Microsoft is planning on developing the successor to Windows 7, unimaginatively called Windows 8, to be compatible with nearly every device on the face of the earth. According to Digitimes‘ sources, the partnership between Texas Instruments, various Taiwanese OEM’s, and Microsoft will construct a Microsoft self-branded tablet PC that is expected to released by the end of 2012.

Interestingly enough, the only self-branded Microsoft product that has seen its fair share of success is the Xbox 360, while other ventures such as Kin and Zune haven’t shared the same fate. In addition, Microsoft has on a large scale always relied on OEM’s to deliver the Windows OS to consumers through hardware, with the exception of retail Windows CD’s available through retailers. Understandably, the article does state that Microsoft plans on “proceeding on a low profile.” With a release a self-branded tablet, especially from the juggernaut Microsoft, is going to create a conflict of interest between Microsoft and other various OEM’s. As the release of Windows 8 approaches, more news from Microsoft is sure to be released strengthening or dismissing the rumour.

Source Digitimes