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A special event has been scheduled -- is Microsoft indeed preparing to unleash its try at an "iPad-killer"

UPDATE (6/15/2012 1:30 p.m.):
As pointed out by readers Microsoft purchased a 17.6 percent stake in Barnes & Noble, Inc. (BKS) subsidiary Newco Nook (as reported by DailyTech) two months ago for $300M USD.  Thus it's high possible Microsoft may be leveraging that new partnership for its rumored first-party tablet project.

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Google Inc. (GOOG) has struggled at the tablet market.  Hewlett-Packard Comp. (HPQ) quit the tablet market.  And Research in Motion, Ltd. (TSE:RIM) is seeing its own offering slowly die in the tablet market.  In other words, if you aren't Apple, Inc. (AAPL) (or Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), perhaps) the tablet market is a less than hospitable place.

I. Report: Microsoft to Tackle Tablet Market as First Party HW Maker

But on the flip side of the coin that means the market is wide open for operating system veteran Microsoft Corp. (MSFT).  With the slew of Windows 8 tablets and hybrids announced in recent weeks, one would think that Microsoft was set in a strategy of leading a third-party charge on Apple's fortified tablet market share.

However, a new report by All Things Digital's Ina Fried suggests something unusual and surprising -- that Microsoft is planning (yet again) its own first-party tablet to take on the iPad.

The model will reportedly be announced at a special event on Monday in Los Angeles, which was abruptly announced with all the secrecy and sudden hype that is more typical of an Apple product announcement.

Fried suggests that the coming tablet(s) "may include machines running ARM-based processors as well as models running on traditional PC processors."  


Microsoft may be planning to compete with its own third-party partners
(an Acer Iconia Windows 8 tablet is pictured) [Image Source: Acer]

According to Fried, sources close to the company say that Microsoft is looking to fight fire with fire, looking to the counter Apple's highly successful strategy of tight integration by designing its own all-inclusive hardware+software models.

II. Fame or Flop?

For Microsoft this might not be as much of a stretch as some thinks.  After all, the company's Courier concept dual-screen tablet was according to some mere months away from the market in 2009, before the launch of the iPad and long before the arrival of other entrants like Android.

Courier
Microsoft Courier almost joined the iPad for a mid-2010 launch. [Image Source: Engadget]

Microsoft currently designs the hardware for the Xbox 360 console.  And it maintains a host of core apps including the popular Office suite.  In other words, Microsoft isn't exactly as green as players like Facebook, Inc. (FB) who have been rumored to be interested in diving into the first-party mobile hardware business.

So far Microsoft's explorations into first-party hardware have shown mixed results.  While the Xbox consoles have been hits and driven revenue, Microsoft Zune effort to challenge Apple's iPod was a relative flop leading to a gradual phase-out.

Aside from success another concern for Microsoft is that its plan might alienate third party tablet makers.  However, Microsoft's approach is not exactly unprecedented -- Google owns Motorola Mobility, who directly competes against its third-party Android tablet licensees in the market.

So will Microsoft's tablet materialize?  Or is this just a case of a prototype being mistaken for solid plans?  The answer awaits -- on Monday.

Source: All Things D


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This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
By Arsynic on 6/15/2012 1:05:07 PM , Rating: 2
...and the new tablet is the Nook Color running Windows RT for $249.99. You heard it here first.




By Arsynic on 6/15/2012 1:17:50 PM , Rating: 2
Google "Newco Nook"...

*cough*


By Mitch101 on 6/15/2012 1:33:50 PM , Rating: 3
Purchase Nokia in the process to make the hardware. :)


By Mitch101 on 6/15/2012 2:07:24 PM , Rating: 2
Microsoft is posting jobs for Finland aka Nokia's location.

We could be seeing a dual purchase here. Nokia and B&N


By Mitch101 on 6/15/2012 2:09:35 PM , Rating: 3
Date:May 25, 2012

Location: Espoo, FI
Job Category: Hardware Engineering Location: Espoo, FI Job ID: 783758-73466 Division: (Not Division Specific)

Job Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated and seasoned Mechanical Engineer who enjoys bringing both technical and tactical leadership to cross-disciplinary teams and is excited about leading system-level and sub-system designs through fast-paced product development cycles. A strong mix of technical breadth and depth will allow you to work cross-functionally to tie mechanical assemblies, optics, electronics and software into compelling consumer experiences.

Scope of Responsibilities:
-System level and sub-system design responsibilities in the development of concept explorations and technology investigations -Create evaluation models and systems to assess performance investigations for various technology components and product features -Interface across multiple disciplines (e.g. Program Management, Component Engineering, RF, Reliability) in selection of devices for detailed development -Interface directly with sub-system partners for design of and integration of technology components -Contribute to project planning for development schedules -The candidate must be willing and able to travel (domestic and international) to support design activities.

Qualifications:
-10+ years of experience in electro-mechanical product design with a minimum of 7+ years in the successful development of small form factor consumer electronics -Experienced in designing for large volume production in a wide range of manufacturing processes -Integration and development experience with mechanisms -Successful experience in meeting reliability requirements for mass production -Proven experience in applications with some or all of the following technology verticals: Displays, Batteries, Antennas, Acoustics -Excellent written and verbal communication -B.S. in Engineering, M.S. or PhD preferred


By Mitch101 on 6/16/2012 8:33:16 AM , Rating: 2
Throw on some AOL Patents too
AOL sells $1.056 Billion worth of patents to Microsoft
http://microsoft-news.com/aol-sells-1-056-billion-...

Yammer, AOL Patents, B&N?, and what looks like Microsoft buying Nokia?

Looks like my wife is working for Microsoft and gone on a shopping spree.


By Arsynic on 6/15/2012 1:37:36 PM , Rating: 2
B&N stores as is are dying and that's why the partnership was created. B&N will not exist as it is today. It will be part B&N and part MS Store.


By Jesterbob on 6/15/2012 2:34:49 PM , Rating: 2
B&N and Borders killed the small book store. But now they are dying.... I foresee the return of the small book store as the place for hipsters.


By kilkennycat on 6/18/2012 5:19:15 PM , Rating: 2
..a certain well-known hipster wrote her first book in cafes and other public places and is now richer than the Queen of England.


By ATrigo on 6/15/2012 1:31:01 PM , Rating: 5
Starbucks...


By MonkeyPaw on 6/15/2012 3:28:35 PM , Rating: 2
I can't see a $250 Windows 8 nookcolor. B&N probably already sells them at a loss, and that is with Android at the shell. The NC is a gateway device to sell books, magazines and apps. The only way MS could do that is if they plan to profit heavily on market purchases. Considering Office integration, I just don't see RT devices being that much cheaper than iPads.


By mcnabney on 6/16/2012 2:07:13 PM , Rating: 2
Why? Google is going to drop the 7" Nexus 7 shortly for about $200. And it comes with Tegra3, 1280x800 screen and all the trimmings.


By Spuke on 6/18/2012 12:07:50 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Why? Google is going to drop the 7" Nexus 7 shortly for about $200.
Really? I think I'll hold off on my tablet purchase. Thanks!


By theapparition on 6/18/2012 4:17:48 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
B&N probabl y already sells them at a loss, and that is with Android at the shell.

Why speculate. B&N actually makes a profit on each tablet sold (older clearance Nook Color not included). Not a lot, but they do profit.


By Beefmeister on 6/15/2012 5:40:40 PM , Rating: 2
If this is indeed true and well executed, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Bring it on, MS.


.
By StevoLincolnite on 6/15/2012 12:45:53 PM , Rating: 2
The courier. It looks awesome. Launch that with Windows 8 x86 and I'll buy it...

Also, the Xbox console had a killer "app" that drove initial sales and got people/gamers talking, that being the "Halo effect" which did wonders for the platform.
I don't recall the Zune ever having anything "must have" and the device flew under the radar of most consumers, compounded by the fact it was never launched world-wide.




RE: .
By hartleyb on 6/15/2012 2:09:27 PM , Rating: 3
Steve,

You make some good points..I own an Ipod 3rd gen, IPhone 4, and IPAD2, as well as a Zune and Zune HD, and I would point out that the Zune HD was superior in almost everyway to the Ipod, and the regular Zune was an equal to the Ipod..Microsoft's issue was intergration, and marketing. If Zune had launched world wide, and if they had garnished additional third party vendor support for accessories for the Zune, we would see a head to head fight right now between Micosoft and Apple. By the way I still listen and watch my Zune HD when I travel as the sound quality and video picture quality still rival that of my Ipod and IPhone.


RE: .
By StevoLincolnite on 6/15/2012 3:07:56 PM , Rating: 2
Lucky! I was unfortunately never able to play with one as it was never released in Australia, but the device did always intrigue me.


RE: .
By Wolfpup on 6/16/2012 1:55:47 PM , Rating: 2
Problem for me with the Zune HD hardware was it had no volume buttons...and for that matter there's some value in the programs you can "buy" for iOS.

More to the point for me though, the Zune/Windows Phone 7 ecosystem doesn't handle podcasts well, so really isn't an option for me. Unfortunate as I actually like my Nokia Windows Phone pretty darned well (and unlike my iPod it doesn't OVERHEAT EVER DAY IN THE DAR AND SHUT DOWN)...the OS has some really nice ideas, already beating iOS in various places, but needs some work...and for me needs much better podcast support.

This Barnes & Noble/Microsoft partnership actually seems kind of sensible to me. I can see a high end Nook/Windows 8 tablet working, or even move the line slowly to Microsoft software?

I like Nook's DRM much better than Kindle's, but...I hate the lack of good buttons on the Nook 2 and lack of a 9.7" eInk device, so I've ended up going back to Amazon for now :-/


RE: .
By corduroygt on 6/15/2012 6:57:22 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
The courier. It looks awesome. Launch that with Windows 8 x86 and I'll buy it...

For how much? No tablet with a power-efficient x86 and a Windows license would cost less than $500.


RE: .
By StevoLincolnite on 6/16/2012 12:27:06 PM , Rating: 2
Not true.
About a year and a half ago I bought a new Gigabyte t1000 convertible laptop/tablet on sale for $299.

Stuff is usually more expensive too here in Aus, so you should be able to match or beat that easily enough if you look hard enough.


RE: .
By damianrobertjones on 6/16/2012 11:12:59 AM , Rating: 2
?

Toshiba W100


RE: .
By NellyFromMA on 6/18/2012 11:51:59 AM , Rating: 2
The courier was misguided and even today the only comparable device to it, the Nintendo DS, is arguably a sad after thought.

No one wants to primarily interact with a device with a big line in the middle of it, or have to fold it in half and effectively lose 50% of the display real estate.

Where as Nintendo arguably makes console-like-toys, Microsoft would likely not have had success witht he courier. It's just not an engineering win or a manufacturing win for that matter.

It was prototyped, wasn't as cool as it seemed, and scrapped.


Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By eagle470 on 6/15/2012 1:58:14 PM , Rating: 2
If I can play Starcraft 2 on a tablet (not the section alluding to an x86 device) I might have to get one!




RE: Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By jimbojimbo on 6/15/2012 5:48:08 PM , Rating: 2
How in the world can you play without a keyboard? Let me rephrase that. How in the world can you play and not suck without a keyboard?


RE: Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By IronChef75 on 6/16/2012 8:54:49 AM , Rating: 2
Probably in exactly the same way that anyone uses an iPad for productivity or real work - badly. But at least you kinda feel cool while doing it badly.


RE: Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By NellyFromMA on 6/18/2012 11:53:07 AM , Rating: 2
Playing stracraft 2 does not contribute towards feelings of being cool.


RE: Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By TakinYourPoints on 6/18/2012 6:40:42 PM , Rating: 2
Not a fan of games made for men, eh?


RE: Starcraft on a Tablet?!
By Visual on 6/17/2012 8:59:00 AM , Rating: 2
I've had a HP tm2 that can play Starcraft 2 for the past 2 years. It has a dedicated GPU, but one weaker than today's integraded Intel GPUs.

But I've not played starcraft 2 on it because playing on my 46" TV is more comfortable.

I have however played Eve Online (in laptop mode so I use the keyboard for chat, have my drones attack/return and ctrl+a to select all loot), Civ 5 (in laptop mode so I can use the keyboard for easier 'end turn') both with the stylus instead of the touchpad. Had it a couple of programmable buttons on the bezel, it would have worked perfectly in slate mode (screw chat, lol).

I have also played LoL and Diablo 3 on it, with an additional mouse. Had its stylus a more convenient 'rightclick' button, as opposed to the current one that needs to be pressed and the pen needs to touch the screen at the same time to register, was small and hard to press, it would have worked with the stylus too. The number of bezel buttons I'd need to drop the keyboard here would be 4-6 at least though, so its a bit more tricky.

I also played Dragon Age 2, using the stylus for mouselook and the keyboard for movement and stuff... no amount of bezel buttons can help here I'm afraid.

I have no illusions, there will always be some games unfit for touch input. All hail bluetooth keyboards and mice. But a good deal of games can also fit it perfectly if the developers cared to consider the option.


Kindle Fire Competitor?
By leviathan05 on 6/15/2012 12:47:23 PM , Rating: 3
Other sites are churning out the rumors that this new device will be a pairing between Microsoft and Barnes and Noble to rival the kindle. If so, most think it will run off a variant of Windows Phone OS and not compete with any RT or Win8 tablets.




RE: Kindle Fire Competitor?
By kleinma on 6/15/2012 1:21:12 PM , Rating: 2
Seems odd they wouldn't have Nokia make it. Even if nokia is a phone maker first, they certainly could scale a lumina like device up to tablet size.

Hell with the way Nokia's stock is projected, MS could just buy them right now for pennies on the dollar, and still not alienate OEMs. OEM's don't seem ready to dump android, even though Google bought Motorola.


RE: Kindle Fire Competitor?
By Arsynic on 6/15/2012 1:34:40 PM , Rating: 2
Other sites aren't telling you that Microsoft will open up Microsoft Store boutique stores inside Barnes & Noble. This isn't a one-way relationship. B&N gets a big tech partner and gets out of the software business and MS gets a big retail partner and gets out of the retail business.


Hurr Durrr
By dew111 on 6/15/2012 1:41:22 PM , Rating: 2
WRONG. The invitation to the press event had a windows phone with a picture of an APOLLO launch as its background. How much more obvious could it get?




RE: Hurr Durrr
By datdamonfoo on 6/15/2012 1:52:00 PM , Rating: 3
Hurr Durrr, that is for a separate event a few days later.
This is an entirely new and unknown event.


RE: Hurr Durrr
By corduroygt on 6/20/2012 2:38:50 PM , Rating: 2
Time for you to take a yearlong vacation from DT:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=24524...


Android
By damianrobertjones on 6/15/2012 12:44:28 PM , Rating: 2
"Aside from success another concern for Microsoft is that its plan might alienate third party tablet makers."

I wouldn't worry about that as they were QUICK to jump all over Android so they can jump!




RE: Android
By fteoath64 on 6/16/2012 7:14:33 AM , Rating: 2
"I wouldn't worry about that as they were QUICK to jump all over Android so they can jump!"

Jump using what ?. A heavy-weight OS like Win8 or a super lightweight (non-multitasking) OS like WP7 ?. Whatever CPU choices are, what is already available in the market : SnapDragon S4, OMAP, Tegra3 or a Chinese ARM derivative ?. If they could really do a Courier device using Win RT (superlite), it might be impressive. Other than that, they had no chance in the normal tablet market. A hybrid laptop is the only hope for Win8. That is pretty much it. Surprise us MS!!!. {Promise, we would not laugh, trying desperately not to.}


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