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Future Surface tablets planned in 'multiple aspect ratios and sizes,' LTE versions on AT&T

Future Surface tablets planned in 'multiple aspect ratios and sizes,' LTE versions on AT&T

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Panos Panay Microsoft stock
Panos Panay Microsoft stock

Microsoft has long been rumored to be preparing a Surface "mini," and the company's tablet creator has revealed he's working on multiple new Surface devices. Speaking at a special Surface event at Microsoft's Seattle store last night, Panos Panay didn't answer Surface mini questions directly, but he did confirm different shapes and sizes for the future. "We have a lot of great things that we are thinking about and working on, and there are multiple aspect ratios and sizes and awesome things to come from Surface," he said. "That’s the best answer I have for you."

In a recent interview with The Verge, Panay merely hinted the team was "working on a lot of stuff" that would be released in "various shapes and sizes" without specifically mentioning different aspect ratios. Microsoft's Surface tablets use a 16:9 ratio, making it difficult to use the device in portrait mode due to the length of its display. The rumored Surface mini tablet is expected to include a 7.5-inch display with a 4:3 ratio that will make it easier to hold in portrait.

No Surface Pro 2 with LTE

Geekwire also reports that Panay also confirmed that Surface 2 LTE versions will debut early next year on AT&T in the US and Vodafone in Europe. Panay had previously revealed that the Surface 2 would include LTE variants, but he also clarified that there won't be a Surface Pro 2 version with LTE.