Microsoft job ad could hint at ARM-powered Surface device in the works

Surface logo
Surface logo (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft has been working on getting Windows 10 to run on ARM processors for some time, with devices from partner manufacturers due out in the coming months. However, a new job listing spotted by German blog WinFuture.de (via The Verge) hints that Microsoft may be working on an ARM-powered Surface device of its own.

According to the listing, Microsoft is looking for someone has experience performing LTE manufactiuring tests on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 845 chipset, which hasn't yet been announced. What makes the listing interesting for Surface fans, however, is that it says work will be conducted out of Microsoft's building 85, which is one of the buildings used in Surface and hardware development. The ad also calls for an engineer who will be able to travel frequently to China to oversee manufacturing deployment. Microsoft already works with Chinese manufacturer Pegatron on some of its products.

The details in the ad strongly hint that some sort of Qualcomm-based Surface device is in the works, but it's far from a confirmation. It would, however, line up with our recent reporting that Microsoft is cooking up a foldable ARM-powered device, codenamed Andromeda, with a focus on digital inking. Only time will tell whether this all pans out, but this is certainly an enticing development for Microsoft watchers.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl