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Google gets a blow as Samsung says most of upcoming tablets will be running Windows not Android

by Felix Omondi
mwc 17

If you needed proof that Microsoft learned a lesson from the half-baked Windows 8, you need just to look at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC 2017). The majority of OEMs that have launched tablets, most go for the Microsoft-inspired 2-in-1 devices, and Windows 10 is the preferred OS.

It is safe to say, Microsoft is stealing the spotlight from Google. For a long time, Android has been the preferred OS for tablets, but when you hear big-time OEMs like Samsung saying they favor Windows over Android as OS for their upcoming tablets. You know the ground is shifting in favor of Microsoft and much to the distaste of our favorite search engine.

Even when you look back over the past two years, Window 10 tablets have been gaining market share. Ironically, Microsoft’s Windows 10 devices, the Surface devices, have stagnated in sales. However, the fact that Microsoft has been generous with its technology and designs with other OEMs, its Windows 10 OS has firmly charmed into the hearts of many device makers and consumers.

More Windows-powered than Android-powered devices at MWC 17

At the just concluded MWC 17, Samsung launched three tablets, two of which are running Windows 10. A ratio that Eric McCaty, the VP of Mobile Product Marketing for Samsung Electronics America says is likely to continue going forward.

McCarthy further stated that Samsung predicts that Windows will power 60% of the detachable 2-in-1 devices in the market. He emphasizes that there is a 140% year-over-year growth opportunity in this market.

Samsung competitor, Lenovo, seems to agree that Windows is set to become more popular as the choice tablet OS than Android. Jeff Meredith, the VP and General Manager for the Android and Chrome Computing Business Group at Lenovo notes, “We’re facing a product that needs to redefine itself in an environment in which its core advantages are being squeezed in from 2-in-1s and phablets.”

At MWC 17, Lenovo unveiled two Tab 4 Android-powered tablets, but their launch was led with the unveiling of three 2-in-1 Windows tablets; Miix 320, Yoga 720, and Yoga 520. The company is also offering some of its devices, like the Yoga Book in both Android and Windows.

It would appear that the growing need for productivity on the go is fueling the demand for Windows devices. Given Windows 10 OS can run full desktop apps, unlike Android that runs a slimmed-down mobile version of the apps.

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