Just one year after Windows 7 made its appearance, rumours are surfacing that Microsoft is planning to demonstrate new tablets and companion devices running on the Windows 8 operating system at CES 2011.
Although not expected to arrive until 2012, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has hinted that the software giant is currently developing the next release of Windows, the Windows 8, according to the New York Times. Whether Ballmer will have a product to display at CES 2011 next month seems doubtful, but commentators say he may show off some Windows 8 functionality and other devices as touch improvements on the Windows 7.
The rumoured Slate like tablets are expected to be shown as a head to head with the Apple iPad. Microsoft has been working closely with Dell and Samsung. Many expect the Samsung Galaxy Tab Gloria tablet running Windows 7 may also be shown at CES.
While the company has been dragging its heels in the tablet space and has yet to come up with a competitve product, many industry experts believe the company may make its mark in the tablet arena by pushing forward with Windows 8. However other industry watchers have noted that it took the company three years to launch Windows 7 after Vista.
