It did not make sense for Microsoft Corp. to release its second-generation Surface tablets before the set of Windows “Blue” updates for the operating system, but it appears that the new tablets will arrive even later. According to a media report, the 7.5” version of the second-gen Surface will sport rather high-end display by today’s standards, but it will only be mass produced starting early next year.

“From the supply chain side, we are seeing the panel specifications, the touch module, the mass production schedule being made. Mass production is Q1 2014. Apparently, pretty significant volume. Multiple millions. Production could possibly start earlier at a lower level then ramp up to mass production in the first quarter,” said Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, told Cnet News web-site.

Microsoft Surface 7.5” media tablet is expected to use a panel with 1400*1050 resolution and pixel density of 233 pixels per inch. The display clearly outperforms those found on today’s Apple iPad mini (7.85”, 1024*768) as well as Google Nexus 7 (7”, 1280*800), however, it will look pale against updated versions of both slates (which will feature retina-class screens) that will be available later this year.

Based on last quarter's global PC shipment numbers, Microsoft continues to feel pain in making the case for Windows is a viable tablet operating system. Theoretically, the dual-identity (Windows 8/RT) operating system has everything it needs to be a contender, but the promise is ahead of the reality on three interdependent fronts: chip-level hardware, legacy support, and app software.

For example, if x86 chips were more competitive with ARM processors from a performance-per-watt perspective, then Microsoft wouldn't be as reliant on Metro-style apps for functionality. And if more developers were creating Metro-style apps, then consumers wouldn't have to go to the legacy desktop mode as much to get things done. (Until the company releases a Metro-style Office, Microsoft really can't wag its finger too much at third parties.)

Not too long ago, some of Google Glass's specs got out there, but we were missing two critical pieces: CPU and RAM. Now, thanks to some endeavoring hackers who've gotten their hands on a pair, we now know some of those details.

Jay Lee, with some help from Liam McLoughlin, managed to find Glass's USB debugging setting and hook it up to ADB which in turn spilled the additional specs:

Android 4.0.4 - Ice Cream Sandwich

OMAP 4430 CPU - Dual Core

682mb of RAM

Microsoft has all but confirmed long-standing rumors that it is working on a 7- or 8-inch Windows-powered tablet.

Outgoing Microsoft CFO Peter Klein said during the company's third-quarter earnings conference call Thursday afternoon that Microsoft was working with partners to produce "a new suite of small touch devices powered by Windows" that would be available "in the coming months." Klein did not indicate that Microsoft itself would be making its own smaller Windows 8 devices, but considering the company's recent foray into the tablet market with its Surface lineup, it's not out of the question.