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Intel Plans To Continue Subsidizing Tablets

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Contrary to previous rumors, sources say that Intel plans to continue subsidizing tablets powered using its mobile chips.

Recently, rumors were afloat that Intel would pull the brakes on providing subsidy to tablet makers that select from Intel's mobile chipset portfolio. However, DigiTimes reports that after internal evaluations, Intel has decided to continue its subsidizing mobile processors that end up inside Windows or Android tablets. Intel's program helps tablet makers cut costs anywhere between $20-$30, helping Intel-powered tablets come out as economically viable options alongside ARM-based offerings.

This is despite the fact that Intel's Mobile and Communications division reported a loss of nearly $7 billion, which is no small figure. However, if Intel does pull the plug on its subsidy program, the chances of Intel-powered tablets capturing a greater market share would perhaps drop, and Intel might not want to risk such a scenario.

Recently, a plethora of affordable Intel-powered Windows 8.1 tablets have flooded the market. Options include the $99 HP Stream 7, $119 Toshiba Encore Mini and numerous other offerings from ASUS, Lenovo, etc. In fact, Colorful, a Chinese company, recently launched a Windows 8.1 tablet for just $65. All of the aforementioned tablets are based on Intel's Bay Trail-T platform.

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Preeto Nath, 2014-11-26 (Update: 2014-11-27)