14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will soon unveil the second-generation Surface tablet that comes with several hardware upgrades, but also with a new unit that’s expected to feature an 8-inch screen.
Even though the Surface Mini is yet to be confirmed, Microsoft seems to be making the right choice by focusing on small tablets, as such devices are experiencing a terrific success these days.
Research firm Canalys revealed in a new report that 68 percent of the tablets sold in the second quarter of 2013 were smaller than 9 inches, which could be an indication that Microsoft might not be late to the party this time.
Samsung, Amazon, Lenovo, and Acer have increased their sales by 200 percent, the research states, while also revealing that this boost was possible thanks to increasing demand for small tablets.
As far as Microsoft is concerned, the 8-inch Surface tablet could be a competitor for Apple’s own iPad mini and the Nexus 7, both of which have been around for a while and have sold in high numbers.
The Softies, on the other hand, are working on a winning strategy for the new tablet and are trying to make it as affordable as possible.
Word is that the Surface Mini could cost approximately $250 (€210), even though some people close to the matter expect a heftier price tag.
At the same time, the device would be powered by Windows RT 8.1, the company’s new operating system that was specifically tweaked to work flawlessly on 7- and 8-inch devices. Both the Start screen and the built-in Metro apps have been optimized to be used in portrait mode.
No details have been provided on the release date, but sources familiar with the development process have indicated that the 8-inch Surface should be here just in time for the holiday season, so expect the launch to take place sometime in October.