We're inching closer to Microsoft's big announcement on Monday, and as is usually the case with situations like these, more rumors surrounding Microsoft's plans have surfaced. While previous reports had claimed that the tablet would be a Microsoft-made slate running Windows RT, sources speaking to TechCrunch claim that the company is actually planning to team up with Barnes & Noble to announce a tablet/e-reader device. The actual details of the product are unknown, but another of the site's tipsters claim that it could feature Xbox Live streaming support.
Microsoft and Barnes & Noble have been legal opponents in the past, the two companies announced they they'd be coming together to form a partnership in a Barnes & Noble subsidiary dubbed "Newco." Many of the finer details on that alliance have been a mystery since, but if this latest rumor holds true, Monday could finally shed some light on exactly what the two companies have been up to. Barnes & Noble has already released some tablet/e-reader style devices in the Nook Color and Nook Tablet, but it'll be interesting to see what the bookseller and Microsoft can create when working together, especially if Xbox Live streaming services end up being included. Thankfully we don't have much longer to wait, as the announcement is scheduled to take place a 3:30 p.m. Pacific. Whatever Microsoft ends up showing off tomorrow, you can be sure that we'll pass along the details, so stay tuned for more.
UPDATE: Barnes & Noble spokespeople have told both Benzinga and The Verge that the book retailer is not a part of Microsoft's announcement today.
Via TechCrunch, Benzinga, The Verge
