Microsoft Takes B&N's Nook Off Android

Microsoft thinks it has the perfect iPad-killer tablet, and best of all it's already on the market--but under a different name and operating system.

According to the BBC, Microsoft is investing $300 million in a joint venture with Barnes & Noble's Nook tablet. The Nook currently uses Android, but Microsoft will use the new venture to push its tablet-friendly Windows 8 operating system due out later this year. Nook was launched in 2009 to counter Amazon's growing Kindle presence.

"Our complementary assets will accelerate e-reading innovation across a broad range of Windows devices, enabling people to not just read stories, but to be part of them," said Andy Lees, a president at Microsoft.