A recent TechCrunch report has revealed that software giant Microsoft is developing a tablet - which will focus largely on entertainment - in partnership with Barnes & Noble (B&N).

A number of reports from other sources - including CNET and The Verge - have also substantiated TechCrunch's revelation about the Microsoft tablet, with B&N partnership; with there also being rumors that the tablet will boast the Xbox streaming advantage.

According to the reports, the Microsoft tablet will be unveiled at a Los Angeles event on Monday. The tablet - to be released in conjunction with B&N - will likely run a version of the software company's own Windows 8 operating system of Windows RT. The tablet will mark Microsoft's first computer-centric attempt in the 37 years.

Microsoft's decision to develop its own tablet is apparently an upshot of the fact that the company has, in the past, being depending on other companies to create the hardware for its software. As a result, the software bigwig has lost ground to its rival, Apple, in recent years because Apple manufacturers its own software and hardware.

Microsoft joined forced with B&N in April this year when it made a $300 investment in a new B&N subsidiary which will focus on the company's Nook e-reader. The tie-up with Microsoft will also have B&N including the forthcoming Windows 8 OS into the Nook Digital Book Store.