Surface Pro 3: Sales our outpacing earlier models. But Microsoft also confirmed Surface Mini as a no-show. Brooke Crothers/CNET Microsoft talked up Surface Pro 3 sales during its fourth-quarter earnings conference call on Tuesday and confirmed a decision not to ship a smaller version of the Surface. “While it’s still early, sales are outpacing earlier …

One Windows on all screen sizes. Microsoft Microsoft’s CEO affirmed on Tuesday that all versions of Windows will merge into one operating system for all devices. “We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes,” CEO Satya Nadella said in prepared remarks during the company’s fourth-quarter …

HP Chromebook 14. It’s a traditional laptop design with one exception: it runs Google’s Chrome OS not Windows. Hewlett-Packard More evidence this week showed that the Chromebook continues to make inroads into traditional Windows markets. And Microsoft is responding. First, let’s look at a report that came out this week from market researcher NPD. Sales of chromebooks — inexpensive laptops …

Apple Large-scale production of both next-generation iPhone models is imminent, according to reports from Asia. Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision, aka Foxconn, will begin production of the 4.7-inch version of the rumored iPhone 6 next week, while the 5.5-inch model should see production kick off during the second week of August, Reuters reported, citing local Chinese media. A separate report from …

Samsung makes Apple’s A7 processor and it’s expected to make more future processors for Apple. Apple Samsung will challenge Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chip manufacturer, as a supplier of processors to Apple next year, a Reuters report claims. “TSMC will be supplanted by Samsung” for the production of next-generation 14-nanometer processors for both Apple and …

iPhone 6 concept. Martin Hajek A report from Asia reinforces the speculation that a lot of Apple’s focus is on thinness for the rumored iPhone 6. A report from Taiwan-based Digitimes on Wednesday said that the battery in the next-generation iPhone has a thickness of only 2 millimeters versus 3 mm for the iPhone 5 series battery. “But both feature …

iPad Mini: An Apple ‘phablet’ may make some consumers think twice about buying a Mini. Apple Research is pointing to a growing preference for large smartphones over small tablets. That means the rumored iPhone 6 can’t arrive too soon. Market researcher NPD DisplaySearch said this week that for the first time global tablet shipments declined year to year in the …

iPhone 5S: Sharp makes the display, with considerable help from Apple. Apple Apple and Sharp are sparring over production equipment, providing a window into Apple’s sizable role in manufacturing the components it uses. And Samsung is part of the bickering, according to a Japan-based report. Sharp is seeking to buy production equipment back from Apple at Sharp’s Kameyama Plant No. …

Surface Pro 3 Microsoft Microsoft came out on Tuesday with a raft of fixes and updates for the Surface Pro 3 centered on Wi-Fi and battery life. At least three of the updates boost battery life in one way or another. One firmware fix is for “reducing power consumption,” while a second is for “enhancing battery life.” A third wireless …

Sapphire crystal cover glass has only been used selectively to date by Apple on parts with tiny surface areas. For example, the iPhone 5S home button uses a sapphire cover. Is Apple ready to use this on a high-volume product like the 4.7-inch iPhone 6? Apple/screen shot by Brooke Crothers/CNET Apple is getting ready to use sapphire display cover glass …