A successor to Microsoft’s discontinued Surface 2 tablet is on its way, according to a report in WinBeta. The new Surface will presumably run a full version of Windows 8.1 – updated to Windows 10 when it is officially launched this summer – and might be a formidable foe to Apple Inc.’s iPad and other similarly priced tablets.

The news is further proof that the door has just about been closed forever on Windows RT. Microsoft launched the disastrous RT Surface in 2012, and later reported a $900 million loss in unsold products in 2013. After launching the RT-based Surface 2 in 2013, not too long after Microsoft also gave up on that product. A year later came the Surface Pro 3, but up until now we have not heard anything about a more budget-minded tablet to follow the Surface 2. The Surface Pro models start at around $800, while the cheaper Surface started at closer to $500.

In a bid to compete against Apple’s iPad mini there have long been rumors that Redmond will release its own small screen device, the Surface Mini, but even though the tablet was ready to be released, it never, er, surfaced.

According to WinBeta the Surface 3 will be revealed to the public at next month’s Microsoft’s Build conference in San Francisco and will soon after hit the shops. The report suggests that the new device will be promoted as a non-pro tablet. It will be fanless, and include either an Intel ATOM or Intel Core M processor. Microsoft has so far made no comment when asked about the arrival of the new Surface, but don’t be surprised if very shortly the company’s answer to a stake in the tablet marketplace is unveiled.

Photo credit: Surface 2, Microsoft