Microsoft Surface Mini Might Be Dead in the Water Dylan Duarte May 21, 2014 Yesterday, Microsoft held a press event at which they unveiled the Surface Pro 3 (pictured above), which looks pretty spiffy. A lot of people were expecting to see another rumored Microsoft product: the Surface Mini. Not only was the Mini a no-show at the event, it might not see the light of day at all. Rumors of a miniature version of the Microsoft Surface tablet began to make the rounds last year. As we all know, every electronic device needs a miniature version of itself, similar to Dr. Evil in Austin Powers. The ARM-based, Windows RT-equipped project was underway at some point, but since then Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Executive VP Stephen Elop have backed away from it, claiming that the Surface Mini just wasn’t unique enough to be viable. Focus was then shifted to the Surface Pro 3. According to Microsoft’s Panos Panay, the company is still working on smaller devices, though he wouldn’t say exactly what they were. I’m sure the Surface Mini would have appealed to someone, but I’m glad that Nadella and Elop recognized that they didn’t have to produce a miniature tablet just because Apple has one out. Competition is great, especially for the consumer, but they’re right: if they aren’t producing something different, then what’s the point? Innovation, not replication. I’m trademarking that last bit. via The Verge Share This With The World!