Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, has indicated that Microsoft is “hardcore” about the tablet market and will be launching several Microsoft tablet models later this year to take it on full steam.
At his keynote address during the Worldwide Partner Conference, Ballmer indicated that pushing forward with Windows 7-based slates and Windows phones in the smart device category is a top priority for Microsoft. That announcement could put Google on edge, since currently, the only device in this market they had been worried about was the iPad. And if Microsoft comes out with their own low-cost products reportedly being developed through Asus, Dell, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony, it may be even harder for Google’s Chrome operating system to find traction.