“Microsoft may be nearing a free Windows 8 release if recent rumors are true,” Robert Weinstein writes for TheStreet. “‘Windows 8.1 with Bing’ is an upcoming free version that Microsoft may be targeting at current manufacturers now installing Google’s Chrome.”
“A free scaled-down version of Windows does follow a recent pattern to position Microsoft software on a level playing field with Google’s myriad of free offerings. A few weeks ago, Microsoft announced several new budget-priced hardware partners in Asia including ZTE, Gionee, Longcheer, and Xolo. Microsoft also stated that Windows Phone 8.1 will allow the phone makers to operate Windows 8.1 on current Qualcomm powered Android hardware,” Weinstein writes. “In order to effectively compete against a free Android operating system in the budget arena, Microsoft must sell Windows Phone software incredibly cheap or give it away for free, and that’s precisely what some are saying Microsoft intends to do.”
Read more in the full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “David E.” for the heads up.]