The industry is buzzing about a report in Taiwanese tech site
DigiTimes about Microsoft considering its own branded tablet. According to
DigiTimes, the tablet would feature Windows 8, debut by the end of 2012, and rely on Texas Instruments and Taiwan-based OEMs/ODMs. According to sources, Microsoft plans to "copy" its branding strategy
from product lines such as Xbox 360, Zune, Kin smartphone and TV, to compete in the tablet PC segment. If true, it would be a significant departure from Microsoft's strategy of building software and
partnering with manufacturers who make PC and mobile phone hardware. As DigiTimes notes, while Microsoft has sought opportunities outside of PC-related markets through branded efforts, success has
been hard to come by. In fact, Xbox 360 is arguably its only hit in this area.