Microsoft could mimic Google gameplay with the Nexus line and release its own branded hardware to show off Windows 8 on tablets according to a rumors emerging from the Far East. But it could be some time before a Microsoft tagged device arrives with suggestions that it won’t arrive until 2013 when we may be already be cooing over the iPad 4.
Head through for details on the Windows 8 tablet whispers and hit the comments to join us in speculating whether Microsoft making its own tablet would be a smart move or a serious misstep…
DigiTimes, which has a variable reputation for rumours, claims Microsoft is in talks with Texas Instruments and a bevy of Taiwanese tablet makers about plans to release its own Microsoft-branded Windows 8 tablet within two years.
Its source claims: “Microsoft plans to copy its branding strategy from product lines such as Xbox 360, Zune and Kin to compete in the tablet PC segment.”
We were with them up until Xbox 360. Mentioning the calamitous Kin and the overwhelming Zune makes the rumor seem a little rickety – those are hardly great models of Microsoft success. That said, Microsoft has tinkered with some very tantilising tablet designs in the past (remember the ill-fated Microsoft Courier) and it certainly has the hardware heads to build something compelling.
There’s also the matter of hardware makers already expressing discomfort about Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 8. Acer CEO, JT Wang recently complained that Microsoft is imposing “troublesome” restrictions on firms proposing to make Windows 8 tablets. Perhaps Microsoft’s own device could show them the way.
Tell us: should Microsoft make its own Windows 8 tablet? Or is that just walking into trouble?
