Nokia working on an 8-inch tablet due in early 2014

We've already seen some of the major features of the Windows Phone 8 GDR3 update being put into action. The new Surface tablets and upcoming Nokia devices are all set to take advantage of new support for quad-core processors and 1080p displays. But, despite rumors of a Microsoft Surface Mini in the works, we've yet to see a big name device taking advantage of support for smaller tablet sizes.

You can count the Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet if you'd like, but most would consider that a large phone and not so much a small tablet. But, a new report says that Nokia does have plans to launch an 8-inch tablet early next year; and, the rumored tablet even has a codename: the Illusionist. Evleaks has confirmed the name, and The Verge is confirming that the device will ship with Windows RT 8.1 and a Qualcomm processor, although it's unclear what processor it will be exactly. 

The word has it that Nokia is working towards releasing the device, but it is unclear if it will actually see the market because of its potential to cannibalize sales of the Surface Mini, which is planned for release in the same window. Assuming the acquisition of Nokia does go through, it's hard to say if Microsoft would release both tablets. 

source: @evleaks via The Verge