Windows 8 hasn't arrived yet, and it's already hitting problems. The launch of Microsoft's own Microsoft Surface seems to be killing the prospects of other tablets running Windows 8 RT.
Other manufacturers have to fork over licence fees to Microsoft to use Windows 8 -- fees Microsoft doesn't have to pay itself, of course. That means it can charge the same or less than rival tablets, which will have tighter profit margins. Faced with that choice -- and potential bugs with the new software -- other manufacturers are turning their noses up at Windows RT.
Windows 8 RT is the version of Microsoft's next-generation software designed for tablets. It's a lighter version of Windows 8, which can be run on low-power ARM processors from Nvidia, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments, commonly found in mobile devices.
The alternative to Windows 8 RT is the full version, running on tablets that use more powerful Intel chips. One major difference between the two is that the Intel-based system has more backward compatibility. Without a wide base of manufacturer support, software developers may shun RT in favour of its big brother. Click here for our guide to the different versions of Windows 8 in the pipeline.
HP, for one, is reported to have scrapped its Windows 8 RT tablet. Bloomberg reports HP will instead focus on full-blown Intel x86-powered Windows 8 slates.
Our buddies at CNET in the US also report that manufacturers are concerned there'll be technical problems with Windows 8 RT devices. Nvidia makes the chips in the Surface and has plenty of experience with Windows, but other chip-makers may face early bugs. Whether that's related to the chips, the software or the hardware is unclear.
Does Windows 8 RT have a future? Will you buy a Surface or any Windows 8 tablet? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 14
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anonymous 2 July, 2012 10:22
Rubbish. Microsoft's competitors just need to find their niche. Just because Microsoft is showing that Windows 8 will be great in a tablet doesn't mean other manufacturers can't do the same in their own way - if they choose to do so.
Microsoft makes mice, keyboards, webcams, all sorts of software. That doesn't stop people from competing against them.
As for the price thing ("Microsoft doesn't have to pay itself a licence for the software"), I would expect that the profit centre for tablets will have to pay a market-comparable price for the OS. That's certainly how I'd run things.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 11:01
It's time for a real Asus Transformer Prime running Windows 8 to hit the market. It will sell big and change the market forever.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 13:18
It does not make sense to buy so expensive tablet, since we have other better choices.
For lower prices = Android tablets.
For quality = iPad.
Where is the Windows tablet on that?
anonymous 2 July, 2012 13:58
is cnet a microsoft hater?
anonymous 2 July, 2012 16:32
There is no such a thing as Windows 8 RT. It is Windows RT. It is not Windows 8 at all, absulutely different.
anonymous 2 July, 2012 16:40
Well look at windows 7 and the different, more powerful versions? Doesn't seem much different. If other manufacturers create bigger and better tablets then I can see this being huge, Windows is on Xbox, loads of computers and laptops, Imagine; the power of a console and a running PC which means a ton of compatibility. Manufactures need to just create devices like they do with laptops and computers and Microsoft will start to have more of an influence.
Mark Anderson 2 July, 2012 17:30
"Where is the Windows tablet on that?"
Probably running 90% of all corporate tablet applications and installation in the next three years.
anonymous 3 July, 2012 06:44
"anonymous 2 July, 2012 13:18
It does not make sense to buy so expensive tablet, since we have other better choices.
For lower prices = Android tablets.
For quality = iPad.
Where is the Windows tablet on that?"
How about:
For Functionality = Windows tablet.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 12:40
The Xbox360 is *not* running Windows of any kind. What a bizarre notion!
anonymous 4 July, 2012 12:46
Oh great, thanks for using a broken CAPTCHA system, CNet. My apologies to everyone else for the unknowing spam.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 19:58
Very biased article based only on speculation. Is there an agenda in there somewhere?
anonymous 5 July, 2012 11:14
Cnet is very bias'd
oldman 16 July, 2012 21:46
How about:
For Functionality = Windows tablet.
What Window RT functionalities are Android 4.1 or IOS 6.0 missing? I believe that both Android 4.1 and IOS 6 have more tablet functionalities, more choices and far more applications than Windows RT will have. It should be noted that x86 applications will not run on RT tablets. Even existing Windows phone 7.5 applications will not run on RT tablets. HP is not stupid. Only fanboys will likely pay more for less.
anonymous 25 July, 2012 15:48
"Microsoft doesn't have to pay itself a licence for the software"
Is unlikely to be the case in reality, as any large business will tell you items like that will be cross-charged - and also, if they didn't they would likely face questions of competition.