Will tablets running Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 operating system start appearing in retail stores this November?

Tech site CNET cited a source familiar with device makers’ plans who said there may also be other devices running on Windows 8, such as hybrids and convertibles.

“The schedule is tight. Looking at what Windows is trying to achieve not only with a new OS, but a new OS that needs to run four to five architectures – three ARM, Intel, and AMD,” it quoted its source as saying.

It said the source added “more than 50 percent” of the “more than a dozen” designs will be hybrids, combining features of a traditional physical keyboard-based laptop and tablet.

CNET said the Windows 8 devices will tap the upcoming “Clover Trail” Atom chip, Intel’s first dual-core Atom design based on its 32-nanometer process technology.

Meanwhile, CNET said its sources added Intel has a chip called “Bay Trail” in the works, featuring its future 22-nanometer follow-up to Clover Trail.

“It is a gigantic performer, with similar battery life to Clover Trail. It will also have a lot of security features built in and Infineon [3G/4G] silicon inside,” the source said.

Like its predecessor Windows 7, Windows 8 will run on chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices and can run older “legacy” applications.

But another flavor of Windows, Windows RT, will be for devices powered by ARM chip suppliers Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments – and will not run older Windows applications. — LBG, GMA News