AfterDawn: Tech news

Watch out Microsoft, PC makers are planning a rebellion against Windows with new 'PC Plus' machines

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 28 Dec 2013 9:18 User comments (8)

Watch out Microsoft, PC makers are planning a rebellion against Windows with new 'PC Plus' machines According to Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies, multiple PC makers will stage a "rebellion" against Windows at the upcoming CES event, following another year of falling sales of traditional laptops and desktops.
Dubbed "PC Plus," the new devices will run both Windows and Android simultaneously. "A PC Plus machine will run Windows 8.1 but will also run Android apps as well," Bajarin wrote. "They are doing this through software emulation. I'm not sure what kind of performance you can expect, but this is their way to try and bring more touch-based apps to the Windows ecosystem."



The machines will be able to switch from Windows to Android and back, instantly, most likely with an Android emulator running within its own window allowing for full access to Android apps and games while on your laptop/desktop.

Microsoft alienated PC makers and infuriated consumers when it released its Windows 8 operating system, which interacted great on touchscreen devices like tablets, but worked poorly on traditional mouse and keyboard machines used by hundreds of millions. Microsoft has also seen a surprising rival start to eat at market share, Google Chromebooks. The small, light, cheap laptops have been top sellers on Amazon and other retailers for months now and are big sellers in the education market. Chromebooks have even forced Microsoft to start an anti-Google marketing campaign.

Tags: PC Plus
Previous Next  

8 user comments

128.12.2013 21:25

How about you give us back windows 7 instead.....

228.12.2013 23:23

Originally posted by GryphB:
How about you give us back windows 7 instead.....
..? Windows 7 still exists, you know. Just reformat and install it.

329.12.2013 02:11

It is cool and all but Android is just another touch based OS and is not a fix to the problem. A computer, while able to be a good touch device is mostly used in situations were touch is not needed. I will continue to use Android or windows 8 for what they are best at phones, tablets, or the rare occasions when a computer needs touch. Any other time I will stick to windows 7.

429.12.2013 03:33

seriously... What was Microsoft thinking...

529.12.2013 03:43

Not as big of news as it sounds. I'm sure emulators exist, not that I would want to use one. As lamain commented, the main problem lies with Windows 8 not being ready for desktop use (to paraphrase). This move will only push for more development of the Windows Store, ironically, and Windows 9.

629.12.2013 10:32

If they really wanted to reverse some of the damage of Windows 8 they would customize the GUI to the point that you would think it was Windows 7...adding Android app support is just a gimmick. TW...how is it "Watch out Microsoft" when their goal is to sell more PCs with MICROSOFT operating systems? If they wanted to hurt microsoft they would be selling systems that have Chrome or Linux on them.

72.1.2014 16:09

A preinstalled double boot (OS'es) Computers is the answer. W-8 & Linux. So people can be able to leave behind the monopoly garbage M$ as created. Another iCrap!

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 02 Jan 2014 @ 4:11

83.1.2014 12:00

Originally posted by Bozobub:
Originally posted by GryphB:
How about you give us back windows 7 instead.....
..? Windows 7 still exists, you know. Just reformat and install it.
Not always possible. If you aren't careful choosing the PC or components you use, you are liable to find yourself missing vital drivers and etc.

Comments have been disabled for this article.

News archive