Rumor: Microsoft Launching Its Own Windows 8 Tablet?
Microsoft is planning to make a big announcement on Monday, and all anyone seems to know for sure is that the subject will involved the company’s mobile products and/or strategy. Citing a source with knowledge of the company’s plans, The Wrap reported that Microsoft is indeed launching its own tablet to run Windows 8.
Specifically, it’s expected that Microsoft will introduce an ARM-based tablet that will run Windows RT.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (Image credit: AllThingsD)
If the rumors are true, Microsoft is taking a bold step. First of all, the tablet hardware market is an awfully tough nut to crack, and being a software company (it’s not called “Microhard”), Microsoft is starting a step behind most hardware makers. There’s also the obvious risk of alienating Microsoft’s many Windows 8 hardware partners, who probably weren’t counting on having to compete with the company in that space.
That said, why not take a whack at making a decent tablet? Apple has created its own kingdom by maintaining a vertical market strategy, and the likes of Google and (probably) Facebook are driving down that road, too. It makes sense for Microsoft to attempt something big to keep pace.
In any case, we’ll find out for sure on Monday afternoon. Stay tuned...
Specifically, it’s expected that Microsoft will introduce an ARM-based tablet that will run Windows RT.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (Image credit: AllThingsD)
If the rumors are true, Microsoft is taking a bold step. First of all, the tablet hardware market is an awfully tough nut to crack, and being a software company (it’s not called “Microhard”), Microsoft is starting a step behind most hardware makers. There’s also the obvious risk of alienating Microsoft’s many Windows 8 hardware partners, who probably weren’t counting on having to compete with the company in that space.
That said, why not take a whack at making a decent tablet? Apple has created its own kingdom by maintaining a vertical market strategy, and the likes of Google and (probably) Facebook are driving down that road, too. It makes sense for Microsoft to attempt something big to keep pace.
In any case, we’ll find out for sure on Monday afternoon. Stay tuned...
