Microsoft next week plans to demonstrate a new Windows-based operating system designed specifically for tablets, according to three separate sources cited in a report by Bloomberg.
Microsoft will reportedly unveil the software’s touchscreen interface, the sources said. The report notes the demonstration could take place at upcoming executive appearances slated for next week. Windows President Steven Sinofsky is scheduled to present at the All Things D conference, while Vice President Steve Guggenheimer will address the Computex show in Taipei.
Windows has struggled to bring a viable tablet software or hardware to market. The company announced that it had scrapped its “Courier” tablet project back in April of 2010, saying it needed all available resources on development of its Windows Phone 7 platform.
Frank Shaw, senior vice president for Microsoft Corporate Communications, released a statement at the time, explaining that technology from the Courier could be used in future projects.
The race to beat the iPad is still on, with Android entries, as well as RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook, failing to challenge Apple’s iPad in any meaningful way. Research firm IDC recently projected that Apple’s slate would retain its 70 to 80 percent share of the global tablet market in 2011.
