Andre Yoskowitz
21 Feb 2014 22:42
Multiple sources are reporting today that Microsoft has taken drastic measures to fend off operating system rivals, most notably Google's Chrome OS.
If accurate, the sources are claiming that Windows 8.1 licenses have been slashed by 70 percent for low-end PC and tablet makers.
For devices that sell for under $250, Windows 8.1 will cost just $15 to have pre-installed, compared to the normal $50 fee. There will be few desktops and laptops that meet this threshold, but there are expected to be a significant amount of tablets.
Interestingly, products under the price threshold will not have to meet logo certification (hardware compatibility verification) and the devices do not even need to be touch-screen compatible.
Any OEM taking advantage of the steep discount will not be eligible for Microsoft's other marketing support and incentives.