The eagerly anticipated Windows 8, as well as the Microsoft Surface tablet's release date could be as early as Oct. 26, according to a series of new reports.

Microsoft will hold a press event on Oct. 25 in New York City where it is believed the new operating system will be unveiled.

If rumors are correct Microsoft will then release both Windows 8 and the Surface tablet on Oct. 26, according to The Verge.

A number of holiday pop up shops have been organized to open across the nation on Oct. 26 to help show off the tablet and new operating system to consumers, and hopefully see big interest in the latest tablet offering to hit the market.

The Surface tablet features a 10.6-inch display, Windows 8, Gorilla Glass, a built in kickstand, as well as a tactile multi-touch keyboard.

Microsoft have not as yet announced an official release price for the tablet, although it is widely expected to be from $199. It is believed Microsoft will attempt to undercut its rivals with the bargain price, which is well below other leading full sized tablets, such as Apple’s iPad, as well as the Kindle Fire HD and the Barnes and Noble Nook.

The Windows 8 will also launch with a Windows 8 as well as a Widows 8 Pro version.

An ARM version will be released which will look to unify the use on desktop computers with tablets and smartphones. It is planned to be a direct competitor for Apple's iOS and Google's Android.

Tags: tech technology