14 DAY TRIAL // Yesterday we saw Toshiba unveil the first two tablets to arrive with Windows 8.1 with Bing, the Encore 2 8-inch and 10-inch.
But as you might have already guessed, we’re going to see a lot of models running the same OS in the upcoming months, as Microsoft has dropped licensing charges for Windows for product makers manufacturing devices with a form factor below 9-inches.
A recent report relayed to us by the infamous DigiTimes publication, claims Lenovo, Acer and ASUS are all gearing up to roll out Windows 8.1 with Bing tablets in the third quarter of the year.
The sources also point out Android is currently in the spotlight, with iOS-based devices falling back in the shadows. According to them, Android-based slates take up almost 60% of worldwide shipments.
However, the appeal of new business opportunities has drawn brand vendors towards adopting Microsoft’s platform for their new tablet products.
Despite, Redmond’s effort of making the Windows 8.1 platform more and more attractive, the absence of a consistent app ecosystem, combined with Android-based tablets’ low prices, will probably prevent Microsoft from experiencing any significant growth in the department.
Toshiba was first to jump into the Windows 8.1 with Bing bandwagon and now we have to wait and see who will follow suit.