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Surface confirmed for simultaneous launch with Windows 8

In news that should surprise no one, Microsoft has confirmed that its Surface product will launch on the same date as Windows 8.

Craig Simms Special to CNET News
Craig was sucked into the endless vortex of tech at an early age, only to be spat back out babbling things like "phase-locked-loop crystal oscillators!". Mostly this receives a pat on the head from the listener, followed closely by a question about what laptop they should buy.
Craig Simms

In news that should surprise no one, Microsoft has confirmed that its Surface product will launch on the same date as Windows 8.

Microsoft's Surface. (Credit: Microsoft)

The detail was filed in its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to Brooke Crothers at CNET.

The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.

Microsoft appears to be hedging its bets as to the success of its latest operating system, also noting in the report that securing the interest of consumers and developers and launching the right platforms with partners could be a challenge in the face of the dramatic change in direction it has taken.

Microsoft said it expected to "incur substantial marketing costs in launching Window 8, and associated services and devices", which "may reduce our operating margins".