The M and N of It
Microsoft, along with Nokia, has been carrying the flag when it comes to tablets powered by its modern operating system. The Finnish company joined in the Windows RT fun with the Lumia 2520, its first Windows based tablet, and first tablet period — since the Nokia Internet Tablet line, that is.
Even though the device was met with positive review upon launch (being the first Windows RT tablet to offer cellular capabilities), we have not heard much about its sales performance. We do know, however, that Nokia reportedly cancelled the launch of a smaller 8-inch version.
Long story short, Nokia will be heavily focused on launching its Android lineup of devices, instead of a new tablet. And while the timing of this event ties into Microsoft’s launch of 4G LTE capable Surface slates and a Surface Mini, Redmond will most probably want to save these for BUILD 2014.
It’s All In The Bits
Obviously, one of the biggest reasons why Windows tablet fans were alienated was because the PC hardware industry was playing its dirty game of holding back innovation. PC hardware industry, in this case, largely implies Intel, with its x86 (or 32-bit) Atom processors. Unlike ARM, the x64 technology for Atom processors was almost ready to go around (and after) the time Windows 8 launched. But the chip giant preferred resting on it for another season, and performance of these first generation Windows 8.1 Pro tablets suffered as a result. Suffered, a lot, actually. While substantial improvements have been made in newer Bay Trail processors, Intel is now ready to move to the 64-bit process for its Atom lineup. And hardware vendors are expected to follow suit. There are whispers that at least one OEM is ready to showcase a Windows powered 64-bit slate.
The Rest of the Gang
The usual suspects like ASUS, Acer, HP and Lenovo, once again, seem to be focused on their Android solutions instead of those powered by Windows. But there is a chance that Samsung may pull off a surprise and show off a dual boot device — or maybe even a dedicated Windows slate, as reported. The Korean giant is in an aggressive mood right now, and did everything it could to amaze and dazzle at the recently concluded CES 2014 with a bunch of tablets. There are even early rumors that Sony is preparing a Windows slate, to go with a Windows Phone 8.1 handset. But expecting the company to show a working prototype is probably grasping at straws.
Ultimately the biggest news for Windows tablets at MWC 2014 remains Intel and its 64-bit Bay Trail processors. We may get an early look at a few of these devices at the event. And it just may provide a hint at the Windows-on-tablets landscape, at least until the second half of the year.
Keep an eye out for details on these, starting next week!]]>
All Comments
Great think piece. IMO, Dell is a dark horse in the Windows tablet race. It has been by far the best innovator with both the Venue 8 Pro and the XPS 12. It may not come at MWC but expect another innovative launch soon.
Thanks KeithE, and yeah if I were to take an early guess Dell might be the one the rumors are referring to. Windows tablets just have to take off, and while it has been a bumpy ride up until now, this year and the next hold a lot of promise!
I’m not a certified Dell fan, but I’ve had the pleasure of using several Dell notebooks, and not one has left me down. Besides, the company has roots in the US market, and head in the right place (instead of say, HP).
ASUS and Lenovo comes next, sadly Acer has almost become a nonentity now in the Windows tablet sphere.
Good article. It’s good to see someone tell the truth about Intel and some of these other hardware companies. It needs to be told much more often
Thanks, Ray. Yup, if one has to put a part of the blame on Microsoft for the decline of the PC industry (a tad preposterous, yes), then the bulk of the blame should also be diverted towards Intel.
The chip maker has done nothing of note, and only once shown real hustle in the past decade. The time frame between 2003 and 2005 when AMD gave it a good fight. After winning that fight Intel went back cosily into its shell.
But if you are only providing incremental 10% improvements every year in your CPUs, don’t be surprised if customers only upgrade every 5.