According to a recent report by Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is in the process of developing a 7 inch version of its Surface tablet, and is possibly working on a mass production by the year end 2013. This is in stark contrast to the repeated assertions to the contrary by Microsoft, and may mark a significant shift in strategy for the software giant – in moving towards the hardware side of the equation as well. Observers have also pointed that the smaller tablet was never a part of the original plan even when Microsoft eventually bit the bullet to launch a tablet in 2012.
However, it would stand to reason that the decision to step into making smaller tablet of 7 inches could not have been particularly hasty – tablets take careful planning and execution to develop, typically over several months, sometimes years. For example, the Surface tablet was the culmination of years of planning.
Microsoft’s decision to step into the smaller tablet market seems to have been hastened by several developments over the recent past. First, PC industry as a whole has taken a severe beating over the last 4 quarters, marking a significant shift in consumer preference from traditional PCs to smartphones and tablets for routine tasks. Secondly, and more significantly, close to half the tablets shipped over the last quarter have been of the smaller size – in the 7 inches category – led by iPad Mini and Google Nexus 7.
Yet, the road to success for Microsoft in the tablet market could mean a bigger challenge than simply introducing smaller screen version. Surface, even though loaded with great features, has not really enjoyed a stellar sales figure, the biggest impediment beings its rather high price – especially when compared to extremely reasonably priced competitors. Also, Windows 8 has remained below par in buyer acceptance, with most buyers seemingly confused with the adaptability of its touch screen friendly interface to traditional computer environments.
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