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Microsoft has decided to ditch its plans for a ‘Mini’ version of its Surface tablet.
According to DigiTimes, the firm has called off plans to mass produce the tablet due to ‘fierce competition in the small-size tablet segment’.
According to sources from the upstream supply chain, there were also negative responses from Microsoft’s brand vendor clients.
Allegedly, Microsoft has finished developing the Surface Mini and has also completed product tests.
The device was supposed to go into mass production in May and reportedly features a 7.5 to 8-inch display, ARM processor and Windows RT 8.1.
Hexus has revealed that an IHS analyst reported that between 15,000 and 20,000 Surface Minis were manufactured before the decision to stop the project.
It is thought that if Apple does release its rumoured phablet-sized smartphone this year, that could undermine the demand for tablets sized around 7-inches. The sources via DigiTimes noted that this is another key factor that prompted Microsoft to change its plans.
Apple is expected to release its next flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6, in September or October. The device is likely to have a 4.7-inch screen. A second iPhone, which will have a larger 5.5-inch or 5.6-inch screen is also expected to launch alongside it.
