Rumour: Microsoft Preparing Its Own Tablet To Compete With Apple iPad

Sends out press invites for a "major announcement" on 18th June in the US. 

Microsoft has been reportedly preparing its own tablet in a bid to enter the lucrative market, currently dominated by Apple. The software giant has been known for its operating systems, and the latest amongst them is the upcoming Windows 8 and Windows RT for tablets. It has so far shied away from becoming a manufacturer itself, unlike Apple, who makes its own software and markets hardware via OEM, under its name. Microsoft seems to have realised that it's time to emulate its rival's strategy by pitting its upcoming tablets against the iPad. Google has also been earlier rumoured to be foraying into the tablet arena, by readying its own offering in collaboration with ASUS, which is scheduled to launch by the end of this month.
To further fuel rumours, press invites were sent out by Microsoft for a media event to be held in LA on 18th June, where it will make a "major" announcement. Industry sources have indicated that ARM-based tablets running Windows RT may be unveiled. However, it could as well be the launch of the company's first branded tablet(s). Microsoft has been known to observe a strict policy for device hardware requirements as far as Windows Phone 7 is concerned, and making tablets itself is possibly the best way to protect the devices against fragmentation.