Microsoft Confirms Surface Tablets’ Release On Windows 8 Launch

Microsoft has indirectly confirmed that the release of its Surface tablets for Windows 8 will be on the same day it releases the next-generation operating system.

In its annual report (Form 10-K) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Microsoft said this:

“The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.” [Emphasis ours]

In the past, all Microsoft has committed to is that the Surface tablets “would be available the same time that Windows 8.”

This is the first time the Redmond, Washington-based software giant has revealed a specific date for its release of the Surface tablets.

Microsoft earlier this June shocked the tech community after announcing two new Surface tablets, the Surface for Windows 8 Pro and Surface for Windows RT. Windows 8 Pro will be the version of the next-generation operating system for desktops, laptops and tablets like the Surface for Windows 8 pro while Windows RT is for devices based on the ARM architecture.

The Surface for Windows RT will be powered by a processor based on the Nvidia Tegra chip and it will also come with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT preinstalled. The Surface for Windows 8 Pro will be powered by an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor.

The announcement of the Microsoft Surface tablets generated some speculation that original equipment manufacturer will now have a less zealous relationship because Microsoft has just became one of their rivals in the hardware business.

Microsoft knows this as it also said in its Form 10-K report that: “In addition, our Surface devices will compete with products made by our OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to our platform.”

Are you interested in the Surface tablets by Microsoft? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.

Source: US Securities and Exchange Commission

Images from Microsoft

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