Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store

1. Windows
8
Tablets
–
A
Look
at
What’s
in
Store
©
TechAhead

2. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Microsoft’s foray into the tablet market is not new. Ever since the launch
of the Windows XP tablet over a decade ago, there have been several
newer versions of the Tablet PC, including those that ran on Windows
Vista and more recently, Windows 7. While these tablets have worked
more like a light portable PC, the resounding success of devices such as
the iPad and android based tablets such as Samsung Galaxy Tab that
run on ARM based hardware has pushed Microsoft towards keeping up
with this trend. The new Windows 8 Tablets, which are scheduled to be
launched in the last quarter of 2012, will be based on ARM. Interestingly,
it will coincide with the launch of Windows 8 that will run on both ARM as
well as x-86 based machines from Intel and AMD.
©
TechAhead

3. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Sceptics predict that the Windows 8 Tablets may not survive in a
marketplace that is already overrun by iOS and android based devices.
However, a point that cannot be ignored is that Microsoft has the largest
reach in the PC segment with the majority of desktops and laptops
running on Windows software. Hence, with a good price and features
strategy, it could well give the competition a run for their money. Here is a
look at what can be expected from Windows 8 Tablets.
©
TechAhead

4. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Architecture
Moving away from the conventional AMD and Intel chips, the Windows tablet will
run on ARM architecture. While this will mean a lighter, more portable device
with the tap and swipe feature that is so popular in the iPad, one of its
disadvantages is that traditional Windows software will not work on it. Windows 8
tablets will require special apps to be written for it.
Operating System
The Windows 8 tablets will feature the new Metro interface that currently runs on
the Windows 7 phones. While users give it a high rating, at present, it faces
several challenges on account of price and app selection. However, once this is
sorted out, it could pose serious competition to iOS and android.
©
TechAhead

5. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Choice of Devices
Unlike the iPad, which allows users to choose only between different versions of
the same device, with Microsoft’s multi-vendor policy, there will be a range of
Windows 8 devices from hardware partners such as Nokia, Samsung, Lenovo,
ASUS, Dell and HP, among others. This would mean a wide range of designs and
hopefully, competitive prices, making it more accessible for the average consumer.
Windows
Unlike the iPad, which can only open and run a single app at a time, by allowing
the use of multiple screens, Windows 8 tablets would allow users to view more
than one screen simultaneously. This would be a convenient feature while using it
for work, such as reading on one screen and writing on the other.
While the above features are guaranteed with the launch of the new Windows 8
tablets, there are several unknown factors that could play a part in the success or
failure of these devices.
©
TechAhead

6. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Dual Mode functionality
One of the features where Windows 8 devices could beat the iPad hands down
is if they offer the fun filled tap and swipe features of a personal device along
with a professional interface for business use. By offering a range of dual mode
devices, Windows could gain significant market share from the iPad, which has
its limitations as a business device.
Sky Drive
Microsoft has plans to integrate the availability of all content through Sky Drive,
making everything accessible from anywhere, irrespective of the kind of device
used. This would be a major advantage for Windows 8 tablets, if it does come
into play sooner rather than later.
©
TechAhead

7. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Syncing between devices
If Windows 8 devices come with the facility of syncing content using Bluetooth or
Wi-Fi between other devices that run on Windows, such as a home PC or a
Windows Mobile, users would benefit significantly as it would not require
investing in additional hardware.
Availability of apps
At present, iPad and android devices have the largest number of apps made
specifically for them. Whether Windows 8 will see the same pattern is largely
dependent on the success of the device, and the number of units sold. However,
businesses can’t afford to ignore the prospect of reaching out to the existing
Microsoft customer base that might invest in these devices if they come with
convenient features such as cloud storage and inter device syncing.
©
TechAhead

8. Windows 8 Tablets – A Look at What’s in Store
Clearly, there is a lot of excitement in the market about the upcoming launch of
Windows 8 tablets. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will offer features
that set it apart from Apple rather than trying to copy the offerings on the iPad.
Of course, a lot will be dependent on Microsoft’s hardware partners, especially
in terms of the design and the prices of these devices. However, considering
Microsoft’s success in the PC market, if it gets its act together, it could upset all
forecasts and gain leadership of the Tablet market over the next decade.
©
TechAhead

9. Summary: Windows 8 Tablets – What to Expect
Architecture ARM
based
Opera<ng
System Metro
(same
as
Windows
7
phones)
Device
design
and
Mul<-­‐vendor
devices
from
manufacturers,
including
Nokia,
features Samsung,
Lenovo,
ASUS,
Dell
and
HP,
among
others
Func<onality Windows
feature
that
lets
two
screens
to
be
viewed
simultaneously
While the industry and the world wait for the arrival of the Windows 8 devices, for
businesses, now is the time to consider having apps compatible for the new
platform. At TechAhead, we have designed Metro style apps for clients on
Windows 7 and are geared to meet the challenges of designing apps for Windows
8. If you have a windows mobile app development requirement, write to us
at info@techaheadcorp.com for a FREE 30-minute no obligation consultation with
our mobile experts ($200 Value).
©
TechAhead

10. Thank
you
Reach
Us:
www.techaheadcorp.com info@techaheadcorp.com
www.facebook.com/TechAhead www.twiNer.com/TechAhead
©
TechAhead