Tips and rumors reported by several tech websites suggest that Microsoft may launch a seven-inch version of its Surface tablet before the end of summer 2014.

The supposed launch of the new device would come just weeks after Microsoft began selling its 12-inch Surface Pro 3 in the U.S., according to regular tech leaker @evleaks.

Rumored to have a screen of between seven and eight inches, the Microsoft Surface Mini would compete in the sector currently dominated by the iPad Mini and the Nexus 7. The Surface Pro, on the other hand, is marketed more as an alternative to notebook PCs.

Equipped with a 12-inch screen (2160x1440 pixels), the current Surface Pro 3 is designed to be as easy to use as a PC, especially when paired with its removable and adjustable keyboard.

The tablet runs Windows 8.1 Pro and is clearly geared towards professionals and students, although Microsoft is also promoting its advantages for other types of users, including children. The tool is as adapted to viewing multimedia files as it is to working with Microsoft Office programs or with image editing software.