Five top PC makers are all jumping on Microsoft bandwagon as 8 fever intensifies.

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Android darlings Asus, Acer, as well as HP, Dell and Lenovo are all said to be launching W 8 tablets this year, according to Digitimes report.

That’s according to sources close to component suppliers in Taiwan who suggest Microsoft ‘handpicked’ the 5 makers to run 8 on new slew of tablets later this year on Intel’s x86 platform, all of who are currently run Android OS.

Meanwhile Samsung, Sony and Toshiba won’t be releasing its answer to W8 until early 2013 with ARM chip tablets, while Acer and Asus wil pounce again next year with second round of ‘8’ tabs kitted out with ARM processors.

This could be a a worrying development for Google Android, who currently hold just 15% of the tab market here in OZ. 

And sources have also indicated Apple will launch a second 9.7″ iPad later this year, making it a double whammy for tablet king.

If this comes to pass, it means 2012 is shaping up for a major tablet showdown with now three rival OS vying for attention of the consumer- iOS, Android and now Windows 8.

Reports emerging last week indicated October was D-Day for Microsoft’s new platform with its live-tile interface which will run on smartphones, tablets and PCs.

Read: Microsoft Ushers Windows 8 Era In October