Is Samsung using Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) to Challenge Apple Inc. (AAPL)?

As far as the tablet market is concerned, nobody has been able to keep pace with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). Samsung has tried and failed. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has also tried and failed.

With all this in mind, Apple is not in the clear. Sure, its iPad lineup has been a dominating force for many years and it doesn’t appear that Cupertino is slowing down. If anything, the company is going to release its next generation iPad soon enough which is sure to generate plenty of buzz.

What would happen if two companies joined forces to take on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)? This appears to be what we are seeing at the present time with Samsung and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT).

Here is what a recent report by Digitimes had to say:

“South Korea-based Samsung Electronics supplies key components such as panels to Microsoft while developing new notebooks using Microsoft’s operating systems. Samsung can use discounts on panel sales to obtain further cooperation with Microsoft to strengthen its notebook development.”

While Samsung and Microsoft are both involved in this partnership, it appears that Samsung would be the company taking on Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) head to head. They are putting their name on the tablet, but using the Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) to power the device.

This may appear to be an uphill battle for Samsung, as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is clearly out in front at the time being. With that being said, let’s not forget one thing: Samsung has been able to track down Apple in the smartphone market and is now performing quite well when compared to Cupertino.

If Samsung is able to expand its dominance into the tablet market, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds.

Here is another excerpt from the same piece:

“Apple’s strategy of combining platform with hardware has changed the market. This strategy is suitable for Samsung in developing its notebook business, especially after the launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8, which is an operating system that allows Samsung to integrate its tablets, smartphones, and notebooks.’

With Samsung and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) coming together, it will be interesting to see what the future holds. This could mean big things for Samsung, as the company continues to push forward in an effort to overtake Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) across the board.

What are your thoughts on this partnership and what it means to Apple? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.