Microsoft has rolled out a firmware update for the second-generation Surface Studio 2, addressing security vulnerabilities and enhancing overall system stability and performance. The update, released in September 2023, is exclusively available for Surface Studio 2, with Surface Studio 2+ having received its last update in July 2023. “This update addresses security vulnerability and improves system stability and performance,” states the official release note.
Update Components and Installation
The firmware update includes several new drivers, such as Surface UEFI – Firmware 536.778.768.0, Surface ME – Firmware 11.8.93.4323, Intel(R) Management Engine Interface – System 2240.3.4.0, and Intel(R) iCLS Client – Software Component 1.65.245.0. Users can manually install the update, which is 629MB in size, through Windows Settings or the Surface Support website. After installation, a device restart is recommended to complete any remaining part of the installation process.
Support Continuation and End of Life
Microsoft has committed to supporting the second-generation Surface Studio for one more year. The official documentation indicates that the Surface Studio 2 will reach its end of life on October 2, 2024. Users are encouraged to keep their devices updated to maintain optimal performance and security.
Last week, the company held a hardware event in New York City where it launched several new Surface devices. As has been the case in recent years, there was nothing too exciting aside from product refreshes for the following devices:
Surface Hub 3: the Surface Hub 3 features a unique portrait mode aimed at enhancing collaborative experiences. It is available in two models: 50” for $9,499.99, and 85”, priced at $24,999.99, both powered by an Intel i5 processor and equipped with integrated graphics (iGPU). Both models boast a substantial 32 GB of memory and a 512 GB storage capacity, ensuring smooth performance and ample space for applications and data. The 50” model features a resolution of 3840 x 2560, while the 85” model offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160.
Surface Laptop Studio 2: starting at $1,999, the Laptop Studio 2 is equipped with Intel‘s 13th Generation i7 H class chips and offers Nvidia RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 GPU options. The specs match up with rumors that have been leaking in recent months. It also features the first Intel Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in a Windows computer. Users can configure it with up to 2TB of storage and 64GB of RAM.
Surface Go 4: designed specifically for businesses and front-line workers, the Surface Go 4 features 8GB of LPDDR5 memory and up to 256GB of SSD storage. The device boasts several enhancements, including a shift from the two-core Intel Pentium processor to a more robust four-core Intel N200 chip.
Surface Laptop Go 3: starting at $799, the device is equipped with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, larger than ever for a Surface Laptop Go, and offers an extended battery life of up to 15 hours. Additionally, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and includes a variety of ports such as USB-C, USB-A, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port.
