The first-generation Microsoft Surface Book produced a certain level of success for the giant software company last year — just enough for it to consider building a new one this year. And although all eyes are currently on the recently released Microsoft Surface Book i7, there is very little doubt that the second-generation device is coming very soon.

According to reports, there is wide speculation that the upcoming 2-in-1 detachable will be released late next year, owing to the notion that it will be coming with a major redesign as well as Intel's much-publicized Kaby Lake processor. Considering that a major redesign is in place, it is therefore too difficult to project a release for this year since there only are about six weeks left before 2016 ends.

Specifications-wise, a recent CNET report said that the new Surface Book will finally be equipped with better battery capacity, essentially addressing the biggest drawback of last year's edition. This time, at least 16 hours of battery life is promised, although that remains unconfirmed. The same report claimed that there will be a couple of USB 3.0 ports, a traditional headphone jack, mini DisplayPort, and a 13.5-inch screen with PixelSense technology.

The reason why there is a priority to use the Intel Kaby Lake processor is because Microsoft wants the guarantee that the Surface Book 2 will have Thunderbolt 3 support as well as USB Type-C connectivity. Also, it's safe to bet that a 4K resolution is in play as well, considering that anything less than 4K for this hybrid computer's resolution is tantamount to disappointment. If Microsoft wants to market it as the company's flagship computing device, it needs to be capable of 4K video playback, to say the least.

For the meantime, though, there is very little chance that the Surface Book 2 will get its release this year since Microsoft wants to focus its marketing efforts on selling the recently launched Surface Book i7 variant.