14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft continues its advertising push for Windows 8.1 devices, so the company today rolled out a brand new advertisement that promotes all-in-ones running its flagship operating system.
The HP Envy Rove 20, Dell XPS 18, and the Sony VAIO Tap 21 are all featured in this new commercial, whose bottom line basically states that a touch-capable device running Windows 8.1 is much better than a Mac, for the sole reason that they have touchscreens.
Of course, this is also another Microsoft attempt to blast rivals, as Redmond sees growing competition from devices such as Macs and Chromebooks, both of which are promoted as affordable alternatives for devices running Windows.
In addition to touch capabilities, Microsoft continues to rely on traditional Windows features, such as support for Office and other apps, in order to promote devices running its operating system, pretty much because most users are still interested in running legacy software on their tablets and laptops.
In a recent campaign launched against the Chromebook, Microsoft stated that Google’s devices weren't real laptops because they can’t run Office, pointing to the mandatory Internet connection as a huge setback for all those who opt for such a device.
Windows, says Microsoft, is the right choice because it provides almost the same functionality in both online and offline modes, allowing you to work on your computer even if you don’t have an Internet connection.
There’s no doubt however that the software giant is aware that Chromebooks are growing in popularity, so the company is now working to bring a new wave of affordable devices to the market to regain the lost market share points.
Word is that Microsoft has already cut Windows licensing fees for PC makers that bring to the market devices with a price tag below $250 (€180), while also adjusting Windows system requirements in order to make it possible to install the OS on low-spec devices.
It turns out that Windows 8.1 Update 1, a major pack of improvements for Windows 8.1 that’s supposed to debut this spring, would lower hardware requirements to only 1GB of RAM memory and 16 GB of storage space, which basically means that a new range of products could deploy it as well and hit the shelves at more affordable prices.
Windows 8.1 Update 1 will launch in April this year and will be offered as a free update for all consumers already running Windows 8.1.