Microsoft has recently been reported to have set its sights on the mini tablet market. But while speculations in the past regarding the existence of the Surface Mini tablet have been left unconfirmed, the 8-inch device is now being proven as real. However, Microsoft has had no plans of shipping the device.
The company has already carried out marketing efforts for the Surface line of tablets, advertising these as productivity gadgets. But the specs of the Surface Mini, released by online publication Neowin, may not necessarily appeal to the current mini tablet market.
The Surface Mini is said to be powered by Windows RT and includes only 1GB of RAM. Applications that are suitable for Windows RT are very limited, and with a low RAM capacity, smartphones may be deemed as more reliable than the Surface Mini.
Comparing this Windows' device to the offerings of other tablet manufacturers, the specs of the Surface Mini may be less appealing to tablet users. ASUS has already announced its upcoming Vivo Tab Note 8 that comes with an Atom processor and 2GB of RAM; it also runs on Windows 8.1.
The Atom Z3735G processor of Intel has become a major hit among manufacturers, hence its use in other latest devices such as Acer's Iconia Tab 8W.
While Microsoft attempts to get rid of licensing fees for smaller devices, tablet makers for Windows are expected to face challenges as they compete against Android manufacturers who are known for utilizing their resources, including the processors used, to cut back on their prices.
Nonetheless, there's good news for another tablet in the Surface lineup. The Surface Pro 3 has already been approved by the FAA and EASA for use in commercial airlines. Interestingly, the device can be used at all times during a flight.
Powered by Windows 8.1, the Surface Pro 3 will enable users to obtain real-time information about the weather while still on the flight. As it connects to the power systems of the aircraft as well as to its flight computers, the upcoming device from Microsoft can be deemed as a practical extension.
