Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers at a much-hyped press event in Los Angeles, marking a major strategic shift for the software giant as it struggles to compete with Apple Inc and re-invent its aging Windows franchise.

The new tablet line, named Surface, includes a consumer device aimed directly at the Apple iPad, and another, larger machine designed to compete with lightweight laptops. Both include a keyboard that doubles as a cover, and both will be powered by versions of the new Windows 8 operating system.

The move breaks with Microsoft's operating model of the past 37 years, which has relied on computer manufacturers to make and market machines running Windows. It could throw the world's largest software company into direct competition with its closest hardware partners such as Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Hewlett-Packard Co.

However, the success of Apple in recent years has underscored the benefits of an integrated approach to hardware and software, and Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said on Monday that the company "didn't want to leave anything uncovered" as it rolled out Windows 8.

The new software is the biggest overhaul of Windows in years, and features a new touch-friendly interface dubbed "Metro." It is scheduled to be available for the Christmas shopping season.

The lighter, thinner version of the Surface tablet, built on an Nvidia Corp chip designed by ARM Holdings, will be the first to market at the same time as the general release of Windows 8, and will feature Microsoft's popular Office suite of applications.

It is comparable to Apple's new iPad, heavier but slightly thinner. It has a 10.6in screen and comes in 32GB and 64GB memory sizes.

A second, heavier tablet aimed at the new generation of lightweight laptops called "ultrabooks", running on traditional Intel Corp chips, will come in 64GB and 128GB models. That will be available about three months after the ARM version, Microsoft said.

The company gave no details on pricing, except that they would be competitive with comparable ARM tablets and Intel-powered Ultrabooks. They will be on sale online and in Microsoft's new brick-and-mortar stores in the United States.

Microsoft shares rose 0.8% in after-hours trading, making up for a 0.6% drop to US$29.84 (RM89.52) in the regular Nasdaq session.

Industry watchers were generally impressed by the devices' specifications, but doubted they were a sure-fire hit.

"I don't see this as an iPad killer, but it has a lot of potential," said Sarah Rotman Epps, an analyst at tech research firm Forrester. "This raises more questions than answers. The story that Microsoft told today was incomplete. They focused on the hardware innovation but didn't talk about the services, the unique Microsoft assets that could make this product amazing."

Contrary to expectations, Microsoft made no mention of integrating content and features from its top-selling Xbox game console, the Skype video calling service it bought last year, or Barnes & Noble's Nook e-reader, its new partner in the electronic books market.

BlackBerry Phone with a Wraparound Display

This BlackBerry concept smartphone includes a wraparound display which allows users to call and send texts on one side of the phone and play games and take photos on the other side.

iPhone 6, with 3D Curved AMOLED Plus Display

This iPhone 6 has 3D sound and 3D display (yes, we mean holograms) which enriches the users experience, may it be Skyping or playing games. With Super AMOLED Plus display, the images will become even richer in detail.

Samsung Galaxy Skin and Philips Fluid

Totally flexible mobile phones which can be twisted and turned without destroying the phone. Roll it into a circle to wear it as a wristband or fold it in to half and store it into your wallet.

BlackBerry Empathy

Social Networking with Emotions. This futuristic design phone takes social networking to the extreme. With the mood ring, users can easy update their Facebook or Twitter status with what they are feeling at the moment.

Sony Xperia Yu

The Sony Xperia Yu features four cameras, each having 5 megapixel digital sensors, which add up and provide the output resolution of 16 megapixels. It is basically a high quality digital camera, which supports a SIM Card. Trade in your DSLR for this baby, anyone?

Sticky Phone

The back of this sticky phone has a curved back to allow it to stick anywhere flat via suction. Use it as an alarm clock or webcam without holding your phone in your hands. In addition, it has a solar panel at the back to charge. Eco-friendly and convenient at the same time.

Packet

The tiny phone is a 5cm by 5cm packet and enlarges to become a full mobile phone. A must have for people with tiny handbags or pants pockets.

Floating Phone

In the future, touch screen phones will be a thing of the past. This touchable phone uses new technology to bring the screen display ‘floating’ above the phone. The entire phone interface can morph depending on what you are doing, whether it is games or sending texts.

HTC Magnesium Phone

Spotting a look almost similar to the HTC Edge, this concept phone is sleek and elegant. But what makes it special is its ultra light magnesium body frame and the additional battery module to keep the phone running long after other smartphones dry their batteries out.

Nokia N-Gage 2

This concept phone is the remake of the hugely popular Nokia N-gage series a few years back. Bringing back the Nintendo twist to the smartphone, this model boasts a classic Nintendo gaming control and touch screen functions.

LG Flutter

When it is closed, it looks like your normal metallic phone. But opening up like a fan, the LG Flutter has a screen that scrolls along its radius. The phone’s keypad is on both sides of the phone enabling users to easily use the phone despite its awkward shape.

Projector Phone

This phone will definitely come in handy for businessman who have to present to clients and are always on the go. Just save your presentation slides in your smartphone and use it as a projector! Saves you the hassle of carrying a projector around or asking your client for assistance.

iWish

Combining the iPhone and the PlayStation Portable, this smartphone brings out the best of both the phone and gaming world. Use the iWish like your normal iPhone, but when you get bored, flick the screen up and get ready for hours of never-ending fun on the phone-console.

Windows Mobile 7

Using the latest technology, this phone get rids of the touch screen and brings you the touchable screen. View your phone as if the display is floating right in front of you. Besides that, check out its slimness!

Magic Stone

Don’t underestimate its size! This small phone comes with 3D hologram graphics and uses the sunlight as a source of energy. It miniature size lets you keep it easily without any hassle.

Samsung Brix

Coming in a brick shaped design, you can fold up the phone into a compact design for normal usage. But when it comes to gaming and watching shows, unfold the phone and let its enormous screen entertain you and your family!

Bracelet Phone

Always leaving your phone behind in office or clubs? With this bracelet phone, wear it on your wrist and never lose your phone again. The design looks simple but it fulfills the basic functions of a mobile phone.

Connext Phone

This flexible smartphone is basically an all in one gadget. Use it as a mobile phone, wear it as a watch and play it like the PlayStation Portable.

Relexer Phone

This phone is mean for all you health savvy people out there. This phone can measure your body temperature and test your body for any abnormal changes. It also reviews the health of the user.

Braille Phone

It is about time companies come out with more phones for the blind and physically disabled. The phone uses Electric Active Plastic technology to raise parts of its surface as Braille does.

Purse Phone

With a strap on the phone, this gadget is perfect for ladies to carry out. Carry it like a purse, handbag or around your neck like a necklace. Who knows, smartphones might be the next big thing in the fashion industry someday.

ZTE Cube Phone

Store it like a rubic cube when not in use. And when you want to use it, just flip it open. With its long screen, users can bet this phone comes with a lot of functions.

LG Helix

Taking fashion into consideration, the LG Helix is flexible and colourful! Wear it as an accessory the next time you leave the house.

Wrist Phone

Another one of the many wrist concept phones designed today. What makes this one special is its elegant white colour and miniature display screen.

Some approximate values are given in the table below regarding to power consumption of the household appliances. The values of power consumption for these appliances might actually be varied from these figures. The consuming power is generally measured in the units of watt-hours. The value of power consumption for any appliance is mostly given on the tags of the appliances. However, it can also be calculated by multiplying the average hours used in a day with the following given values. In this way, value of the power consumption per day in watt-hours can considerably be measured.

Some items for example coffee maker and blender are generally used daily for only the part of an hour. A 600-watt household appliance utilized for 5 minutes per day consumes 50 watt-hour per day. Lower and upper ranges are given for some appliances. Lower limit is considered to be for the technologically developed and more efficient models of appliances. The power consumption for some home appliances is denoted with “NA” which might be due to the non-electric sources.

Appliance	Watts	Appliance	Watts	Appliance	Watts
Central Air Conditioner NA	5,000	Electric blanket	200	Hedge trimmer	450
Electric Clothes Dryer NA	3,400	Shaver	15	Weed eater	500
Oven	3,000	Waterpik	100	1/4” drill	250
Hair Dryer	1,538	Well Pump (1/3-1 HP)	480-1200	1/2” drill	750
Dishwasher	1200-1500	Laptop	60-250	1” drill	1000
Coffee Machine	1,500	Plasma TV	339	9” disc sander	1200
Microwave	1,500	LCD TV	213	3” belt sander	1000
Popcorn Popper	1,400	25” color TV	150	12” chain saw	1100
Toaster oven	1,200	19” color TV	70	14” band saw	1100
Hot Plate	1200	12” black and white TV	20	7-1/4” circular saw	900
Iron	1,100	Stereo	10-30	8-1/4” circular saw	1400
Toaster	1,100	Satellite dish	30	Refrigerator/ Freezer**
Microwave	500-1500	Radiotelephone - Receive	5	20 cu. ft. (AC)	1411 watt-hours/day*
Room Air Conditioner NA	1,100	Radiotelephone - Transmit	40-150	16 cu. ft. (AC)	1200 watt-hours /day*
Vacuum Cleaner	500	LIghts		Freezer
Water heater	479	100 watt incandescent bulb	100	15 cu. ft. (Upright)	1240 watt-hours /day*
Sink Waste Disposal	450	25 watt compact fluor. bulb	28	15 cu. ft. (Chest)	1080 watt-hours /day*
Expresso Machine	360	50 watt DC incandescent	50	Cell Phone - recharge	2-4 watts
Dehumidifier	350	40 watt DC halogen	40	MP3 Player - recharge	.25-.40 watts
Blender	300	20 watt DC compact fluor.	22	* TV’s,VCR’s and other devices left plugged in, but not turned on, still draw power. **To estimate the number of hours that a refrigerator actually operates at its maximum wattage, divide the total time the refrigerator is plugged in by three. Refrigerators, although turned "on" all the time, actually cycle on and off as needed to maintain interior temperatures.
Humidifier	300-1000	CFL Bulb (60-watt equivalent)	18
Video Game Player	195	CFL Bulb (40-watt equivalent)	11
Standard TV	188	CFL Bulb (75-watt equivalent)	20
Monitor	150	CFL Bulb (100-watt equivalent)	30
Computer	120	Heaters***
Portable Fan	100	Engine Block Heater NA	150-1000
Celing Fan	100	Portable Heater NA	1500
Can Opener	100	Waterbed Heater NA	400
Curling Iron	90	Stock Tank Heater NA	100
Stereo	60	Furnace Blower	300-1000
Cable Box	20	Clothes Dryer - Gas Heated	300-400
Clock Radio	7	Well Pump (1/3-1HP)	480-1200

* The daily energy values listed here are for the most efficient units in their class and the information was obtained from Consumer Guide to Home and the General Electric website.