Xbox Surface tablet planned by Microsoft, reports say

Microsoft may be adding a Xbox tablet to its Surface brand. Multiple sources confirmed to The Verge that hardware planning for a 7-inch gaming tablet is underway within the software (and increasingly hardware) giant.

A supposedly leaked document which outlined the specifications of an Xbox Surface tablet were uncovered in June, just before Microsoft unveiled its initial line of Surface tablets. The Verge's sources indicated the specifications remain accurate, with a 1280x720 resolution, a custom ARM processor, and an altered version of the Windows kernel as opposed to a full-scale implementation of the operating system.

The tablet may support messaging and other typical mobile features, but its main focus will be on gaming. Microsoft has apparently locked down several buildings in its Silicon Valley offices to allow for increased testing of the device, which will likely debut before Xbox 720.

A dedicated Xbox tablet would mesh with the Xbox 360's SmartGlass functionality, perhaps allowing for increased communication between individual games on the tablet and console instead of just another screen for interaction.

The Xbox Surface tablet's form factor would put it in competition with Amazon's Kindle Fire HD as well as Apple's iPad Mini. A Microsoft spokesperson said the company does not comment on rumors and speculation when contacted by The Verge.