Check out our review of the Microsoft Surface 2 tablet.

Microsoft’s development team in Redmond, Wash. has been busy as of late. Confirming previous rumors, the company announced the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets at a media event in New York, ditching the RT branding and moving toward more conventionally-named successors. 

Microsoft’s Panos Panay said the Surface 2 is “the revamp people needed.” Equipped with 1080p ClearType resolution screen and powered by Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor, Microsoft claims the new device can run three or four times as quickly as its predecessor while maintaining a 25-percent increase in battery life. Additionally, each tablet will ship with Windows 8.1 RT, providing access to more than 100,000 apps available through the Windows Store, and don a sterling silver-white color scheme. The slim, magnesium body features improved front and rear cameras, a built-in kickstand adjustable to two different angles, and the word “Surface” sprawled upon the back of the tablet in lieu of the former Microsoft logo.

Pre-orders for the Surface 2 begin on September 24 at 8 a.m. EDT through Microsoft’s online and retail stores, as well as several third-party stockists, with a tentative release date slated for October 22 in most major markets. The Surface 2 starts at $450 for the 32GB model, but the Surface RT will remain available for $350 after launch.