14 DAY TRIAL // By now, users will already know that the Microsoft Windows 8 operating system will support ARM and will work on tablets, but it looks like there might be some friction with the hardware makers themselves.
When Microsoft announced that Windows 8 would support the ARM processor architecture, speculations immediately sparked about the implications this has for the tablet market and, of course, the PC industry as a whole.
Turns out, however, that the software company might end up having tensioned relations with some other players, if it doesn't already.
Apparently, Microsoft has been laying down some pretty strict guidelines and design conditions which could lead to a lack of variety.
The goal of this is to ensure that the software runs smoothly on all models, especially since the OS may be optimized for certain software.
The other effect will be a faster rate of product releases which, while likely not on par with how often new phones get unveiled, will allow both the hardware and software to keep consumer interest piqued.
No specifics were given as to exactly what restrictions the outfit has dictated, but they might lead to a lack of slates with more modest specs, hindering the rate of adoption among the bulk of the consumer base.
“They are really controlling the whole thing, the whole process. Chip suppliers and PC makers all feel it is very troublesome,” said J.T. Wang, the chairman and chief executive officer of Acer, in an interview.
Of course, existing tablets, most of them running the Android OS, aren't particularly affordable either, with $500 as the preferred mark.
Nevertheless, just what will come of the Windows 8 tablet market will become clear once the OS itself actually gets released, since the company did not comment on the report.
Until then, it and the actual developers of slates will just have to sort things out as best they can.