Microsoft has introduced its own line of tablets, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. The new tablet line, named Surface, includes a consumer device aimed directly at the Apple iPad, and another, larger machine designed to compete with lightweight laptops. Both include a keyboard that doubles as a cover, and both will be powered by versions of the new Windows 8 operating system.The move breaks with Microsoft's operating model of the past 37 years, which has relied on computer manufacturers to make and market machines running Windows. It could throw the world's largest software company into direct competition with its closest hardware partners such as Samsung and HP. The new software is the biggest overhaul of Windows in years, and features a new touch-friendly interface dubbed "Metro". It is scheduled to be available for the Christmas shopping season. The lighter, thinner version of the Surface tablet, built on an Nvidia chip designed by ARM Holdings, will be the first to market at the same time as the general release of Windows 8, and will feature Microsoft's popular Office suite of applications. It is comparable to Apple's new iPad, heavier but slightly thinner. It has a 10.6 inch screen and comes in 32GB and 64GB memory sizes.
A Microsoft representative holds a new Surface tablet computer as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a media event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
Microsoft representatives hold a new Surface tablet computer as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a much-hyped press event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
President of the the Windows and Windows Live Division, Steven Sinofsky, holds the new Surface tablet computer during his presentation as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a much-hyped press event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS
Corporate Vice President of Windows Planning, Hardware & PC Ecosystem Michael Angiulo holds the new Surface tablet computer and keyboard during his presentation as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a media event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED
A photographer takes pictures of new Microsoft Surface tablet computers on display at its unveiling in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a media event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
A Microsoft representative scrolls the screen of the new Surface tablet computer as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a media event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
President of the Windows and Windows Live Division Steven Sinofsky holds the new Surface tablet computer during his presentation, as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a media event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE
New Surface tablet computers by Microsoft are displayed at its unveiling in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers on Monday at a press event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS)
President of the Windows and Windows Live Division Steven Sinofsky (L), Corporate Vice President of Windows Planning, Hardware & PC Ecosystem Michael Angiulo and GM of Microsoft Surface Panos Panay (R) hold the new Surface as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. REUTERS/David McNew
A Microsoft representative holds the new Surface as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp unveiled a tablet called Surface on Monday, in a move to rival Apple Inc's massively successful iPad. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS)
A Microsoft representative (L) hands the new Surface to a member of the press as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp unveiled a tablet called Surface on Monday, in a move to rival Apple Inc's massively successful iPad. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY)
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