Windows 8 Tablet Event Planned by Microsoft for Next Week
Microsoft recently sent out invitations to an event next week where the company is expected to make a "major announcement" regarding Windows 8 powered tablets.
Microsoft is expected to showcase some of these devices running the new software, which is specifically geared towards touchscreen devices. It is also going to highlight some of the kinds of programs and services that will run on the products.
Microsoft has officially confirmed that the event will take place in Los Angeles, California, but did not leak out any more details on what will be covered there.
The ARM-based Windows TR tablets at the event are rumored to have some hardware and software details of the final user-end version of these devices that should launch by the end of 2012.
Microsoft announced Windows 8 will be released in three different "flavors" back in April.
The three variants of the software include Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro versions that will be available for Intel-compatible machines and a Windows RT version for tablets powered by ARM-designed chips.
Of all of these types, the ARM version stands out since Microsoft hopes to unify the engine known for running desktop computers with that tablets and smartphones. It will be a direct competitor for Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating system.
Hewlett Packard plans to release tablets that are powered by Windows 8 that could be available by the end of this year.
The new tablets will come with Windows 8 and new cloud-based technology pre-installed that will enable users to share and store content online between different devices, according to Todd Bradley, the executive vice-president for printing and personal systems for HP.
Microsoft's investment of time and energy into Windows 8 shows that the company takes its launch quite seriously and hopes to make a serious impact in the tablet and PC market.
