The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is speculated to arrive by 2017, delayed because of hardware and software issues, according to rumors. Incidentally, an alternative is said to be on the way, an all-in-one or AIO PC, which is said to be under development and expected to arrive by third quarter of this year at the earliest.

Digitimes reported that Microsoft is preparing a new AIO PC that will sail under the Surface brand. This will be an alternative for those wanting a new 2-in-1 but can't wait for the Surface Book 2. So instead of consumers getting products from Lenovo and Apple, the top two AIO PC vendors, the Redmond-based tech giant wants to have a share of the pie.

The report added that the demand for AIO PC is on a decline globally but is still considered a large number. Worldwide shipment of the PC variant went down from 14 million units to 12.6 million in the current year, according to the research conducted by Digitimes Research.

As for the Surface Book 2, it is speculated to arrive by March of next year. Microsoft is said to be waiting for Intel's Kaby Lake processor so it can offer advanced features on the device. Another speculated reason for the delay is the development of Windows 10 Redstone 2 version, which is also rumored to bring in features appropriate for mobile devices, such as a tablet.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is trying to lure students to their Surface Pro 4 with a very tempting offer, an Xbox One. The tech giant is giving a US$300 discount on the two devices when purchased together. It is basically a free Xbox One for every purchase of Surface Pro 4, said Terry Myerson, Windows and devices's big boss at Microsoft, The Verge reported.

The announcement came just a week after the company publicized its plan to halt the production of its older device, the Surface 3.

The free Xbox promo has started and will run until August 14.