Could Microsoft be taking on Apple’s iPad, or perhaps the mighty Kindle?
Most of the rumours making their way around the internet about Microsoft’s mysterious announcement seem to be focused on a tablet to rival iPad. But with Microsoft and Barnes & Noble forming a ‘strategic partnership’ back in April, the rumour mill is now chugging out stories that it’s more likely to be a rival to the Kindle that’s revealed at today’s event.
The partnership saw Microsoft investing $300 million into Barnes & Noble’s digital business.
“Our complementary assets will accelerate e-reading innovation across a broad range of Windows devices, enabling people to not just read stories, but to be part of them,” Andy Lees, president at Microsoft, said in a statement released at the time.
PCR reported last week that speculation indicated that Microsoft would be revealing a tablet featuring its own Windows Store, implying that it could be planning to take on the iPad and Apple’s App Store.
Channel News Australia has reported that some Australian retailers have already been briefed on the device, which is being positioned as ‘Built for gaming’, ‘Awesome entertainment’ and ‘perfect for work’ - not much of a give-away there then.
Whatever it is that Microsoft end up announcing, PCR will be reporting on todays press event, which takes place at 11:30pm BST.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...e-rival/028524