This morning Apple was granted yet another MacBook patent that integrates cellular connectivity beyond mere data by adding telephony. I noted that today Microsoft is going to announce Windows + Qualcomm devices running on ARM processors that will be supported by the likes of HP, Huawei and others at the Microsoft Future Decoded event in London. As of 7:45 a.m. PT there has been no announcement made. Yet Panos Panay, Microsoft's SVP of Surface Hardware and Devices, did make one announcement right out of the bat this morning. Microsoft's Surface Pro will offer enterprise customers a version with built-in LTE connectivity for always on connectivity like a smartphone for busy enterprise users on the go. 

Panay announced that "Microsoft shares a vision for empowering employees with modern devices; announces Surface Pro with LTE Advanced will begin shipping to business customers in December."

Like all of Panay's hardware presentations he's compelled to stick a knife into Apple's back whenever he could and today is not difference. According to Panay:

"Over the next 12 months 15% of organizations plan to increase their investment in Microsoft Surface PCs – and only 8% in Apple laptops and PCs." No reference as to where he got that number.

Beyond his standard dig at Apple, Panay went on to state that "Surface Pro with LTE Advanced is the latest addition to the Surface family and will begin shipping to business customers in December 2017. With a Cat 9 modem, Surface Pro with LTE Advanced is the fastest LTE-enabled laptop in its class1. It delivers global connectivity with support of 20 cellular bands2 so you can work, study, create or relax uninterrupted.

Surface Pro with LTE Advanced rounds out our family of ultimate laptops, giving businesses options to meet the needs of everyone in their workforce. Whether it's the pure power of the Surface Book 2 or the beauty and emotional appeal of Surface Laptop, the entire Surface family is built to bring the best of Windows to life, including the new mixed reality, 3D, and inking experiences in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update."

If Microsoft does announce the Windows + Qualcomm platform later today I'll quickly fire off a follow-up report.

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