Microsoft said it will make a “major announcement” at a press conference Monday. Many analysts believe the software giant will introduce a new tablet at the event.
But the company's secretive approach has increased speculation ahead of the press conference, the location of which is also being kept from the public.
Most analysts believe a new Microsoft branded tablet will run on its Windows RT operation system - a special version of Windows 8 designed for mainly portable, low consumption devices.
There has also been industry speculation about Microsoft buying Nokia or business social networking site Yammer.
Any Microsoft tablet would face steep competition. Apple is the king of the tablet market with its iPad. Any potential competitor needs to have strong technical specifications, functionality and visual appeal.
iPads have secured more than 60% of the market, and have 650,000 apps. But they do not support Flash, and users have criticized the device’s word processing ability. Analysts believe Microsoft could take part of Apple’s share by leveraging its software experience, multiple high level partnerships with the entertainment industry, and its Xbox video gaming power.
But the company's secretive approach has increased speculation ahead of the press conference, the location of which is also being kept from the public.
Most analysts believe a new Microsoft branded tablet will run on its Windows RT operation system - a special version of Windows 8 designed for mainly portable, low consumption devices.
There has also been industry speculation about Microsoft buying Nokia or business social networking site Yammer.
Any Microsoft tablet would face steep competition. Apple is the king of the tablet market with its iPad. Any potential competitor needs to have strong technical specifications, functionality and visual appeal.
iPads have secured more than 60% of the market, and have 650,000 apps. But they do not support Flash, and users have criticized the device’s word processing ability. Analysts believe Microsoft could take part of Apple’s share by leveraging its software experience, multiple high level partnerships with the entertainment industry, and its Xbox video gaming power.
