After several days of secrecy that fueled much speculation, Microsoft revealed its major announcement. The company introduced its variation of the tablet computer.
Microsoft is taking aim at the iPad with a tablet computer it's calling "Surface." It's about the same weight and thickness as the iPad, but with a larger, 10.6-inch HD screen.
Among the unit's distinguishing features are a built in kickstand to prop the unit up as well as a detachable cover that doubles as a keyboard. Front and rear facing cameras are also part of the mix with storage options ranging from 32 to 128 gigabytes.
The new tablet will hit stores in the fall to coincide with Microsoft's release of its new Windows 8 operating system.
One crucial element the company did not reveal is price, saying that will come later and be about the cost of an Ultrabook laptop.
Surface marks a concerted effort by the software giant to make in roads in a hardware realm where it's had mixed success.
One other major element Microsoft did not address about its new tablet is the battery life.
The arrival of Surface comes as Apple's iPad continues to dominate the tablet market, accounting for 6 of every 10 tablets sold.
