Microsoft plots entry into tablet trade

Arm's its weapon

Microsoft will launch its own tablet device next week, entering the booming slate market without the help of a separate hardware manufacturer, it has been claimed.

The company has promised to make a major announcement at an event on Monday, 18 June said to be related to its tablet strategy. Sources close to the matter say Microsoft will unveil an own-brand iPad rival, The Wrap reports.

Whisperers reckon Microsoft's forthcoming fondleslab will front Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 coded to run on Arm microprocessors.

While Microsoft has refused some manufacturers access to the Windows 8 development platform, others, such as Dell, already have Windows 8-based tablets in the works and it remains unclear as to how Microsoft's own-brand will stand out from its customers' offerings.

Of course, we'll keep you up to date following Monday's revelations, though. Stay tuned. ®