Microsoft Surface RT tablet to launch on 26 October alongside Windows 8

Microsoft has confirmed the RT model of its new line of Surface tablets will be released on 26 October alongside the company's new Windows 8 operating system.

Microsoft confirmed the release in filings made with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier in July.

"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," the report stated.

The RT tablet had been confirmed to arrive alongside Windows 8 when it was first unveiled back in June, though Microsoft had remained tight-lipped on the exact date.

The release date of the higher end Surface Pro, which features a number of upgrades such as a more powerful Intel chip and Digital Ink, remains vague though Microsoft had previously promised it will launch around three months later.

Microsoft's report gave no indication regarding the RT or Pro's price, though unlike Google's new Nexus 7, they are expected to retail in the same top-end price range as Apple's iPad.

The SEC filing indicated Microsoft is expecting to incur significant costs from launching the Surface tablets and is currently uncertain of the devices' chances against Apple's iPad tablet.

"We expect to incur substantial marketing costs in launching Window 8 and associated services and devices, which may reduce our operating margins," read the report.

"Its success depends on a number of factors including the extent to which customers embrace its new user interface and functionality, successfully co-ordinating with our OEM partners in releasing a variety of hardware devices that take advantage of its features, and attracting developers at scale to ensure a competitive array of quality applications."

For a more in-depth look at the two Surface tablets check out V3's quick guide.

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