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'Major' Microsoft announcement(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) LOS ANGELES -- Microsoft is expected to make a "major" announcement Monday. Speculation about the Los Angeles media event is that the company plans to unveil either a tablet computer or a system that uses an upcoming version of Windows to help people access TV shows and movies across a range of devices. A Microsoft-branded tablet wouldn't come as a complete surprise. In April, Microsoft announced a $300 million, 17.6 percent stake in Barnes & Noble's Nook e-book business. Microsoft Corp.'s next operating system, Windows 8, is designed to run desktop, laptop and tablet computers. PC makers are hoping it offers them a better chance to compete with Apple Inc.'s iPad. Windows 8 is expected to be released in September or October, in time for devices that ship for the holiday season. "This will be a major Microsoft announcement _ you will not want to miss it," the company said in an email invite to the media on Thursday. A company spokesman declined to comment further. The event, set to start at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time (2230 GMT), is being kept under such tight wraps that the company has declined to provide its location until Monday. (c) 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |