Nokia to launch Windows 8 tablet in June 2012

Lumia 800 smartphone also launches today in UK from £26 a month

Nokia is preparing to release a Windows 8 tablet in June next year, according to a senior Nokia executive who revealed the news on the day that the Windows Phone-based Lumia launches in the UK.

Paul Amsellem, head of Nokia France, told French newspaper Les Echos little else about the handset maker's tablet plans aside from the release date and operating system.

Nokia has staked much of its reputation and future smartphone success on the Windows Phone platform, so it should come as little surprise that the company's first tablet will be based on the next version of Windows proper.

Windows 8 has been generally well received thus far, and is being optimised specifically for use on the tablet form factor.

Amsellem was speaking on the official launch date of the Lumia 800, which Nokia will be hoping helps it compete in a smartphone market dominated by Android and iOS devices.

Although fairly late to the game - Samsung and HTC have already released Windows Phone models - Nokia seems to have got a lot right with the Lumia.

We gave it an impressive four-star review, rating it one of the best Windows Phone 7 handsets on the market with a great design, generous screen and decent battery life.

The Lumia 800 will be available from £26 on a contract from Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone and Three. Only O2 has yet to confirm whether it will stock the handset.