Rumor: HP ditching tablet plans following Surface unveiling

[Shawn Knight]

It seems that Microsoft’s plans to spark interest in Windows 8 tablets by launching their own branded hardware may have backfired in a big way. Microsoft’s largest OEM, HP, has reportedly taken offense to the move and decided to pull out of plans to make Windows-based tablets, according to a new rumor originating from SemiAccurate.

The bad news for Microsoft, if true, is that HP isn’t the only OEM dumping their Windows tablet roadmap; a “whole flock” of partners are allegedly deciding to side with Google’s Android platform instead. This could be a serious blow to Microsoft’s Windows 8 / tablet ambitions.

As the publication describes, Microsoft essentially handcuffed OEMs and ARM chipmakers with a two device per chipset strategy. They also supposedly “worked closely” with these OEMS to help them refine their tablet offerings. As the story goes, once all of this design information had been combed through, Microsoft got to work on their own tablet that utilized only the best features from the OEMs, capitalizing on various weaknesses.

Furthermore, Redmond isn’t subjected to the same two device per chipset limitation and to add insult to injury, they have reportedly raised the price of Windows on Arm RT licenses by nearly three times the cost of a full version of Windows 8.

It remains to be seen if this will actually pan out, but if it’s true and other OEMs follow suit, Windows on Arm RT could essentially be dead in the water.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/49209-rumor-hp-ditching-tablet-plans-following-surface-unveiling.html

 

[spydercanopus]

Serves microsoft right. I thought Windows RT was a bad idea anyway unless it had x86 emulation built in. Why would you abandon ALL the software your platform is built on? Then chop off the Start menu and try to screw your hardware vendors. Microsoft is self-destructing.

 

[Guest]

This obviously just gives a good excuse for HP to save face in front of shareholders and customers alike, as to why they are pulling out of another market. Or does anybody really seriously think that two Microsoft Surface tablets could pose a real threat to any that tablets, other than those that weren't fit for the market in the first place (eg. were overpriced and/or technologically obsolete)?

 

[mevans336]

Anyone remember HP making a single smart decision in the last, oh ... decade or so?

 

[Guest]

The surface was ment as an example of what Microsoft wants windows 8 tablets to be. They are setting the standard for what they expect manufactures to do. They are getting out of the hardware market after this.

 

[Guest]

Hopefully, they will be getting out of the software market after this too!

 

[lawfer]

This rumor is not true. Trust me.

 

[Chazz]

It's nonsense. HP will be building windows tablets, but they will be focusing on x86-business class tablets. They have no interest in ARM atm. Why in blazes would they go to Android, if they said they feel x86 is the best platform for now and the immediate future.

 

[Guest]

3PAR and 3COM were a great decisions by HP...aside from that though, not too many at all.

 

[Jibberish18]

The surface was ment as an example of what Microsoft wants windows 8 tablets to be. They are setting the standard for what they expect manufactures to do. They are getting out of the hardware market after this.

Exactly what I wanted to say. I sort of doubt all of this is true. Do you really think HP and other companies would miss out on a HUGE chance to make tons of profits?

 

[Archean]

Siding with android probably won't take HP much further, as if MS doesn't get things right with its tablet OS/offerings IMHO iPad will take that pie, not android (due to its glaring performance/stability and security flaws). At best it seems to be a rumor, at worst, it may speed up MS's transition to setup like Apple's whereby it will start producing its own software and hardware, leaving others fighting for scrapes.

 

[dcnc123]

Good decision for HP. You need to change your plans.... your devices are made for winter.. generates a lot of heat.... can be a mini heater... hahahaha sorry but that's true