little as basic Android tablets and Chromebooks. While
Microsoft charges vendors $50 to use Windows, Google
often gives its software away. The crew in Redmond
may have found a way to narrow the price gap, though.
Bloomberg claims that Microsoft is cutting Windows
8.1's license fee to $15 for any device that sells for less
than $250, letting builders offer very cheap Windows
PCs without destroying their profits. The developer isn't
commenting on the reported discount, but this would be
a familiar strategy; Microsoft slashed Windows XP's
pricing to wipe out Linux netbooks a few years ago.
There's no guarantee that the company will repeat its
earlier success if the lower Windows 8.1 prices take
effect. However, it may feel compelled to act when PC
shipments are still declining and mobile OS tablets are
on the rise -- the status quo clearly isn't working.
VIA: The Verge
SOURCE: Bloomberg
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