Microsoft has announced plans to produce a larger version of its Surface tablet to make the device more compelling as a laptop replacement.

The Surface Pro 3 will have a screen measuring 12 inches diagonally, up from 10.6 inches in previous models. Microsoft said it will also be thinner and faster than before.

Microsoft announced the details during an event in New York.

The Surface is an important part of CEO Satya Nadella's mobile-focused strategy. Microsoft is trying to boost sales of Windows tablets and phones to stay relevant with consumers as computing habits change.

The first Surface came out in late 2012 to lacklustre sales. The Surface 2's debut last October came with a greater marketing emphasis on tasks people normally tackle on laptops, such as creating documents and editing movies.

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