Nokia to Offer Win8 Tablet Mid-2012: Report

A Nokia executive recently let slip that next summer the firm will release a tablet computer running Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system.

In an interview with a French newspaper, Paul Amsellem, who heads up Nokia France, was quoted as saying: "In June 2012, we will have a tablet that runs on Windows 8." (Source: fnno.com)

In an effort to reduce speculation and diminish the impact of Amsellem's lip-slip, a Nokia spokesperson later retracted the statement and told the media: "We have not announced any specific plans as it relates to tablets."

Not the First Hint at a Nokia Windows 8 Tablet

Amsellem's unauthorized statement did not prevent a great deal of discussion amongst experts and end-users alike. The big question remains: does Amsellem know what he's talking about? (Source: latimes.com)

Critics suggest he does. They point out that other Nokia executives have also hinted at a tablet of this kind.

In an interview with Bloomberg in early November, for example, the company's chief executive hinted that his firm was working on new devices for the United States market. Many assumed this meant Nokia was trying to deliver either a tablet or possibly a notebook. (Source: businessweek.com)

If the company does reveal a Windows 8 tablet, it would represent a significant departure from the firm's past track record. Nokia has been successful primarily within the smartphone market, with its most memorable departure from that segment being a now-dated notebook called the Nokia Booklet 3G.

Tablet Market Represents New Ground for Nokia

Given Nokia's inexperience in the niche (but rapidly expanding) tablet market, critics aren't sure how Nokia will fare with its new device.

ZDNet's Zack Whittaker recently said he isn't convinced Nokia will be able to "produce a high-quality device in line with some of the more advanced, redesigned and improved-upon tablets already on the market." CNET writer Stephen Shankland shared similar concerns. (Source: zdnet.com)

There's no doubting Nokia is a respected company that has demonstrated enviable prowess in building and supporting quality smartphones.

The main concern of critics, however, is that a company with limited experience in producing computer hardware will likely have difficulty making the transition to a whole new market.