January was the last time that the original Surface RT device saw any updates and when it did, the updates were only to improve stability for the Type and Touch covers. Microsoft has never issued a non-support statement for Surface RT, but maybe they have silently killed it much like Apple does with OSX.
Along with regular Patch Tuesday updates today, which includes a permanent fix for the IE10 zero-day flaw, and a newly brandished pop-up warning for Windows XP users, Microsoft is also making available a slew of updates for the Surface 2, Surface Pro 2, and Surface Pro tablets.
Here's what's in the firmware packs:
- Surface 2 UEFI (v4.18.500) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- System Aggregator Firmware (v1.0.48500.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Platform Power Driver (v2.0.524.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update (v2.0.523.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.517.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.517.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Home Button Driver (v2.0.281.0) resolves behavior where Surface would sometimes not wake from sleep.
- Surface System Software Device (v5.0.498.0) includes stability and experience improvements.
- Surface Pro UEFI (v2.04.0450) improves experience when using BitLocker so that a Surface Cover can provide PIN input.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.262.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v2.0.262.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update Device (v2.0.268.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Cover Telemetry (v2.0.229.0) improves stability and experience for Surface Covers.
- Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller (v14.69.24052.168) resolves wireless network connectivity issues.
- Marvell AVASTAR Wireless Composite Device (v14.69.24052.168) improves Miracast support.
- Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth ®Radio Adapter (v14.69.24052.168) updated as part of a driver package that includes the Marvell Wireless Network Controller and Marvell Wireless Composite Device. There are no Bluetooth updates in this version of the driver.
- Intel(R) Display Audio (v6.16.00.3135) improves Miracast support.
- Intel(R) HD Graphics Family (v10.18.10.3431) improves Miracast support and enables daisy chaining of monitors using DisplayPort 1.2.
- Intel WiDi Audio Device (v4.5.44.0) improves Miracast support.
Windows 8.0 updates:
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update (v1.0.323.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
Windows 8.1 updates:
- Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller (v14.69.24052.168) resolves wireless network connectivity issues.
- Marvell AVASTAR Wireless Composite Device (v14.69.24052.168) improves Miracast support.
- Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth® Radio Adapter (v14.69.24052.168) updated as part of a driver package that includes the Marvell Wireless Network Controller and Marvell Wireless Composite Device. There are no Bluetooth updates in this version of the driver.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update (v1.0.323.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
The updates today will be delivered through Windows Update and if you can't wait for the regularly scheduled update maintenance window, you can keep checking frequently for the updates by going to Change PC Settings and tapping the Check now button.
If you happen to be one of those anxious to get your hands on the just announced Surface Power Cover, you'll probably want to apply these updates before attaching the new keyboard since it appears these updates provide the support for it.
I'm looking forward the more improvements in Miracast support and hoping this round of updates doesn't accidentally break the technology again.
