HTC May Launch Two Windows RT Tablets in 2013

Smartphone manufacturer rumored to be working on first 7-inch Windows RT tablet.

HTC is apparently working on a pair of tablets powered by Microsoft's Windows RT operating system, according to Bloomberg.

Citing two anonymous sources, HTC is reportedly set to launch two tablets during the third quarter of 2013. One is a 12-inch version, while the other is a 7-inch version that would represent the first time a tablet of that size runs on Microsoft's operating system.

HTC's initial foray into the tablet market didn't last long. The Flyer, which was known as the Evo View at Sprint Nextel and the Jetstream for AT&T, launched when the tablet market was becoming mainstream; it failed to become a commercial success.

The Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer considered a tablet running on the more complete Windows 8 operating system, but decided to not integrate the platform after it realized it would have to charge more money for the product; Bloomberg believes it would have to price the tablets at $1000 to turn a profit.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is said to have met with his HTC counterpart Peter Chou to discuss the firm's Windows Phone plans, as well as the possibility of Windows RT tablets.

Nokia, meanwhile, is also rumored to be working on a tablet powered by Windows RT, which may be announced during the Mobile World Congress in February.