Microsoft today released its August firmware updates for the Surface Pro 3, the original Surface Pro and the Surface RT. The company releases software improvements to its Surface hardware line on almost every Patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of every month when the company offers software and security patches).
In addition to the usual fixes, Surface Pro 3 users can expect the following from Windows Update starting today:
- Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware (v38.4.50.0) improved support for Surface Power Cover.
- Surface Pro System Aggregator Firmware (v3.9.250.0) improved support for Surface Power Cover and enhances overall system stability.
- Microsoft LifeCam Front (v5.20.1034.0) significantly improves power consumption during video chat such as Skype, supports Flash camera streaming in Internet Explorer, and improves overall functionality and stability.
- Surface Ethernet Adapter (v8.14.0704.2014) improved support for the gigabit Surface Ethernet Adapter.
Surface Pro owners can expect improvements in connectivity:
- Wireless Network Controller and Bluetooth (v14.69.24054.176) improves network connection stability and enables functionality on WiFi networks using a hidden SSID.
Surface RT owners are also getting a single improvement:
- Surface RT UEFI (v3.31.500) enhances overall system stability.
These updates are called either “System Firmware Update – 8/12/2014” or “System Hardware Update – 8/12/2014.” Even if you are not experiencing issues with your device, you should install them as soon as you get the chance, although it’s worth emphasizing that you won’t necessarily get them today.
“Not every Surface will receive the update at the same time, but the update will be delivered to all devices,” Microsoft notes. “If you have not received the update, please manually check Windows Update later.”
Microsoft did not release any product updates for the Surface Pro 2 nor the Surface 2 this month. That being said, these users are still getting improvements in the form of updates to Windows 8.1.
See also – Microsoft denies Windows 8.1 Update 2 rumors, sticks to Patch Tuesday schedule with next updates on August 12 and Surface Pro 3 first impressions: Third time’s almost the charm
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