Mircosoft has revealed the price of its surface tablets, which are due for release later this month.

The tablets, which go on sale in ten days time, will start at $499 for 32GB model and go up to $699 for a 64GB model with touch cover.

Earlier today, a product page at the Microsoft store temporarily went live revealing pricing details.

Last week, Microsoft chief executive Steve Mr Ballmer signalled a new direction for the world's largest software company, pointing to hardware and online services as its future, taking a page from long-time rival Apple.

The new approach mimics Apple, whose massively successful iPhone and iPad demonstrated tight integration of high-quality software and hardware and made Windows devices feel clunky in comparison.

Mr Ballmer, who took over as CEO from co-founder Bill Gates in 2000, said the company would continue to work with its traditional hardware partners, such as Dell, Samsung and HTC, but he made it clear that Microsoft's role in the so-called 'ecosystem' was changing.

Additional reporting: Reuters