Microsoft unveils new Surface as it takes on Google, Apple

Microsoft has unveiled a thinner, faster version of its Surface Pro tablet, as the tech giant tries to take on Apple and Google in the portable market.

The Surface Pro 3, which bills itself as a tablet and a laptop in one, comes with a full HD screen that is two inches larger than its predecessor at 12 inches, and runs on Windows 8.1 Pro. According to Microsoft, it is 30 per cent thinner than its Apple rival, and has a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader and Mini DisplayPort.

Powered by an Intel Core processor, the device has a multiposition kickstand to prop up the screen when needed and a new Surface pen to allow users to take notes or draw. Prices for the Pro 3 start at €819, and pre-orders will be taken from tomorrow. The device will go on sale in Ireland by the end of August.

Unveiling the tablet at an event in New York, Microsoft Surface corporate vice president said the Surface Pro 3 would allow people to carry a single device.

“So many people carry both a laptop and a tablet but really want just one device that serves all purposes,” he said. “Surface Pro 3 is the tablet that can replace your laptop.”

The announcement was contrary to expectations that Microsoft would unveil a smaller version of the Surface to take on the iPad Mini and other small screen tablets.

Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the company was committed to building its devices. "We are not building hardware for hardware's sake," he said.

Microsoft first introduced its Surface tablet in 2012, with high hopes of taking on Apple and Google. But the Surface did not do as well as originally hoped. According to IDC, the Surface has 1.3 per cent of tablet market in the first quarter of the year, compared with 63 per cent for Android and 33 per cent for Apple.

“They need to clear up their messaging, they need to unify their apps so you can have the same apps run across multiple devices and form factors,” said Jitesh Ubrani, an analyst at IDC. “These are all things they are working on but not fast enough. There’s also a certain level of beauty and polish on the iPad and the Surface isn’t quite there yet.”