According to a report by The Wrap, Microsoft is expected to enter into the tablet market with the launch of its very own branded device that will, naturally, aim to compete with Apple’s iPad and its dominance in the market.

While remaining very secretive about the project, Microsoft will be hosting an event in Los Angeles on Monday, at a location that is also yet to be revealed. The invitation sent out to various media read that “This will be a major Microsoft announcement -you will not want to miss it,” while providing no other details.

However, an insider has revealed that it’s at this event, that the company is likely to reveal a tablet both the hardware and software of which Microsoft will be manufacturing itself  ”marking a foray into a new hardware category that would put the company in direct competition” with Apple.

Previously, Microsoft-enabled tablets have been made by Samsung and Hewlett-Packard.

Rumours have also been circulating that the tablet may run on a version of Windows 8 that runs on a  ARM-based processor called Windows RT.