Microsoft cuts Win8.1 license fee by 70% for only $15

Computer store news: According to sources, equipment with a retail price of less than $250 is only $15 for pre-installed Windows 8.1 and $50 for normal. Since the details have not been made public, these people ask for anonymity. This discount applies to any product that meets the price requirements and has no restrictions on product size and type.

The PC industry experienced a record decline in 2013, and competition from Apple and Google led to a decline in Microsoft’s revenues for the device and consumer licensing divisions (which included Windows software) in the last quarter. By encouraging PC makers to sell cheap models, Microsoft can increase its share of the $80 billion and growing tablet market and resist the competition of Chromebooks running Google's systems.

Earlier this month, Microsoft appointed Satya Nadella as the new CEO. The company is working hard to accelerate the development and release of new devices. According to sources, Microsoft does not require the use of cheap licensed products to verify the hardware-compatible Logo certification, without requiring compatibility with touch screens. In response, Microsoft spokeswoman Julia Kelly-Echeverio declined to comment.

Slow adoption

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its Windows 8 system sold more than 200 million copies since its launch in October 2012. However, the popularity of Windows 8 is not as fast as the previous version of Windows 7. Although the normal listing price for Windows is $50, some of the world's largest PC manufacturers can get discounts, such as the marketing fund provided by Microsoft, the license fee can be reduced to about $30.

According to sources, products that receive a license fee discount no longer enjoy this marketing support and offers. According to IDC, global PC shipments fell by 10% last year and are expected to continue to decline this year as tablets and smartphones keep consumers away from traditional desktops and laptops. The tablet market, which is monopolized by Apple and Google Systems, will grow by 16% in 2017.