Microsoft to Launch All-New Product Today: Report

Microsoft has invited the media to an ultra-secret affair in Los Angeles for Monday, June 18, 2012. Insiders are fairly certain that the gala marks the official unveiling of a Microsoft-endorsed tablet computer, thus signifying the software giant feels ready to take on Apple's iPad.

Officially, the company gave no hints as to what it planned for the occasion. The only information given out in advance to invitees simply mentioned a secretive event being held on that date in Los Angeles at 3:30 p.m.

In fact, those invited were told they'd be kept in the dark as to the event's location until the last possible moment. Those holding an invitation were reportedly asked to expect a last-minute email informing them of where to go for the event. (Source: yahoo.com)

But all that secrecy didn't prevent technology experts from speculating about the event. According to The Wrap, a popular entertainment blog, Microsoft was setting up to reveal a new tablet PC. The device is expected to run on Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 that uses an ARM microprocessor.

Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, Fans of Tablet Form Factor

The Wrap's rumor makes sense to many observers. Less than a year ago, Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer publicly praised ARM chip technology at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

What's more, Microsoft founder Bill Gates has been experimenting with tablet technology for nearly a decade, making the speculation about the event seem almost a slam-dunk. (Source: latimes.com)

Second Not Always a Bad Thing

Naturally, some people believe Microsoft is far too late to enter this particular market, as many tablet enthusiasts likely own an iPad already, and would be hard-pressed to snap up a second, similar device.

But others remember that Microsoft entered the gaming market long after Nintendo had already established itself as a household name. The Redmond, Washington-based company nevertheless managed to turn its Xbox into a multi-billion dollar entertainment franchise.

Some observers caution that this history goes to show that if Microsoft comes up with a better, more efficient alternative tablet, a lucrative market will open up.

Until word of the hush-hush event's actual content is revealed, experts and observers will just have to wait and see what the company has up its  sleeve.