Microsoft has updated its Windows 8 hardware certification guidelines, leading to speculation of smaller Surface tablets in the future.
The hardware certification was amended to allow devices with 1,024x768 pixel resolution at 32 bits for all Windows 8 systems.
The announcement was disclosed in Microsoft's Windows Certification Newsletter.
"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."
The move to lower the resolution will disable the Snap feature, which allowed two Windows Store apps to be viewed side-by-side at the same time.
Microsoft updating its guidelines had led to speculation of a new device, which would still retain a decent pixel density even at lower resolutions due to a smaller screen. It is unsure if the new tablet would be part of the Surface brand or part of an e-reader variation.
Allowing devices to be 1,024x768 pixels would match the display resolution of Apple's iPad mini and the second-generation 9.7-inch iPad.
Microsoft's decision is not entirely surprising, as Latinos Post report last month when Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Peter Klein said 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," said Klein.
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