writing that Windows 8.1 with Bing will indeed be offered as a freeware. Microsoft has specifically aimed this flavor of its operating system as a free or low cost upgrade for Windows 7 users, as the company wants as many Windows users as possible to switch to the newest version of the platform. The company is also planning to offer Windows 8.1 with Bing to PC makers and hardware companies (with a licensing fee cut to go with it) in order to bring more affordable devices to market. Sure, Redmond is yet to give us the final word on this (or any word, for that matter), but such a decision would come in real handy for many people out there — more so for occasional and infrequent users that do not want to pay the full fee for a license. Plus it comes with the added benefit of convincing Windows XP users to upgrade while keeping Linux in check. If there is a better way of doing all of the above, I know not of it. What do you guys think? Hit the comment box to bounce off your thoughts!]]>
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Seems like pretty sound strategy. Anything to expand the userbase.
Keep Linux in check? That ship has sailed. It’s been checked, checked, checked. The only people still hoping for Linux to be a big deal are Microsoft haters or maybe those who hate both Microsoft and Apple. As for this product. Whatever it takes to get people off XP and 7. It’s just too bad they can’t offer some incentive to stay on the Metro side as much as possible
Looks like I could finally upgrade my remaining win7 pcs to win8.1
Linux too……..
Windows 7 users? I doubt the majority are willing to switch from Windows 7 to a ad supported, yet free, Windows 8. That shouldn’t even be the focus for Microsoft. Windows XP users are where your focus should be. Corporations aren’t the only ones still using it. Tens of millions of regulars are still riding the whale.
There are Windows 7 users who don’t like Windows 8 because they don’t want change or think their productivity or convenience will be impacted by it. But you think if the software has built-in ads they will happily switch to it? There surely has to be some other purpose to ‘Windows 8.1 With Bing’.