It will help the OS successfully enter the tablet PC market

Aug 11, 2012 13:31 GMT  ·  By

Redmond-based software giant Microsoft is not the only company who believes that the recently unveiled Surface tablet would be a good thing for Windows 8.

Chip makers also believe that, even if OEMs are not that happy with the launch of this device, since it will land on shelves as a direct competitor for their tablets.

However, it appears that Microsoft actually had to launch its own Windows 8 product to drive interest in the new operating system.

Sources from first-tier chip makers suggest that the Surface tablets represent the means by which Microsoft will have Windows 8 successfully entering the tablet PC market, DigiTimes reports.

When it comes to the traditional PC segment, Microsoft has no rival, but things are completely different when mobile devices are involves, including smartphones and tablet PCs.

Windows 8 smartphones are out of question here, since leading vendors already committed to launching such handsets, but the main issue remains with tablet PCs, which are slowly taking out the notebook market.

Thus, the software giant decided to go for its own Windows 8 slate, in an attempt to provide users with the best possible experience that such a device would have to deliver.

Of course, Microsoft will continue to work with OEMs for the launch of Windows 8 PCs, even if some of them have already expressed their concerns regarding Microsoft’s attempt to enter the hardware market.

Acer was the most vocal when it came to these concerns, but it seems that the company resents only the Surface tablet, and that it will keep on working with Microsoft on the delivery of new devices.

In fact, Acer chairman JT Wang reportedly said earlier this week that the company is actively engaged in the launch of Windows 8, and that it is confident on platform’s success.

He also said that the PC industry is concerned that Microsoft might actually plan on launching more hardware than just the Surface tablet, and that such a move would indeed have a negative impact on both the software company and its OEM partners.

For the time being, however, the Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro-based Surface models are the only two tablets that the Redmond-based company has announced, although rumors on a possible Surface 2 device already started to emerge.