Windows 8 for tablets as early as 2012?

Microsoft is set to introduce a new version of Windows for tablet computers in 2012, according to a Bloomberg report. 

Citing "people with knowledge of the plans", the report claims that public testing for the new operating system will begin by the end of the year.

Windows 8 for desktop PCs is expected significantly after this period but a leaked Dell roadmap pointed to a Windows 8 tablet in early 2012. 

On Monday Business Insider report quoted Microsoft sources claiming that the software giant is set to demo a new Windows 8 design for tablets as early as June this year.

It’s not clear if the mobile operating system is operating to the same timescale as the desktop PC version but Microsoft has unveiled that Windows 8 will be capable of running on ARM processors.