Microsoft rumored to build its own tablets to take on Apple's iPad
At a media event in Los Angeles next week, Microsoft is expected to show off a new tablet that the company has built itself in an attempt to better compete with Apple's market leading iPad.
Citing anonymous sources, Ina Fried of All Things D said that Microsoft has concluded that developing both hardware and software is the best possible way to take on Apple. Separately, The Wrap also reported that Microsoft will manufacture its own tablet to compete with Apple's iPad.
Microsoft's custom-built tablet is expected to run on ARM-based processors, but the company may also build other models based on traditional PC chips, sources told Fried. If true, the strategy would be a major change for Microsoft, which has built Zune media players and Xbox game consoles, but otherwise avoided making its own computers.
Microsoft is set to hold an event next Monday, June 18, that the company has teased will feature a "major" announcement. Original reports said that Microsoft planned to show off ARM-based tablets running the company's new Windows RT tablet-focused operating system, but it was originally thought the hardware would be from third-party manufacturers.
Much like Apple's iOS is a separate platform from its OS X operating system for Mac, Windows RT will be a separate platform than Windows 8 with its own applications. Windows RT will not be sold at retail, and will only be available preinstalled on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors.
Microsoft last attempted to drum up buzz for Windows-powered tablets in early 2010, when CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil the HP Slate. The announcement came as rumors of an Apple tablet were at a fever pitch, just weeks before the first iPad would be officially unveiled.
But the HP Slate was a complete failure, with a total of just 9,000 units sold by the end of 2010. HP later tried again with its own webOS-powered TouchPad, rather than Microsoft's Windows, but that product was quickly discontinued last year after it failed to compete with the iPad.
Citing anonymous sources, Ina Fried of All Things D said that Microsoft has concluded that developing both hardware and software is the best possible way to take on Apple. Separately, The Wrap also reported that Microsoft will manufacture its own tablet to compete with Apple's iPad.
Microsoft's custom-built tablet is expected to run on ARM-based processors, but the company may also build other models based on traditional PC chips, sources told Fried. If true, the strategy would be a major change for Microsoft, which has built Zune media players and Xbox game consoles, but otherwise avoided making its own computers.
Microsoft is set to hold an event next Monday, June 18, that the company has teased will feature a "major" announcement. Original reports said that Microsoft planned to show off ARM-based tablets running the company's new Windows RT tablet-focused operating system, but it was originally thought the hardware would be from third-party manufacturers.
Much like Apple's iOS is a separate platform from its OS X operating system for Mac, Windows RT will be a separate platform than Windows 8 with its own applications. Windows RT will not be sold at retail, and will only be available preinstalled on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors.
Microsoft last attempted to drum up buzz for Windows-powered tablets in early 2010, when CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil the HP Slate. The announcement came as rumors of an Apple tablet were at a fever pitch, just weeks before the first iPad would be officially unveiled.
But the HP Slate was a complete failure, with a total of just 9,000 units sold by the end of 2010. HP later tried again with its own webOS-powered TouchPad, rather than Microsoft's Windows, but that product was quickly discontinued last year after it failed to compete with the iPad.
Comments
These "tablets" will have their own tiny little hammer & chisel, instead of the traditional keypad -
Its Microsoft's take on the "touch screen keyboard"...
Windows RT will be a separate platform than Windows 8 with its own applications.
From what I've heard, Win RT will run any Metro App, just like full blown Windows 8 for Intel will. The difference is that Win RT won't be able to run desktop or legacy Windows apps.
What are they going to call it - ZunePad?
Exactly.
One word: Zune.
I assume it will feature a physical keyboard?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
At a media event in Los Angeles next week, Microsoft is expected to show off a new tablet that the company has built itself in an attempt to better compete with Apple's market leading iPad.
Citing anonymous sources, Ina Fried of All Things D said that Microsoft has concluded that developing both hardware and software is the best possible way to take on Apple. Separately, The Wrap also reported that Microsoft will manufacture its own tablet to compete with Apple's iPad.
Microsoft's custom-built tablet is expected to run on ARM-based processors, but the company may also build other models based on traditional PC chips, sources told Fried. If true, the strategy would be a major change for Microsoft, which has built Zune media players and Xbox game consoles, but otherwise avoided making its own computers.
Microsoft is set to hold an event next Monday, June 18, that the company has teased will feature a "major" announcement. Original reports said that Microsoft planned to show off ARM-based tablets running the company's new Windows RT tablet-focused operating system, but it was originally thought the hardware would be from third-party manufacturers.
Much like Apple's iOS is a separate platform from its OS X operating system for Mac, Windows RT will be a separate platform than Windows 8 with its own applications. Windows RT will not be sold at retail, and will only be available preinstalled on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors.
Microsoft last attempted to drum up buzz for Windows-powered tablets in early 2010, when CEO Steve Ballmer took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show to unveil the HP Slate. The announcement came as rumors of an Apple tablet were at a fever pitch, just weeks before the first iPad would be officially unveiled.
But the HP Slate was a complete failure, with a total of just 9,000 units sold by the end of 2010. HP later tried again with its own webOS-powered TouchPad, rather than Microsoft's Windows, but that product was quickly discontinued last year after it failed to compete with the iPad.
The problem is that the OS sucks. Get a clue Microsoft.
It never gets old, watching Microsoft play the role of Wiley Coyote to Road Runner, or Penguin to Batman. Coyote or Penguin try to come up with some wonderful invention to help them one-up the Road Runner or Batman. And the invention ends up being a dud, or even when it turns into something impressive it falls apart because Wiley or Penguin just don't have the natural acumen to wield its power. Or when they manage to successfully use their new weapon, Road Runner or Batman reveal some secret new trick from their own bag of tricks to outdo their nemesis.
"Foiled again! Where does he get all those wonderful toys?!"
I think Dr. Doofenschmirtz is a better example.
Quote:
Originally Posted by c4rlob
Road Runner or Batman reveal some secret new trick from their own bag of tricks to outdo their nemesis.
"Foiled again! Where does he get all those wonderful toys?!"
"Why didn't somebody tell me he one of those things! Bob, gun." Bang.
Quote:
Originally Posted by c4rlob
It never gets old, watching Microsoft play the role of Wiley Coyote to Road Runner, or Penguin to Batman. Coyote or Penguin try to come up with some wonderful invention to help them one-up the Road Runner or Batman. And the invention ends up being a dud, or even when it turns into something impressive it falls apart because Wiley or Penguin just don't have the natural acumen to wield its power. Or when they manage to successfully use their new weapon, Road Runner or Batman reveal some secret new trick from their own bag of tricks to outdo their nemesis.
"Foiled again! Where does he get all those wonderful toys?!"
Maybe Microsoft will name their new tablet "the Acme".
Not concerned, Microsoft can't do hardware well. Look at the size of the XBox 360, Microsoft Zune, Microsoft Phone...
They have the slowest photocopiers.
Even though the tablet might turn out to be a piece of junk, building their own hardware is a smart move by Microsoft. Apple has clearly demonstrated that building the whole widget is the best way to go.
Again?... zzz...ZZZ...zzz...ZZZ...zzz...
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikerod
I assume it will feature a physical keyboard?
...only the control, alt, and delete keys.
If I were one of their hardware partners for tablets I would not be happy at all with this news. First there is the rumored $80 fee per tablet for their RT OS and now a competing tablet. Not a good partner to have.