Posts Tagged "Microsoft Corp"

Why HP, Microsoft killed their tablet plans?

Earlier this year, Hewlett Packard along with Microsoft had unveiled its Windows 7-based tablet device slated for release later this year. The device, called as Slate, was supposed to compete with Apple’s iPad. In March, HP showcased its Slate and claimed that the consumers will have all the basic functions in the device that are absent in the iPad.

Last month, it was reported that the technology giant is planning to kill its tablet PC. Sources added that the company will use Palm’s WebOS in the device, after the acquisition of Palm for $1.2 billion.

Besides HP, Microsoft Corp, the software giant was reportedly working on its dual multi-touch screen tablet PC, dubbed as Courier. Around the same time point, Microsoft also announced to end the never revealed tablet PC project.

Various market experts suggest that the two biggies are actually re-formulizing their tablet plans after studying the success of Apple’s iPad. Here, the feature tries to find the possible reasons for the two biggies to rethink or delay their individual tablet plans.

Apple’s iPad success

Without offering multi-tasking and 3G connectivity, the company sold 300,000 Wi-Fi-only iPads on its first day of availability in the US and one million iPads in just 28 days. Apple said that the demand for the device is more than the supply. In contrast, its famous iPhone took 74 days to achieve the milestone.

It is reported that the company will start delivering the iPad globally from May 28. Further, Apple aims to sell 10 million iPad PCs in the current year. The sales number and the hype validate iPad as a successful product.

Why HP and Microsoft killed or postponed their tablet PCs?

According to channel insiders, HP was reportedly not satisfied with the touch-based capabilities of Windows 7 and also faced some battery life issues. Further, the company has included various features that are missing in the iPad, which raised the price tag of the device. Moreover, the company has acquired Palm recently and Palm’s WebOS can offer a new platform for the company’s Slate device.  It is suggested that the technology giant would build WebOS tablet and an array of WebOS based smartphones.

The ‘Courier’ project that was first rumoured last year was predicted to feature dual multi-touch screen to function as as a day planner/notebook that allows users to keep track of appointments, to-do lists, and contacts.

It was reported that the Courier tablet would have 7-inches dual screen facing each other to give a book form factor, and will utilize a stylus and finger touch for input. However, Microsoft has never confirmed the device.

The invasion of the new iPad-inspired tablet segment by HP and Microsoft would be a worth watching move

Would Microsoft-HP tablet steal Apple’s limelight?

Microsoft Corp, the software giant has introduced a touch-screen tablet computer which is manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Co. The company’s CEO, Steve Ballmer said that the new device will be available this year and added that US sales of PCs running Windows jumped 50% over the holidays.

According to the company, the new device will be easy to use like Smartphone, but as powerful as a PC running Windows 7.  HP, a pioneer name in the touch computing, will ship the full-fledged tablet computer. However, the question is – whether Microsoft and HP could generate as much consumer excitement as Apple’s tablet?

Meanwhile, Microsoft has added that the new device will not confront Apple’s initiative as the PC space is enormous and expanding rapidly, with a lot of innovation.

Apple Tablet PC

Earlier this week, it is reported that the iPhone maker, Apple Inc will announce its tablet PC by the end of this month and will start shipping in March. According to sources, it has been working on its tablet PC since July. However, the company has never confirmed the existence of the device, which is supposed to resemble a larger iPhone or iPod touch. But, after the report surfaced about the device launch, Apple shares touched all time high.

Microsoft-HP tablet

It seems that the company wants to emphasize the touch-screen features of its recently introduced operating system, Windows 7. Hewlett-Packard and PC makers have been selling such devices with Microsoft software such as Windows XP Tablet PC Edition since 2002, with little success. But, this time, the new tablet will leave its “stylus” and allows option of human touch with powerful graphical support.

Other business announcements: Besides tablet PC, the company also unveiled an all-in-one PC with a touch screen from Lenovo and three-dimensional gaming on ASUS’s machine. Beside introducing touch screen gadgets, the company also said that HP will integrate its Bing search engine as the default choice on Hewlett-Packard’s computers worldwide for next three years, expanding an agreement that previously covered the US and Canada.

Why Tablet PC from Microsoft-HP?

At present, out of total PC sales, tablets hold less than 1 percent market share. Microsoft and HP have already announced various models in the segment. HP had launched various models based on Microsoft’s touch-enabled operating system; one out of them was a slate design that could be docked on a desktop computer.

However, due to their high prices, low connectivity and use of stylus in touch screen deter consumers from buying the device. Therefore, the two giants want to encash the opportunity, which is also eying by many new entrants like Motorola, HTC and Apple.

Discussion

Various analysts are predicting that the company will introduce the dual-screen Courier tablet which was rumored late last year, but the present model has disappointed many. The new HP tablet is a color e-reader based on Amazon Kindle software, with a sub-$500 price point. Other features are missing yet.