Microsoft's upcoming Surface Laptop might feature an OLED display, but I'm already feeling anxious.

      Microsoft might enhance the displays of its Surface Laptops, but this could negatively impact your budget.

      Microsoft's upcoming Surface Laptops may finally see a notable display improvement. Recent reports suggest that OLED options could soon be available. While this development seems necessary for the Surface range, I can already anticipate the potential increase in price.

      What upgrades are anticipated for the new Surface Laptops?

      According to a report from Windows Central, Microsoft is gearing up to refresh its Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models later this year. These updates are expected to include new processors, improved displays, and a staggered release for Intel and Snapdragon versions this summer. Although all Surface models will benefit from the newer processors, the standout feature for premium Surface Laptops is expected to be the display.

      Reports indicate that Microsoft plans to introduce OLED versions of the Surface Laptop for the first time, while entry-level models will continue to use IPS panels. Some models might even feature higher-resolution screens to better compete with MacBooks. An OLED upgrade is certainly exciting for a high-end laptop, especially for a range that has always emphasized design and refinement.

      Why these upgrades may pose challenges for consumers

      The concern is that Microsoft has already made it significantly more difficult to justify the price of Surface devices. Recently, the company implemented substantial price increases for its existing Surface PCs, with some models increasing by $500. With reports suggesting that the base configuration will start at 16GB and be available up to 64GB, it's likely that the upcoming Surface Laptops will be more expensive—barring any significant intervention from Microsoft.

      Things could be further complicated by the inclusion of the new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 series processors. These are expected to be part of the refresh, along with enhanced haptics. This all points to these devices positioning themselves firmly in the premium and ultra-premium market, with no budget-friendly Surface Laptop available to compete with Apple’s MacBook Neo.

      So, while an OLED Surface Laptop seems well-deserved and truly attractive, if the report holds true, the new and updated Surface Laptop may arrive just as it becomes increasingly difficult to afford.

      Intel has just unveiled budget-conscious Core Series 3 chips with AI-ready enhancements.

      Intel has launched its new Core Series 3 mobile processors designed for the next generation of affordable laptops. The aim of these chips is to provide a modern foundation for accessible devices without pushing them into higher price ranges. The official announcement targets value-conscious consumers, educational institutions, small businesses, and critical edge devices. However, these processors are based on the same overall framework as Intel's powerful new Core Ultra Series 3 lineup, utilizing Intel's 18A process node, featuring a hybrid CPU architecture, AI-ready capabilities, and updated connectivity for lower-cost systems.

      Intel has introduced "AI Quiet Plus," its most direct effort yet at using on-device AI for user comfort rather than just raw performance, demonstrating that smarter fans can be more effective than faster ones.

      If you've ever gamed on a laptop that sounded like it was attempting takeoff, Intel has been listening to your feedback. The company's Chinese division has initiated “AI Quiet Plus,” a new certification and optimization program aimed at gaming laptops. As indicated by the name, this feature employs artificial intelligence to significantly lower fan noise and surface heat while still maintaining performance.

      Canva has launched new automation tools that can manage repetitive tasks, allowing you to create and edit interactive experiences without any coding knowledge.

      Canva's AI 2.0 update expands beyond its newly introduced conversational design workflow and app integrations. It brings automation and enhanced no-code features designed to simplify repetitive tasks and facilitate the creation of more complex experiences without requiring technical skills. You can automate recurring tasks in the background.