Speaking on the radio today, France Télécom and Orange executive Stéphane Richard apparently confirmed that Apple is set to launch its eagerly anticipated Tablet device later this month, confirming at least one specification.

AppAdvice has a translation of the entire conversation if you feel so inclined but here’s the scoop:

Jean-Pierre Elkabbach (the interviewer) : According to Le Point (a french magazine), your partner Apple will be launching a tablet
Stéphane Richard: Yes.
Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: … equipped with a webcam.
Stéphane Richard: Yes.
Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: Will Orange customers also be able to enjoy it?
Stéphane Richard: Of course!, they will actually particularly enjoy it because the webcam will allow live video streaming. It’s a new take on mobile video-conferencing.

Heavily tipped as the next CEO of France Télécom, one would assume Richard would be in the know-how but then it should also have been assumed that she would know better.

Later today Orange UK released an official statement to the tune of:

“These responses in no way reflect Orange’s confirmation of the existence of the rumoured device. The spokesperson was merely confirming that he is aware of the speculation surrounding a launch and that Orange would be delighted to have such a product were it ever to be available.”

Sure didn’t read that way to me.

via MacRumors, images courtesy of nowhereelse