The news is confirmed in an annual report filed by the software giant with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which states,"The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices." The Surface Pro version, will however, launch 3 months later as stated earlier by Microsoft.
As far as pricing is concerned, nothing is official yet. Speculations continue to do the rounds with some suggesting $599 for the Windows RT model and $999 for the Windows 8 Pro version.
Microsoft says, "Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC."
It would be interesting to see how Microsoft's venture into the tablet market pans out for the company as it competes with Apple's iPad and the more recently launched Nexus 7 tablet from Google.
Visit our gallery for more pictures of Microsoft Surface.
Microsoft Surface in pictures
Windows RT version of Surface
Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
Weight: About 1.5 lbs. (676 grams)
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Screen: 10.6 inches (diagonal) with ClearType HD Display
Connections: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae (for wireless communications)
Storage options: 32 GB and 64 GB
Extras: Runs Office '15' Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case and Stand
Availability: 26 october 2012 (Alongside release of Windows 8)
Windows 8 Pro version of Surface
Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
Weight: About 2 lbs. (903 grams)
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Screen: 10.6 inches (diagonal) with ClearType Full HD Display
Connections: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae (for wireless communications)
Storage options: 64 GB and 128 GB
Extras: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block, VaporMg Case and Stand
Availability: Three months post Windows 8 launch
For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.