Asus has confirmed at a press event that its Windows 8 ARM-based tablets would hit the markets by the end of this year, as reported by Netbooknews.

It is expected that Microsoft will be demonstrating its new Windows 8 operating system working on tablets at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Windows 8 is not going to be just the x86 based operating system as it will also extend its support for the ARM-based hardware.

Asus Transformer Prime tablet can be plugged into a laptop dock to have a full keyboard for operation as a laptop. Asus Transformer Prime also has an extra 10 hours of battery life when plugged into the laptop dock as it has a second battery inside. With the assimilation of Windows 8, it could become the longest-running Windows laptop on the market for its size and weight.

Windows 8 will contain a new user interface based on Microsoft's design language named Metro. For Metro applications, a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or higher is required. The new Asus tablet has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.

Windows 8 will also have the Windows Store, which is an online marketplace for buying, selling and advertising applications.