Microsoft Getting into the Tablet Business?

By

Microsoft reportedly is set to unveil a tablet June 18, 2012, that will mark its entry into the tablet business. This will not mark the first time Microsoft has gotten into the business of selling its own branded products. It has done so in the game console business with Xbox and in the MP3 player business with Zune.

But Microsoft has stayed out of its partners' PC business. You can argue a tablet isn't a PC, even though people use it in place of a PC. But Microsoft has drawn the conclusion that there is not a channel conflict if it creates its own tablet.

As young as the tablet business is, segments already are developing, ranging from the smaller seven-inch form factors better suited to e-reading, to Apple's market-leading segment. But it might be reasonable already to suggest that a user's choice of a tablet might hinge on the lead apps that user wants to engage with. 

Either an Android or Apple device arguably works well either as a Web browsing platform or as an app platform. The Kindle Fire and Barnes and Noble’s Nook work better as e-reading devices. Microsoft's device might appeal more to users whose primary applications are Web-based, as its app store is relatively less developed than Apple's or Google Play, some might argue. 

And though Lenovo Group Ltd. CEO, Yang Yuanqing argued early in 2012, there’s scant room for growth in the tablet market, lots of people might not agree.

It is harder to disagree with his contention that devices running Google software will keep trailing the iPad. Virtually all forecasts now suggest Apple will retain a rather commanding lead in the foreseeable future. 

But much could change, over time, as distinct tablet niches could emerge. Some think tablets eventually will be a more suitable device for content creation as well. The issue is where the Microsoft offering might wind up. 




Edited by Brooke Neuman
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

Contributing Editor

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures for Modern Businesses

By: Contributing Writer    7/2/2025

Cyberattacks are rising, and businesses of all sizes feel the pressure. Small companies often think they're too small to be targets. They aren't. Hack…

Read More

Lessons Learned from Enterprise Oracle Cloud Migrations

By: Contributing Writer    7/1/2025

Switching to Oracle Cloud can feel daunting. Security risks, unexpected expenses, and performance troubles often turn what seems like an effortless up…

Read More

Protecting Business Assets with Smarter Security Frameworks

By: Contributing Writer    7/1/2025

Protecting your business is more challenging than ever. Cyber threats are increasing every day. Hackers target small and large businesses alike, searc…

Read More

Emerging Trends in Technology and Their Impact on Future Innovations

By: Contributing Writer    7/1/2025

Technology is changing faster than ever. Business owners often struggle to keep up. What's trending today might be outdated tomorrow. Falling behind c…

Read More

Tech Podcast Award Winners Bring Excitement and Enthusiasm to a Range of Important Tech Topics

By: TMCnet Staff    6/18/2025

Tech Podcast Award winners produce engaging, informative, and often entertaining content, bringing valuable insight from industry front lines to the e…

Read More