There were speculations that Barnes & Noble would partner up on a tablet based on Windows RT (which is the version of Windows meant for lower-powered tablets). However, it has been reported that Barnes & Noble will not be a part of Microsoft's event. The rumor began over the weekend and is a sure sign of the anticipation that is felt. Microsoft's "major announcement" will be unveiled at the media event in Los Angeles today, where it is expected to announce a new Windows 8 tablet.

The Barnes & Noble rumors have been pushed to the side, with a statement in an ABCnews article by Mary Ellen Keating of Barnes & Noble saying: "We are not part of Microsoft's announcement today."

Microsoft has not had a competitor to the iPad since Apple released the original version in 2010. Windows 8 is due before the end of the year and has been the company's hope to compete against Apple's dominance in the tablet market. Apple sold 3 million of its new iPads in the first three days after its launch.

While Microsoft hasn't said when you can buy devices with Windows 8 in them, it is announcing an upgrade program for those that cannot wait to buy a computer until after it comes out. Starting on June 2, any person who buys a Windows 7 PC can purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.

The "major announcement," intentionally masked in mystery, is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (6:30 p.m. EDT).

To get more of a background of the story, read Charlene's article here.