Microsoft squares up to Apple with Surface Mini launch - reports

New 8in device expected in the summer

Microsoft is rumoured to be cooking up a Surface Mini device in a bid to steal a slice of the 8in tablet market away from rival Apple.

The vendor launched its first Surface range of tablets in 2012 but they failed to set to world on fire and ended up leaving a $900m (£538m) hole in Microsoft's balance sheet during its FY13.

But according to tech site Neowin, Microsoft is hoping a Surface Mini device will set users' pulses racing when it is launched some time this summer.

The new device is rumoured to feature an 8in display like that of rival Apple's iPad Mini, which Microsoft is thought to be targeting with the launch.

The Surface Mini will likely have a better stylus tool which will make note taking easier, according to the reports, which suggests Microsoft will also develop a suite of applications designed especially for the smaller screen.

Microsoft was unavailable to comment.