HTC WP 8X (HTC)

HTC could demonstrate 7-inch and 12-inch tablets as early as January, according to a report.

HTC is developing a 7-inch Windows RT tablet that can also be used to make phone calls. The news, first reported in Bloomberg, suggests that the device, which would be the first small form factor tablet to run Microsoft's RT operating system, could be unveiled as early as January at CES in Las Vegas.

Although exact specifications are currently unclear it is believed that the tablet would use a Qulacomm processor to balance power with battery life and that HTC is also in the process of developing a similar 12-inch tablet that would also run Windows RT.

The news follows reports earlier in the week that Nokia is also set to release its own Windows RT tablet. According to Bloomberg Microsoft is anxious to get more Windows-powered tablets into shops and stores around the world in order to compete with market leaders Apple and Google.