It has been long rumored that tech giant Microsoft will be launching a smartphone based on their successful Surface laptop-tablet hybrid line. Called over the Internet as the Microsoft Surface Phone, it is said to be scheduled for release this year.

It was previously speculated that the rumored Surface Phone might come out by spring 2017.  Now, there are reports circulating that it might be unveiled a few months earlier. According to The Country Caller, Microsoft is expected to host its Fall 2016 Hardware event this October, and it just might be the venue where the rumored device will be displayed.

Similarly, other publications surmise that the device will be unveiled at the IFA 2016 trade show next month, then be made available for purchase in October.

Microsoft has not confirmed the existence of the device, but many believe, nonetheless, that it will come in three versions. Mobile & Apps says the first one might sport 4 GB of RAM paired with a 128-GB storage, the second could have a 6-GB RAM/ 256 GB storage combination, while the third might house an 8-GB RAM and a 512-GB storage. All are speculated to be powered by an Intel Kaby Lake processor.

Rumor also has it the Surface Phone would sport a USB Type-C port as well as liquid cooling technology, a Snapdragon 830 CPU, a keyboard flip case, as well as 5.7-inch display.  

Should there be a Surface Phone, then it wouldn't be a surprise if it has Continuum, works on Windows 10, and supports the Surface Pen. Also, given that the current Microsoft/Lumia phones have or support Mobile Office, any upcoming smartphone from the company is expected to have the same or an improved Office suite.

Trusted Reviews says that the price of the rumored Microsoft Surface Phone will likely range from $699 to $1,100.