Microsoft rolls out UEFI firmware and other Surface updates
As part of its latest Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft rolled out new fixes and updates for its Surface Pro and Surface RT tablet/PC hybrids.
On May 14, the company made available UEFI firmware updates for both its Intel-based Pro and ARM-based RT models. Here's the full list of what's available for both kinds of Surfaces:
For Surface Pro:
- UEFI firmware update enables the PXE boot feature. (This feature is only available when using the Surface Pro Ethernet Adapter)
- Trackpad Settings driver for Surface Type Cover to enable interaction with the Trackpad Settings app for Japanese customers
- Continued improvement in Wi-Fi connectivity and stability
For Surface RT:
- UEFI firmware update that enhances Surface RT speaker volume and improves system stability
- Driver pack that improves performance and works with the updated UEFI firmware to enhance Surface RT speaker volume
- Trackpad Settings driver for Surface Type Cover to enable interaction with the Trackpad Settings app for Japanese customers
Surface users can proactively grab the new updates using this process.
Microsoft didn't deliver as part of today's Surface updates support for the new Wacom drivers needed to use Surface Pro with pressure-sensitive pens. Microsoft officials said last week that they are beta testing these drivers, but it appeared as though Wacom made them available for download by anyone on May 9.
I asked both Microsoft and Wacom officials if the drivers were beta or final and received no word back. I have seen tweets and blog posts from a number of Surface Pro users who have downloaded them and found them to work just fine, however.
Microsoft officials said last week that the company has delivered more than 700 fixes and updates for Windows 8 and Windows RT since Microsoft made the operating systems generally available in late October 2012. Surface RT was made generally available in late October 2012; Surface Pro in February 2013.
Microsoft looks likely to be making Surface Pro available in Hong Kong on May 17. There's still no word as to when the Pro model will be available in the handful of countries where Microsoft officials said they'd be before the end of May.