Microsoft cancelled Surface Mini even though it was nearly ready

Word hit the wire that Microsoft cancelled its Surface Mini tablet just before the device was ready for launch. According to the rumor mill, this 7.5" device would have had a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 1440 x 1080 pixel resolution and the Windows RT operating system.

The device was far enough in development to have been showcased alongside the Surface Pro 3 during yesterday's press event but Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Executive Vice President Stephen Elop pulled the plug over fears that it wouldn't be a hit with consumers.

An exact reason for the cancellation isn't provided but perhaps it's because of the lack of success of Windows RT and the fact that the sub-8" tablet market is already full of low-cost Android devices.

According to Bloomberg, the device was far enough along in development that it was going to be shown during today’s Surface event, but Nadella and Elop felt that the device wouldn’t be a hit with consumers. Smaller screen tablets make up over 50 percent of the market according to IDC, so the screen size issue shouldn’t be the key factor as to why the device wouldn’t be a hit.

The blame could be shifted to the much-maligned Windows RT operating system, but Surface head Panos Panay confirmed that, “Windows on ARM continues to be an important element of the Windows strategy.”

Source: Dailytech