Microsoft could be working on developing a mini-version of its Surface tablet. According to the Wall Street Journal, the software giant has begun developing a lineup of new tablets that some believe will go into mass production later this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, the motivation behind this move is that Microsoft is eager to move its company forward in order to “counter urgent threats to its $75 billion software empire.” Naturally it makes sense for the company to produce a mini tablet — after all, Samsung, Amazon, and Apple all have miniature versions of their tablets and they have been selling well. Interestingly, it was earlier today when research firm IDC announced that PC shipments hit a new low in Q1 2013, down 13.9 percent compared to the same quarter in 2012.