Microsoft: New Versions of the Surface Coming Soon

Microsoft has revealed it plans to expand its range of Surface tablet computers. The Redmond, Washington-based firm says that building multiple Surface devices will increase the number of consumers who can afford to purchase the product.

The revelations came during an investors conference call to discuss Microsoft's latest financial figures. The company's chief financial officer, Peter Klein, said the Surface range of tablet PCs had been one of the three main reasons -- alongside Windows upgrades and licensing to businesses -- that Microsoft's revenue has increased.

According to Klein, when it comes to the Surface range, Microsoft has plans "to expand geographically. We are going to expand the product line up. We are going to expand retail distribution and capacity." (Source: seekingalpha.com)

Surface Pro Coming February 9, 2013

The second edition of the Surface tablet, the Surface Pro, goes on sale February 9. It's the first Surface device to run the full version of Windows 8 (as found on desktop and laptop PCs) and it allows users to install any software they like, not just that which is available from Microsoft's Windows Store.

The Surface Pro costs $899 and up -- almost twice the price of the Surface RT, which runs a limited version of Windows 8.

Initial Surface Supplies Couldn't Meet Demand

Klein also said that Surface RT sales had been restricted by Microsoft not having produced enough devices to meet consumer demand. Microsoft hasn't yet officially revealed sales figures for the Surface RT, though independent analysts estimate sales to be around the one million mark.

Klein added that Microsoft was working with manufacturers to produce their own touchscreen tablets running Windows 8. He indicated that Microsoft thinks manufacturers aren't doing enough to produce affordable Windows touch devices. (Source: zdnet.com)

That could be tied to earlier reports that PC manufacturers are upset with Microsoft's decision to compete with them by producing its own tablet devices.

Regardless, it's clear that Microsoft needs more Windows tablets on the market, regardless of who makes them. Otherwise, software developers won't be convinced that it's worth the time, money, and effort to produce applications for Windows-based tablet devices.