Los Angeles, June 19 (IBNS): Technology behemoth Microsoft on Monday unveiled its own range of tablet computers that will run an upcoming edition of Windows operating system, entering for the first time in its history into direct competition with hardware partners.
The Redmond-based company did not divulge the pricing for the two tablets, dubbed “Surface” after its acclaimed line of large touch computers, but said they would debut along with Windows 8 and Windows RT platforms, that are expected to release in October.
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At a press conference in Los Angeles, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Windows chief Steven Sinofsky introduced the Surface tablet, that will come in two versions -- one running full-featured Windows and the other a stripped-down edition.
At 10.6 inches, the tablets will offer a larger display than Apple’s iPad, and while one will be powered by Intel processors and Windows 8 Professional, the other one will run on an ARM chip and Windows RT to provide longer battery life, albeit at the cost of features.
"It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned," said Ballmer at the launch, adding they “did not want to leave any stone uncovered” for Windows 8 launch.
Expected to go public in around three months, a lot is riding on Microsoft’s new operating system as it faces toughening competition from newer platforms such as Google’s Android and an increasing aggressiveness of product launches by long-time rival Apple, analysts say.
They said that the move to enter into the mainstream hardware production was a bold one but showed Microsoft's desperation at a time when conventional PC sales are expected to stagnate, paving the way for more devices that feature touch input and greater mobility.
The Surface tablets, with its sharp edges, a sleek look and black accents showed Microsoft’s intention of differentiating itself from the Apple iPad, as did its decision to provide productivity features such as a cover that doubles up as a physical keyboard and a built-in kickstand.