Microsoft might unveil cheaper Surface model this week

A fierce competition is going on in the tablet market. In order to compete with Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL), Microsoft intends to launch a cheaper Surface tablet. The device is likely to be showcased this week along with a new hardware and type cover. It is expected that the cheaper version might attract the consumers after the failure of the original Surface RT.

According to a document posted in a Reddit post, Microsoft is preparing its stores to showcase a new hardware display and type cover on July 13. Meanwhile, a ZDNet report stated that the Windows maker has postponed the launch of its foldable device codenamed Andromeda due to scheduling and quality issues as well as weak market demand for the dual-screen device.

Found this today. from Surface

Microsoft is making a cautious move by bringing out a cheaper version of the Surface tablet to grab a share from Apple’s iPad and Google’s Android. According to the Bloomberg, the tablet will likely be priced around $400 and will come with a 10-inch screen. It will also feature Intel (INTC) processor and graphics chips, USB-C connectivity, LTE support, Windows 10 Pro, better battery life, and 64 or 128 GB storage with 200 GB expandable microSD slot.

Microsoft is planning to bring down the cost considerably by embedding a low-end Intel Pentium chip and low-powered charger instead of Core i5 or i7 that are backing the existing Surface Pro. In comparison, the Surface RT tablet comes with a price tag of $499 and the Surface Pro has a $799 price tag. The Surface RT ran the watered-down version of Windows, Windows RT, while Surface Pro came with a full Windows version.

Rival Apple’s iPad comes with iOS 11.3 operating system, a 9.7-inch screen, 2GB RAM, 32 or 128 GB flash memory, 1.2MP front-facing camera, 8MP rear camera, A10 fusion chipset, LTE support, and 32.4 Wh Li-Ion battery.

In the midst, Windows phone followers are expecting and suggesting Microsoft to come out with a Surface Phone or Surface Andromeda Phone Project, which can turn the phone screen into a tablet. The market has been speculating that the price of the device could be in the range of $799 and $999 which could be in line with the current flagship phones. Fans have created a Change.org petition and claimed that the Surface phone does have demand.

Related: Microsoft is hoping to conquer tablet market with a cheaper Surface model

In 2017, aging Surface Pro lineup dragged Surface devices sales volume down. During the recently-completed third-quarter, revenue from Surface jumped 32% from last year as the company produced its own hardware for maintaining the momentum of its devices.