Microsoft will expand Win8 discount program

Computer store news: Microsoft said on Wednesday that the company plans to expand the Windows 8 software discount program, including more tablet manufacturers using the software, because the company tried to improve Windows8 Operating system adoption rate. Since the release of the Win8 system, hardware vendors have been lukewarm about adopting this system, in part because their retail prices are too high.

Nick ·, vice president of Microsoft OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer); Nick Parker said at the Taipei International Computer Show on Wednesday, Windows 8 The discount program will now include Windows RT-based tablets, but only for tablets with display sizes between 7 inches and 10.1 inches. In addition, this offer will also apply to the upgraded Windows 8.1 operating system. Parker declined to disclose the discount on the Windows 8 system, but said Microsoft will carry out the offer in the form of lower licensing fees and free Office software to hardware vendors.

Microsoft said that the company has offered discount plans to some tablet manufacturers since April, and has not yet set a specific time to terminate the plan. According to "Wall Street Journal" quoted sources familiar with the situation in early March, Microsoft reported that it has begun to offer Windows 8 and Office software at a preferential price, in order to stimulate hardware manufacturers to develop small-size touch-screen notebook computers. Parker said that in the latest Windows 8 offer, tablets with display sizes greater than 10.1 inches will not qualify for the offer, but he does not explain it.

Analysts say the Microsoft offer may help drive down the retail price of small-sized Windows tablets and help Microsoft compete better with Apple and Google. Microsoft's main business is selling software, but the company has entered the hardware market to sell its own brand of Surface tablets.

Since its official release last year, the Windows 8 operating system has failed to help Microsoft gain more share in the PC market. In addition to offering price concessions and encouraging developers to develop more applications for Windows 8 systems, Microsoft is also preparing to release an upgraded version of Windows 8.1 later this year. Microsoft said last month that Windows 8.1 will change the software features to help users overcome the barriers of learning to use Windows 8 and ensure that a wider range of Windows 8 computing devices are available for sale.

Windows 8.1 will allow users to skip the touch interface with a single click and go directly to the desktop display each time they start the computer. In addition, Microsoft also said that Windows 8.1 will include improved search features, and allows users to simultaneously handle two tasks in a more fluid way, such as reading digital maps while writing emails.