Microsoft to Unveil Windows 8 Tablet This October

Microsoft is finally wrapping things up for Windows 8. The tablet-optimized operating system already has a Consumer Preview, but the full version is set to be released in October this year. Along with its launch, several devices including tablets and PCs will also be unveiled running the OS. All of these devices are expected to compete with the iPad.

The first devices that will be released are those running on Intel x86 chips and those based on ARM processors.

This is the first time that Microsoft will be running on an ARM-based chipset. Usually, these chipsets are found on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, including the iPad. They are commonly preferred to other chipsets because they have a low power consumption, which is important in a mobile device.

The October launch is strategic for Microsoft because it ensures that the devices running on the OS will be able to compete in time for the holiday season when many people shop and sales for gadgets skyrocket. Among those devices which have recently proven themselves powerful in the tablet niche are the Apple iPad, the Amazon Kindle Fire, and a long list of tablets running on the Android OS.

On the other hand, however, the relatively late launch puts a lot of pressure on devices that will run on Microsoft, as Google and Apple are both scheduled to announce the new capabilities of future devices this summer, as well as developments in the operating systems.

via gottabemobile