Windows 8 on smaller tablets

Microsoft relaxed certification requirements for Windows 8, will work with this OS devices with a lower resolution screen. Analysts say it could lead to a new class of low cost and more compact tablet based on this OS.

In the market research firm IDC said that until now Windows 8 can only be run on a 10-inch device, while the most active market in the tablet market this year will be 8 - inch plate and less. Sales for 7 - and 8-inch models have a 55% market share in 2013.

Note that Microsoft has reduced the formal requirements for the resolution of the screen is 12 March, but the mailing list for vendors of this was reported recently. Then the company announced a number of new elements related to the certification program.

According to the updated rules, new minimum resolution for Win8-devices is the resolution of 1024x768 pixels. In Microsoft hoped that these requirements "inspire" partners to create new models of equipment at low resolution. "We believe that the new requirements make the operating system more flexible and will benefit the market as a whole," the mailing list.

Until now, the minimum resolution for Windows 8 was resolution of 1366x768 pixels, and it was originally intended aspect ratio of 16:9. In IDC say the new requirements allow Windows 8 and Windows RT work on devices compatible with iPad mini and some tablet models with screen sizes 7.9 pixels, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. In addition, the lightweight requirements, analysts say, and about another point: Microsoft itself with plates Surface can not fulfill the plan for sales and does not keep the market on its own.

Carolina Milanesi from research firm Gartner believes that Microsoft closely interested in tablets with 7 - and 8-inch screens. On Android-market such models can cost $ 199. Of course, in the case of Windows 8 this price tag should not wait, but that's the price for the $ 399 for the Win8-tablet might expect in the future.

However, Milanesi said that the budget models for the emergence of Microsoft takes more effort than simply reduce the need for screens. "It's not just simply to reduce the hardware requirements. They must go further - to soften the very OS licensing," - she said. According to her, now Microsoft is moving towards cheaper Windows 8. If so, the difference between it and Windows RT, which is more budget for the task at hand is erased. In order to prevent this, Microsoft will have to reduce the price of licenses for Windows RT.