Microsoft’s rumored Surface Mini could be powered by Qualcomm chips

Bloomberg claims that Microsoft is readying a new, smaller version of its Surface tablet which will use Qualcomm chips and another, larger device that will be powered by Intel silicon. Bloomberg suggests the new, small tablet will run Windows RT. It’s unclear what form the Intel device might take, but it could be that Microsoft is either simply refreshing its existing Surface Pro 2 or rolling out a new, smaller Surface Pro. Or something else.

Microsoft Corp. is planning to introduce a new, smaller version of its Surface that will use Qualcomm Inc. processors for the first time, according to people with knowledge of the companies’ plans, a move that ends Nvidia Corp.’s run as a chip supplier to the tablet. Microsoft will unveil the new device at an event in New York on May 20, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t public. Microsoft will also take the wraps off other new Surface models at the event, including ones powered by Intel Corp. processors, the people said. Microsoft previously had a version of Surface with Nvidia chips that use ARM Holdings Plc technology.