Microsoft will reportedly release a 7.9-inch Surface tablet at the end of June featuring displays from Samsung Display, but LG Display (LGD) and Taiwan-based firms have yet to be included in the panel supplier list for the new device, according to industry sources.

　　But the sources said panel suppliers hold conservative views for the upcoming 7.9-inch unit in 2013 despite rising popularity for similar sized tablets. Both Samsug and LGD have been panel suppliers for Microsoft's 10.6-inch Surface, but according to IDC, Microsoft sold only 900,000 Surface tablets in the first quarter of 2013, accounting for 1.8% of the tablet market.

　　Because of the results, tablets sized around 8-inch are expected to hold a 12% market share in 2013 largely due to expected sales for Apple's 7.85-inch iPad mini, added the sources.