These commands include toggling sound volume, scrolling, zooming, brightness, and undo/redo. The Surface Dial is set with standard commands that can be used without being program or app specific. The promoted Surface Dial's purpose is to be used to control functions that artists might find useful, such as pen color or thickness. With the introduction of the Surface Studio on 26 October 2016, Microsoft announced a new type of computing device called the Surface Dial. Most cell phone and tablet chargers do not support these voltage levels and cannot charge Surface devices using this adapter. Charging requires USB power sources that output 12V, 15V, or 20V. The adapter supports USB 3, Display Port alternate mode, and charging via USB Power Delivery.
In addition to the Surface Dock, Microsoft has released a USB-C adapter that allows the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop to use generic USB-C docking stations. This new docking accessory connects to the proprietary 40-pin side port which got the new name – Surface Connect.Ī Microsoft Garage incubator team designed ergonomic VESA-mounted portrait docking stations as part of the Company hackathon, released a YouTube demo video, open-source plans on GitHub, and made ready-to-use kits available on a web store. With the announcement of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, Microsoft revealed a new Surface Dock accessory in the brick form factor which is compatible with the aforementioned devices and the Surface Pro 3. They each extend the Surface with a number of USB ports, additional audio sockets, a Gigabit Ethernet port and a Mini DisplayPort to connect external displays. There are various Docking Stations for different Surface Laptop devices, which are optional non-included accessories.
It is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device. On July 10, 2018, Microsoft launched the Surface Mouse alongside the Surface Keyboard. Two mice have also been released for the Surface including the Wedge Touch and Arc Touch mice.
In 2018, Microsoft launched the Surface Keyboard alongside the Surface Mouse, which is compatible with any Bluetooth enabled device It was introduced on September, 2013 and has been discontinued on March 26, 2014. A Wireless Adapter for the keyboards, called the Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers, was also manufactured so that the keyboards can be used at a distance. It is compatible with the Surface Pro and later, due to the additional pins required on the Surface spine. Ī Power Cover, introduced alongside the Surface Pro 2, included a built-in battery to extend the Surface's battery life. With the launch of the fifth-generation Surface Pro, Microsoft expanded the Surface Pro Signature Type Cover line to include burgundy, cobalt blue, and platinum with a release date of June 15, 2017. A Signature Type Cover designed out of grey Alcantara was announced on April 12, 2016. Both are backwards compatible with the Surface Pro 3, though both are designed for the Surface Pro 4. A " Fingerprint ID" version was also announced but is only available in the color black. Also introduced was a function lock light, separated keys, and a 40% larger touchpad than previous models. On October 6, 2015, Microsoft updated the Surface Pro Type Cover with a new teal color in addition to the existing black, red, blue, and bright blue colors. Both Surface 3 and Pro 3 Type Covers have a loop to house the Surface Pen.
When the Surface 3 was announced, a smaller version, the Surface 3 Type Cover was released. The Surface Pro 3 Type Cover has a touchpad with glass beads replacing the felt-like material used in previous generations. The Surface Pro 3 Type Cover features a second magnetized strip that can be rested against the screen to prop the keyboard up at an angle. With the release of the Surface Pro 3, a newer cover called the Surface Pro 3 Type Cover was released to fit the bigger screen. The Type Cover 2 is thinner and features back-lit keys. It was upgraded along with the second generation Surfaces to the Type Cover 2 which substituted the plastic material for the felt-like material found on the Type Covers.
With the release of the first generation Surface Pro, Microsoft launched the Type Cover which has tactile keys. Microsoft never made another Touch Cover after the release of the Surface Pro 3. In addition, the Touch Cover 2 also supported key gestures and was backwards compatible with the first generation Surface devices. With the release of the Surface 2 a Touch Cover 2 was announced which increased the number of sensors to 1,092 and added backlit keys while being thinner than the original Touch Cover. The original touch cover came with 80 touch sensors and was pressure sensitive.