Microsoft reportedly unveil several new tablet computers next month at the CES 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The information comes from The New York Times, who cites “people familiar with Microsoft’s plans.” The tipsters indicate that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will apparently announce various tablets by many manufacturers such as Dell, Samsung, and others when he delivers a keynote at the event.
The Samsung tablet is said to be “similar in size and shape to the Apple iPad, although it is not as thin. It also includes a unique and slick keyboard that slides out from below for easy typing.” The machine is rumored to run Windows 7 when in landscape mode. It will also feature a unique layered interface that only appears when the machine is either held in portrait mode or the keyboard is hidden.
“The company believes there is a huge market for business people who want to enjoy a slate for reading newspapers and magazines and then work on Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint while doing work,” said one of the sources.
Microsoft is apparently encouraging partners to develop HTML5-based application, which will be distributed by the partners themselves on their websites and highlighted through a search interface on the tablets. There will not be an application store.
Ballmer is also rumored to show off a Windows 8-powered tablet and other companion devices at the event.
via Erictric