Microsoft to Cut Price of Windows 8.1 By 70% for Makers of Low-Cost Devices?

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Posted February 22, 2014 at 6:58am by Shalom Levytam

Microsoft is dropping the price of Windows 8.1 by 70% for makers of low-cost computers and tablets, reports Bloomberg. The move is an attempt to counter increased competition from Google's Chromebooks and other rivals.

Manufacturers will be charged $15 to license Windows 8.1 and preinstall it on devices that retail for less than $250, instead of the usual fee of $50, said the people, who asked not to be named because the details aren’t public. The discount will apply to any products that meet the price limit, with no restrictions on the size or type of device, the people said.

Sales of the Google Chromebook rocketed in 2013. 1.76 million units were sold compared to just 0.4 million last year. Chromebooks accounted for 21% of all notebook sales, up from a negligible share in 2012, and 8% of total computer and tablet sales, up from 0.1% in 2012.

Microsoft likely hopes that lowering license fees may encourage manufacturers to release more tablets running Windows and more low-cost notebooks to fight off the increasingly popular Chromebook.

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Microsoft to Cut Price of Windows 8.1 By 70% for Makers of Low-Cost Devices?

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Stamps - February 24, 2014 at 9:43pm

Great, when can I expect to run windows on iPad?

sH23 - February 25, 2014 at 8:32pm

I already do. Didn't you get the update? you may need iTunes 10.1.7, but it works great and I don't have to deal with stupid i(uh)OS.

gamerscul9870 - February 25, 2014 at 8:58pm

What's the deal with that when Microsoft messed up what has been improving for so long until now, and drains the style with big squares and all one color? Try the trackpad with it, you'll be so proud.

You're kidding right? - February 22, 2014 at 4:01pm

I own a PBPro and run winXP thru parallels when I have to. Tried Vista, tried 7, laughed at 8 and am sticking to the one they gave up on but, IMHO, the best one they ever produced...

gamerscul9870 - February 22, 2014 at 4:53pm

How? Best of the worst?

gamerscul9870 - February 24, 2014 at 10:15pm

I stay on 7, I don't need to put up with the one color squares and uncontrollable trackpad often taking me to different apps which is a frustration. 8 is made out of no creativity, looks like aol 1996 plain and simple.

Sly - February 22, 2014 at 2:34pm

Ms used to screw people with all their lic programs, it worked in the past where no other solution were on the market. Ms figure to move their sales model as they are forced to, some time like this one, quite late called (can't remember but the opposit of proactive). I think when it will really hurt (if ever) will be the when the corporate market will drops share market numbers. There is so much money related, capacity to pay from them (Exchange mail server, Ms office, sharepoint, ms sql, Desktop and Server Os's...) I have a 60 small print pages of different products and package called Corporated Standing Offer. From my organisation, I never beleave each year the cost we recurlly pay. Much more to say on but just not to extend further would really be who can compete that side will be Ms cancer.

gamerscul9870 - February 22, 2014 at 12:53pm

Lower cost doesn't change a thing for the OS yet they don't ever talk about why it's still a mess in the commercial. Just the same comparing to iPad instead of focusing on holes to patch. New CEO you better do good than Bill Gates ever did.

Js - February 22, 2014 at 11:06am

Something is very off.. More Chromebooks sold than Macbooks in US in 2013? I doubt it. Maybe Google is buying them themselves.

Darius - February 22, 2014 at 10:09am

and what OS are you using?