14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is getting ready to introduce two new tablets by the end of the year, thus going forward with its plans to expand the tablet lineup and focus more on the hardware side of its business.
TK Tech News writes today that Microsoft is now making the final adjustments to the Surface 3 and the Surface Mini, two new models that should be here in just a few weeks to help Microsoft make the most of the holiday season.
While no other specifics have been provided and nobody can yet confirm whether this report is accurate or not, the Surface 3 is more or less a sure thing, and people close to the matter have already said that such a device is very likely to launch by December 31.
As far as the technical specifications are concerned, sources claim that the Surface 3 would come with the same revamped kickstand that's available on the Surface Pro 3, but also with the new digital pen that makes drawing and writing feel more natural.
Surface Mini could also see daylight
The Surface Mini was expected to launch earlier this year alongside the Pro 3, but sources close to the matter revealed that Microsoft decided to pull the plug on the project at the very last minute.
The smaller tablet, which could come with an 8-inch screen and be marketed as a note-taking device, was originally scheduled to launch on May 20 together with the Surface Pro 3, but Stephen Elop, the new boss of Microsoft's Devices unit, together with CEO Satya Nadella, canceled the project because of hardware limitations.
The Surface Mini, however, was a pretty exciting project, and many users expecting an 8-inch Windows device, be it powered by Windows RT or the full version of Windows 8.1, said that such a device would have tackled their needs and made it easier to perform certain tasks.
Needless to say, a Surface Mini would come in very handy to students and teachers who could use it as a full-featured note-taking device, replacing the old notebook and also providing other features such as Internet access and cloud services.
Microsoft was reportedly trying to make the Surface Mini really affordable, and although no clear specifics were available, some people said that it could go as low as $250 (180 euro).
It remains to be seen, however, if Microsoft still thinks that an 8-inch tablet could succeed in such a crowded market where Android devices are already selling like hot cakes.
Sources claim surface mini to launch with surface 3 before holidays. Limited supply on mini
— TK Tech News (@tktechnews) October 6, 2014