With Microsoft's enigmatic media event fast approaching on Oct. 25 -- likely the unveiling of its new Surface tablets - many consumers are beginning to wonder why the company isn't busy generating excitement for its latest products. Today, new research findings echo that sentiment. The time for Microsoft to strike couldn't be much better. Apple's iPad has lost 29 percent of its share of the tablet market over the last year due to the introduction of new lower-priced tablets, according to a report from Pew Research Center.