Microsoft confirm Apple style tablet with release date this year

Hyperactive Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was in London speaking to students at the London School Of Economics and he told them that Microsoft had to ‘cover all form factors', saying that they had been working on a Windows tablet for release at Christmas.

He said “You’ll see new slates with Windows on them. You’ll see them this Christmas. Certainly we have done work around the tablet as both a productivity device and a consumption device”.

Microsoft are said to be hurting by the huge success of the Apple iPad, particularly as the sales figures have been so huge. Ballmer didn't mention any specifications or the partners involved but we can assume that several key players are already creating Windows based tablets for release in the coming quarter.

Microsoft have been struggling in recent months, particularly in the mobile phone market which is being dominated by Nokia, Blackberry and Apple. With Google  phones picking up in sales, Microsoft have even been taking legal action against certain Android manufacturers claiming copyright infringement with specific patents. They are still hurting from the ‘Kin' smartphone failure and are focusing on the new Windows 7 phone operating system to help them generate market share in this lucrative sector.

KitGuru says: If Microsoft manage to get the product to market before other major players such as Research In Motion they may very well be able to generate sales and a foothold, but 2011 is going to be a ‘free for all' in the tablet sector, meaning growth will be difficult. Apple have months of strong sales already under their belt.

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