A high-ranking executive from Nokia Corp. has promised to release a tablet running Microsoft Corp.'s Windows 8 operating system already in the middle of next year. While a Windows 8-based tablet has been expected from Nokia for some time now, the launch timeframe seems to be uncertain as the next-gen operating system is reportedly due in August, 2012.

"In June, 2012, we will have a tablet running Windows 8 [operating system]," said Paul Amsellem, the head of Nokia France, at a Nokia Lumia launch event, reports Lesechos web-site.

Although Nokia's Windows 8 tablet plans have always been a secret de Polichinelle, this is the first time when Nokia officially confirms plans to release such a device and even mentions a launch timeframe.

Microsoft Windows 8 will support both high-performance x86 and low-power ARM microprocessor architectures, which means that it will be able to provide the nearly full Windows experience on ultra-portable devices and even run certain Windows applications. Microsoft specifically does not allow to use Windows Phone operating system on tablets claiming that the latter should have the same feature set as desktops or notebooks. In general, if Nokia wants to keep its strategy aligned with Microsoft, it should use Windows 8 for its tablets.

Based on unofficial information, Microsoft plans to release its Windows 8 operating system in August, 2012. It is unclear whether Nokia mentioned production schedule for its tablet, or Microsoft has rescheduled the launch of its OS or there is a misunderstanding between the two companies.

Tags: Nokia, Microsoft, Windows 8, Windows Phone