Asus and Acer to launch Windows 8.1 tablets soon
Asus and Acer were among the pioneers in the tablet and notebook industry. Both companies released a series of Windows based tablets, but due to a certain group of factors they were not able to gain many positives from this decision. While Microsoft is preparing the launch of a new improved version of the operating system named Windows 8.1, sources familiar with the matter have revealed for Forbes that Asus and Acer consider embracing the new OS as soon as it is ready.
Sean Yang from TrendForce comments: “In this market is very important to be first, and both companies are always trying to get new OS before anyone else.”
According to Forbes, Acer will release a brand new tablet within its Iconia series, and a replacement of the old Transformer Book T100. The two new tablets will use Windows 8.1. Asus and Acer released their first ultra light laptops (ultrabooks) in 2011, but they brought disappointment because of the operating system limitations. On the laptop market, both companies have been suffering from 2008. They were not able to establish themselves as Samsung, Toshiba and others did.
Another company that could launch a Windows 8.1 based model is Dell. Dell has been suffering for quite a while as a result of the traditional PCs market drop. That’s why the company is desperately trying to increase its share in the mobile market.
Currently, the market share of Windows based tablet is very limited. These tablets account for just 1.7% of the worldwide market where Android and iOS dominate. With Windows 8.1 Asus and Acer will try to get some spotlight. Asus spokesman David Chang says: “This is an opportunity we should explore. We need to see how the users react.”
Source: Forbes