14 DAY TRIAL // Windows RT devices are far from becoming fierce Android and iOS rivals, and the first effects are now starting to show up.
Asus is no longer planning to develop Windows RT products, claiming that sales of the existing devices running Microsoft’s tablet-oriented operating system are not at all encouraging.
Asus Chairman Jonney Shih said in an interview with AllThingsD that people were still using traditional desktop apps, so Windows RT couldn’t be a successful platform on the short term.
“The result is not very promising,” he was quoted as saying, while also adding that he wants his company to focus solely on devices running the full version of Windows 8 Pro also supporting desktop apps. “My personal opinion is the 10-inch may make more sense,” he added.
At the same time, Shih explained that Microsoft made a really big mistake when it decided to remove the Start button from Windows 8, pointing out that users actually need such a feature for a more familiar working environment.
Microsoft has been obsessed with the Start screen ever since Windows 8 was officially unveiled and even though it has no intention to restore the classic Start Menu, it actually brought back the Start button in 8.1 Preview.
Users, on the other hand, are still calling for Microsoft to bring back the Start Menu in the next Windows iteration, pointing to all those third-party apps that could restore full functionality of the operating system.
As far as Windows RT is concerned, Microsoft seems very keen to continue improving it, so the 8.1 update cycle also packs several changes aimed at the tablet operating system.
In addition, the Redmond-based tech giant is working on a second-generation Surface tablet that would be equipped with the RT version of Windows 8.1 and would be specifically aimed at competing with the iPad mini and Nexus 7.