Computerworld posted a story that Microsoft is said to be planning a 7-in. version of its Surface tablet to help it compete with similar size devices from Apple and Google.

The 7-inch version, which will go into mass production later this year, is part of a new lineup of Surface tablets planned by Microsoft, reported The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, citing people familiar with the company's plans.

The Redmond, Washington, software giant decided to get into 7-inch tablets to counter the iPad mini from Apple which has a 7.9-inch display and the Google Nexus 7 with a 7-inch display, according to the report. The company also plans cuts in the prices of its Windows and Office software to give a boost to sales of lower-cost touch-screen devices running Windows software.

  Report: Microsoft plans 7-in. tablet to compete with Apple, Google