Microsoft's mysterious "major announcement" scheduled for Monday, June 18 in Los Angeles, California, has had the media buzzing with speculation about what the software giant is up to now. There has been a lot of speculation over the weekend regarding this "exclusive Microsoft media event," and most bets favor a Microsoft tablet to challenge Apple's iPad.
According to a new TechCrunch report on Monday, June 18, all the tablet rumors floating around may have a bit of truth in there after all. Citing "folks with knowledge of the situation," the site reported Microsoft allegedly plans to unveil an entertainment-driven tablet/e-reader developed in conjunction with Barnes & Noble. The device may also include Xbox Live streaming capabilities.
Should this prove to be true, Microsoft's new tablet/e-reader would be aimed more at Amazon's Kindle Fire rather than Apple's iPad. The Barnes & Noble rumor could make sense considering that Microsoft typically relies on OEMs instead of building its own hardware. In addition, the two companies already have a strategic partnership, with Microsoft investing $300 million in Barnes & Noble's Nook business. Under the terms of that agreement, Microsoft grabbed a 17.6 percent stake in a new subsidiary that handles Barnes & Noble's digital and college bookstore business. Moreover, that partnership would also yield a Nook application for Windows 8.
Invites to the mysterious event Microsoft has planned surfaced late Thursday, June 14, sparking immediate speculation that the media event would unveil a Microsoft tablet. AllThingsD reported the software giant would unveil a Microsoft-designed hardware/software combo aimed at Apple's iPad. Meanwhile, Microsoft's recent partnership with Finnish mobile maker Nokia led Wired to speculate the announcement may unveil another collaborative Windows 8 device, perhaps even sporting some unique features to help the new device stand out from other tablets. Others such as The Wrap went even farther, speculating that the new device would be a "Microsoft-manufactured tablet" designed to "put the company in direct competition with giant rival Apple."
Microsoft, however, provided no additional details ahead of the "major announcement." Luckily, we don't have to wait too long to find out. The invitation is for Monday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. PT, with the event itself likely kicking off at 4 p.m. sharp.
