Microsoft unveiled its third-generation Surface on May 20 2014. Instead of the long-rumored 7.5-inch Surface Mini, the software giant released the 12-inch Surface Pro. Digitimes Research believes the company has turned its focus back to large-size models that enable better productivity.

　　The design of Surface Pro 3 is a device that can replace notebooks but still maintain the size and weight of a tablet. The device has a display 40% larger than its predecessor, but it weighs 10% less and is 30% thinner. The starting price is US$100 lower.

　　Although featuring an improved price/performance ratio, the device's pricing (starting from US$799) may still be too high to attract substantial demand.

　　Digitimes Research believes the release of the Surface Pro 3 aims less at boosting shipments of its own than opening up a new market segment to help Microsoft's OEM/ODM partners find new business opportunities and create profits from larger-size applications.

　　In addition, launching a high-end 12-inch 2-in-1 device prior to the release of the 12.85-inch iPad is a strategic move to give Microsoft an early-bird advantage in the 11-inch and above tablet market and help the software giant enter the segment that is between high-end tablets and notebooks.