Microsoft readies Windows tablets

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has stated that tablet devices using Windows will launch by the end of the year as the company ramps up its mobile strategy.

The claim comes ahead of the anticipated Windows Phone 7 launch next week, which is expected to be supported by handset manufacturers including HTC, LG and Samsung.

Ballmer said Microsoft’s strategy is to “cover all form factors” and that Windows tablets will be on the market soon.

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

The move demonstrates an effort by Microsoft to claw back market share from Apple and Google, whose respective mobile operating systems are set to dominate both the smartphone and tablet markets. Samsung is to launch an Android tablet by the end of the year.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk

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