Microsoft To Launch New Surface Tablets Today: What All To Expect?

Despite the failure of its first iteration of the Surface tablet last year, Microsoft is not ready to give up on its Windows slate. The company will be launching a new line of Surface products in an NYC event today. Here's what you should expect.

Surface Pro 2

The Surface Pro model will be the higher-end offering from Microsoft's range of tablets. It will offer superior processing capabilities compared to its siblings and will be as close to PC-like performance that you will find on a Windows tablet. We also expect it to be the most successful product form Microsoft's line, since the original Surface Pro scored much higher than the Surface RT when sales numbers were concerned. It will use a 10.6 inch screen and we're expecting nothing special as far as design upgrades are concerned. There should be storage options ranging from 256GB to 512GB and we're expecting a base price of at least $799 (Rs. 50,049.36).

Surface Mini

While Windows 8.1 promises many nifty upgrades, the most important one happens to be that it will support smaller tablets. Also, given that 8-inches has become the sweetspot for tablets these days, we are certain that Microsoft will bring out its own iPad Mini sized tablet in time for the holiday season. The device will compete against the likes of the Google Nexus 7 II, iPad Mini and even the Acer Iconia W3, another Windows based 8-inch tablet.

Surface RT 2

The biggest flop from last year's Surface line up, the Surface RT now has access to tons of apps and updates that didn't exist during the time of its launch. We expect Microsoft to give this 10.6-inch slate some serious hardware so that it can compete with competitors at its price point. This device will serve as the entry point into the Surface line and will use a 10.6 inch screen.

Bottom Line

Owing to the lack of apps, Mcirosoft's slates failed to impress consumers last year, causing the company to write off $900 million in losses due to unsold Surface tablets. We're waiting to see if the new Surface range will help Microsoft with its dream of becoming a "devices and services" company.