Microsoft to unveil iPad rival next week - report

Microsoft is set to reveal a new tablet device to rival the iPad, a new report suggests.

The Microsoft-manufactured tablet will be unveiled at a secretive event scheduled for this Monday, 18th June at 3.30pm Los Angeles time (11.30pm UK), a source told The Wrap.

The tablet will run Windows RT, a tablet-based variant of Windows 8 that only supports software available through the Windows Store. This currently excludes third-party web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox.

It's likely the tablet will also make use of SmartGlass, Microsoft's streaming service offering interactivity with other Windows-based devices and Xbox.

Microsoft plans to fully launch Windows 8 for PCs and tablets later this year.