Microsoft is planning to launch its own tablet and compete against Apple, Amazon, and Google in the tablet segment, rumors suggest. A few photos of the tablet are already available showing a tablet with an interesting and useful design, unlike Acer’s Iconia design which is rather bulky and useless.
Microsoft hasn’t had much luck in the tablet or smartphone markets with its Windows Mobile and Windows Phone 7 platforms as rivals Apple, maker of the iOS mobile operating system for its iPad and iPhone products, and Google, developer of the Android OS, continue to grow strongly in those spaces.
If Microsoft’s project is indeed real, it may be a hit, since Windows 8 already has the potential to dominate the desktop and tablet segment. What makes this rumor a bit more interesting is that Microsoft hasn’t denied the claim. Instead, the company has issued a far vaguer response: “We don’t have any information to share at this time,” a Microsoft spokesperson has said to this question.
Microsoft’s tablet will run Windows 8 (which is a wise choice) and could hit the stores in 2012, sources forecast. The company has already contacted Taiwanese manufacturers to produce the first tablet series, DigiTimes reported.
Why Windows 8 On Tablets makes sense:
If the tablet runs Windows 8, it means it will have the functionality of a computer, which is a strong point. We just have to wait and see if the tablets autonomy and ergonomics will be anywhere near the capabilities of the iPad.
Microsoft has used its operating system on tablets before, but Windows 7 has not been designed to run on tablet PCs, to put it frankly.
A Microsoft branded tablet would definitely be more successful than a tablet produced by the company’s original equipment manufacturers. And there is even proof to support this statement. Microsoft has used its operating system on OEM tablets before, but Windows 7 has not been designed to run on tablet PCs. As a result, the OEM tablets running Windows have not been too successful because of the OS. On the other hand, a Microsoft tablet powered by Windows 8 will constitute a strong competitor for Android and iOS.
Microsoft now has Windows 8 and the capability of producing its own tablet. If the Redmond company does not launch its own tablet powered by its latest OS, it would simply miss a great chance to increase its revenues. Microsoft could target its tablet to elite consumers, thus rivaling Apple and Google.
A Microsoft branded tablet could annihilate original equipment manufacturers, some might think, but this is not the case. Microsoft could still supply them the OS and launch its own Microsoft branded Windows 8 tablet. Everybody will be happy and consumers will benefit from a larger choice spectrum.
Besides, there is even precedence for this type of practice. Microsoft sells its Xbox gaming console in its own stores and has allowed retailers to sell it too. However, Microsoft officials have not confirmed the rumors yet. We’ll be closely watching any developments in this story.
