7-inch Xbox Surface gaming tablet could be in development

According to a report from The Verge, Microsoft is working on a 7-inch Surface tablet designed specifically for gaming.

The Verge's unnamed sources have reportedly confirmed that the tablet, referred to as the "Xbox Surface" in the tech site's article, will run a version of Windows 8 specifically tailored for gaming.

As far as the so-called Xbox Surface's hardware is concerned, it will purportedly feature a custom-built ARM processor, though that could be superseded by an as-yet-unannounced Intel chip.

The Xbox Surface is also said to be packing some high-spec RAM, and is expected to be manufactured in the same factory as Microsoft's other Surface tablets.

According to The Verge's report, Microsoft has fanned the flames of Xbox Surface speculation by locking down several Xbox-related buildings at its Silicon Valley offices as it ramps up internal testing of the gaming tablet.

Microsoft has refused to comment on the rumour.

However, if the speculation is accurate and the tablet makes it to market, then we may see the Xbox Surface arrive before the release of Microsoft's next Xbox home console.