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Microsoft unveiled its third-generation Surface at the Build 2014 conference, but the company has already started developing the fourth-generation model and will start pilot production for some of its components in September, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
Microsoft is optimistic about Windows-based tablet shipments in 2014 and expects volumes to reach 25 million units, up significantly from five million in 2013, with Acer, Asustek Computer, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell as well as Microsoft's own tablets to all contribute strong growth, the sources noted.
The sources pointed out that they have been shipping components for the third-generation Surface since 2013. The device's manufacturer, Pegatron Technology, is estimated to start mass production at the end of the second quarter, the sources noted.
The fourth-generation model will continue to be manufactured by Pegatron, its touch panel will be supplied by Young Fast and TPK, camera lens by Largan Precision and Nexmax, power management chips by Richtek, connectors by Linetek and chassis by Ju Teng, the sources said. The device is set to be announced in June 2015 and released in October 2015.
Microsoft shipped 1.4 million Surfaces in the fourth quarter of 2013, up 55% from 900,000 units in the third quarter, the sources noted citing figures from investment bank reports