While Microsoft is still to reveal launch dates of their upcoming operating system, this is the first indication of it's availability time frame.
Samsug's PC group head, Nam Seong Woo has also revealed that the current Series 7 owners will receive an update to Windows. Pricing of the update was not mentioned.
While the new tablet will likely share the outer apperance of the Series 7 device, Samsung is planning to take advantage of the new features offered in Windows 8, like the UEFI firmware and motion sensors. The processor and memory will also be updated to make use of the instant on feature and the battery improvements.
Slate devices dont makeup much of Samsung's tablet portfolio which is currently dominated by Android tablets. Compared to the expensive and powerful Windows 8 Slates, I am sure we will see some ARM powered Windows 8 tablets join the lineup of Samsung devices in 2012.
source - Bloomberg