel count has been upped from 1920 x 1080 to 2160 x 1440 The result is a modest boost in pixels per inch – 207 ppi to 216 ppi – given the increase in screen real estate.

More important is Microsoft's interesting choice in aspect ratio. Rather than sticking with the Pro 2's 16:9 or glomming onto the iPad's 4:3, the firm went with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The company claims that, with this aspect ratio, this 12-inch screen can actually display more content than the MacBook Air's 13.3-inch panel at 16:10. The move was also made to make the tablet feel more like your average notepad when held in portrait orientation.

Wrapped in a bright, silver-colored magnesium shell that's cool and smooth to the touch, the Surface Pro 3 feels premium in every regard. The tablet keeps the trapezoidal shape of its predecessors, but manages to come in both thinner and lighter than before. Plus, the tablet's upper half is beset by vents on its edges to better dissipate heat pushed out by its fan.

Microsoft also moved the Windows home button to the device's left side of its silky smooth – though, rather thick – glass bezel. This way, it appears on the bottom of the slate while held upright, calling out, 'Hey, hold it this way now.' While it's no doubt the lightest Surface Pro yet, I'm not sure whether I could hold onto it for an entire subway ride home.

Adorning both sides of the Pro 3 are 5MP cameras capable of 1080p video recording. While stills on either shooter won't blow you away, the front-facing lens should do just fine for Skype and the weekly video meeting over VPN.

This Surface isn't without its sidekick(s)

A tablet wouldn't be much of a laptop replacement without a keyboard, and the Surface Pro keyboard was in desperate need of a boost. Luckily, Microsoft sent the Type Cover back to the drawing board, and what came back is the best version yet. From keys with deeper travel and stronger feedback to a wider glass trackpad that actually clicks, nothing was off the table.

But the most important improvement is the brand new double hinge. Equipped with a strong magnet that latches onto the Pro 3's lower bezel, the Type Cover can now rest with just a portion of it touching your lap or desk. This proved to make writing on my lap much more stable than with previous Surface devices. (Plus, the plush cover comes in five colors: red, blue, cyan, black and purple.)

Tucked beside the Type Cover is also the newly improved Surface Pen. Microsoft made a point of calling its stylus that, because the firm wants it to be seen as and feel like the writing instrument we've all grown up with. With an aluminum finish and a useful clicker up top, the Surface Pen is weighted to better feel like a pen. Using Bluetooth and powered by N-trig, the stylus tracks closer to its physical position than ever before, thanks to some major improvements to the Surface screen.

The new Surface Pro 3 inarguably has the look and feel of a premium product, so it only deserves to be stacked up against the most luxuriously built tablet and laptop around.