The miniature tablet trend seems to have passed, and the market is now showing an inclination toward tablet-laptop hybrids with larger screens. And because of the myriad of reports claiming that Apple, Samsung and Sony will be releasing massive 12-inch tablets next year, it is likely that Microsoft will release the Surface Pro 4 soon. 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 was considered a success as it offered the portability and convenience of a tablet and the power of a laptop. Its successor is rumored to feature an even larger screen of 13 to 14 inches, but will still boast the capabilities of both a tablet and a laptop, thanks to its detachable keyboard. 

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 will reportedly be powered by Intel Core M chips. However, if Microsoft wants to match the rumored MacBook Air, it should be equipped with Intel's Broadwell processors paired with Windows 10. It is also speculated that the Surface Pro 4 will have more than 8 GB of RAM, which its predecessor already has. 

Currently, Apple and Microsoft are battling it out in the laptop market with the MacBook Air and the Surface Pro 3, which have been dubbed as rivals. Although a number of consumers are still choosing MacBook Air, Microsoft gives consumers the option to switch from Apple. Microsoft even put up a website called "Making the Switch" that explains the transition from Apple's OS X to Windows OS. Windows even allows OS X users to transfer their files and photos from the MacBook Air to the Surface Pro 3, explaining that there will be a smooth transition for their switch and everything will be taken cared of. Moreover, the website also teaches OS X users some Windows commands that they may not be familiar with. 

With Microsoft's intense desire to battle against Apple's device, it will surely announce more details about the Surface Pro 4, should rumors about its existence prove to be true.