A recent report claims that Microsoft will start pilot production for some of the 4th generation Surface components in September this year.
According to the report from DigiTimes, upstream supply chain sources claimed that Microsoft, which recently unveiled its third-generation Surface at the Build 2014 conference, has already begun prepping and developing the device’s fourth-generation model.
The sources noted that the Redmond Company is hopeful about the Windows-based tablet shipments in 2014. The company is expecting a shipment figure of more than 25 million units, up significantly from five million shipments recorded in 2013. Acer, Asustek Computer, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell as well as Microsoft’s own tablets is expected to contribute to the strong growth.
The sources pointed out to the recent investment bank report, said 1.4 million Surfaces were shipped in the fourth quarter of 2013, up 55 percent from 900,000 units recorded in the third quarter.
The report said that Microsoft started shipping components for the third-generation Surface since 2013. Pegatron Technology, the manufacturer of the device, is expected to start mass production of the device at the end of the second quarter, the sources said.
The sources confirmed that Pegatron will continue manufacturing the fourth-generation Surface, while Young Fast and TPK will be supplying the touch panel and Largan Precision along with Nexmax will be making the camera lens. Richtek will be providing the power management chips, while connectors and chassis will be supplied by Linetek and Ju Teng respectively.
[Editor’s Note: The article has been updated on 08/04/2014 at 15:56 with deletion of wrong information.]
The device is expected to be announced as early as June 2015 with an October 2015 release date.
Hmmm, you should check your info before publishing. Microsoft DID NOT unveiled the third generation of Surface product. Everyone was waiting but they didn’t unveiled anything.
How can you publish someting and not even check your info ?