Surface to debut in October

Microsoft has confirmed the Surface tablet will go on sale on the same date as Windows 8 will be publicly released.

In its annual report, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Microsoft says: "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on 26 October 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.”

This is the first time Microsoft has actually officially confirmed the official release date for its tablets, having previously only stated that it would be available around the same time as Windows 8. It is expected that the Windows RT Surface tablets will go on sale on the 26^th, followed by the release of the higher-end Intel-based Surface Pro about 90 days later.

In its annual filing, Microsoft also states: “In fall 2012, we are launching Windows 8... Its success depends on a number of factors, including the extent to which customers embrace its new user interface and functionality, successfully coordinating with our OEM partners in releasing a variety of hardware devices that take advantage of its features, and attracting developers at scale to ensure a competitive array of quality applications.

“We expect to incur substantial marketing costs in launching Window 8 and associated services and devices, which may reduce our operating margins."

software in a product - a strategy that has been a key component of Apple's success.

Following the initial Surface announcement, Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps said: “This product line marks a crucial pivot in Microsoft's product strategy. It blends the Xbox first-party hardware model with the Windows ecosystem model. It puts the focus on the consumer rather than the enterprise. And it lets Microsoft compete with vertically integrated Apple on more even ground.”

Pricing of the Surface tablets is still unconfirmed, with Microsoft saying only: "Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.