The Microsoft Surface may launch an 8-inch variant of the tablet, according to sources.
A Taiwan-based supply chain, via DigiTimes, stated Microsoft will showcase an 8-inch Surface tablet in June while another version, roughly 10 inches, is expected during the third quarter.
The report added that the 8-inch tablet will have touch panels supplied by Samsung and processors by Nvidia. Taiwan-based ODM Pegatron will allegedly handle production.
Microsoft may be optimistic of the upcoming Surface tablets' sales as the report noted the Redmond-based organization expects an initial monthly shipment to top one million units.
The idea of a smaller Surface tablet is not new or a stretch as Microsoft did update its Windows 8 hardware certification guidelines in March. The update makes it possible for Microsoft to make devices with 1,024x768 pixel resolution at 32 bits for all Windows 8 systems. The pixel resolution would match Apple's iPad mini.
"This doesn't imply that we're encouraging partners to regularly use a lower screen resolution," read the newsletter post titled "System.Client.Tablet.Graphics.MinimumResolution relaxed for Windows 8."
"In fact, we see customers embracing the higher resolution screens that make a great Windows experience."
As Latinos Post reported, Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Peter Klein said in February that there is potential to enter in the smaller tablet market.
"We're set up for that," said Klein on making different tablet sizes. "The notion of flexibility and scalability of the operating system is intrinsic to our strategy."
The Microsoft CFO added that his company has the "same core code base" that could power devices from 4 inches to 27 inches and "everything in between."
"So I think we are well set up to respond to demand as we see it. We can deliver a versatile set of experiences across form factors, whether they're 4-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, 10-inch or 13-inch," added Klein.
Related Article:
- Microsoft Surface Pro Review Roundup: Battery Life, Price, Weight Among Issues with Windows 8 Pro Tablet Critics, click here.
- Microsoft Surface Pro News: CEO Steve Ballmer 'Super-Glad' with Tablet, Says Surface Won't Dominate Volume