Ballmer: iPad killer is number one priority

While speaking at Microsoft's annual Financial Analyst Meeting, CEO Steve Ballmer identified "killing the iPad" as one of the company's top priorities. According to media reports, Ballmer was audible concerned about the success of the iPad, which is a sore point for the software giant as Microsoft's own tablet initiatives never really took off.

Developing a Windows-based alternative to the iPad is a "job one urgency" at Microsoft, company chief Steve Ballmer said today during the annual Financial Analysts Meeting. He admitted that Microsoft was uncomfortable with how well iPads were selling and was tuning both its software and hardware partnerships to provide a competitive option. Besides altering Windows 7, it's counting on Intel's Oak Trail Atom platform and plans to push hardware makers "as soon as they are ready."

Ballmer was audibly concerned about Apple's effect and tried to downplay its tablet even as he acknowledged Microsoft needed to participate in the category.

More info at Electronista.