14 DAY TRIAL // The BUILD 2014 developer conference kicks off in just a few hours, so all eyes are on the announcements that Microsoft is getting ready to make at the show.
While we do know that Windows 8.1 Update and Windows 9 will both be on Microsoft’s agenda in the first day of the event, it turns out that Microsoft has also prepared something really exciting for Surface fans as well.
A tweet posted by the Japanese Twitter account of Microsoft Surface suggests that some new goodies might be unveiled at BUILD, but no other specifics are being provided.
While the information is pretty vague and Google Translate doesn’t help much in this case, Microsoft is most likely getting ready to showcase some new accessories for the second-generation Surface 2.
This means that a Surface Mini tablet unveiling at BUILD is very unlikely, although some people familiar with the matter recently hinted that Microsoft could introduce a new version of the device in San Francisco.
As far as the Surface Mini is concerned, it turns out that Microsoft is actually planning to launch this smaller version of the tablet later this year, most likely in July or August. The Surface Mini will be specifically tweaked to compete with Apple’s iPad mini and Nexus 7, so it will come with an 8-inch screen and tweaks that would ensure a longer battery life and enhanced performance.
Microsoft has never talked about a potential Surface Mini tablet, but instead suggested that more models are coming, explaining that expanding the Surface product family is a priority as part of its devices and services transition.
Redmond recently unveiled an LTE SKU of the Surface 2, which basically provides users on-the-go Internet connectivity, thus enhancing productivity wherever you go. The device is already available to customers in the United States, but Microsoft is planning to release it in Europe as well as part of a deal with Vodafone.
BUILD 2014 will witness the introduction of several other key products for Microsoft, including the new Windows 8.1 Update that’s going to revamp the company’s modern operating system by adding tweaks supposed to make it a bit more appropriate for desktop computers.
The OS update will be released today for MSDN developers, while everyone else should get it on April 8 together with a plethora of other fixes released as part of the Patch Tuesday rollout aimed at fixing bugs in Microsoft software.