Steve Ballmer introducing the Surface tablet (cbc.ca associated press)

"The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," Microsoft announced in its annual report, filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The new operating system and tablets are a huge bet for Microsoft; the release of these products is a bid for the company to regain its leadership role in an industry where Apple and Google are progressively setting new standards for computing. 

However, if Windows 8 and the Surface tablet are not moderately profitable, serious doubts may be raised about Microsoft's practicality in the age of the iPad. 

In its report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Microsoft explained that the new operating program’s success will depend largely on the how customers embrace the system’s new user interface and functionality and how well the system runs as a whole. 

Reach Staff Reporter Greg West here.