Microsoft Surface Mini Release Date, Features Rumors: Early 2014 With Windows 8.1 Operating System Likely After Launch of Surface 2, Surface Pro 2

By Michael Oleaga / m.oleaga@latinospost.com (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Sep 30, 2013 10:37 PM EDT

Although Microsoft did not announce the mini version of the Surface on Sept. 26, the plans for a smaller tablet are not out of the table.

With the introduction of Amazon's latest two new Kindle Fires, ZDNet reported the Surface Mini will utilize an ARM-based version of the tablet.

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While the Surface will not debut in 2013, it is likely planned for early 2014. The reason for the 2014 debut, instead of this year, is due to the operating system installed in the small tablet. According to the report, the operating system in the Surface Mini is codenamed "Spring 2014 GDR," but in reality, it is the Windows 8.1 update.

"The Spring 2014 GDR for Windows 8.1 will align with Windows Phone 'Blue,' which may or may not be called Windows Phone 8.1 when it ships, according to my sources," reported ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley. "Whatever it's called, it will be the first 'major' update for Windows Phone since Microsoft rolled out Windows Phone 8 in fall 2012."

Microsoft launched two new tablets on Sept. 26, the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2. The two new tablets have major differences in the specifications category whilst maintaining the same 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD screen with 1,920x1080 pixels. The Surface 2 is available in fewer internal storage models than the Surface Pro 2. The Surface 2 has 32GB and 64GB models, while the Surface Pro 2 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB models, however the latter Surface Pro 2 GB model will have limited quantities.

The prices for the tablets are also different. The Surface 2's 32GB model is priced at $449, and $549 for the 64GB variant. The Surface Pro 2's 64GB is priced at $899; $999 for 128GB; $1,299 for the 256GB; and $1,799 for the 512GB model. Each model comes with the Surface pen.

The new Surface tablets have been available for pre-order since Sept. 24 and will see a release date of Oct. 22 across 22 markets including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. Meanwhile, China will get to see the tablets by early November.