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Microsoft reportedly cut Windows 8.1 prices for manufacturers

Microsoft reportedly cut Windows 8.1 prices for manufacturers
Microsoft reportedly cut Windows 8.1 prices for manufacturers
Report indicates that Microsoft slashed Windows 8.1 licensing fees by 70% for low-cost PC and tablet makers.

In what appears to be an effort to fight back against Google's low-cost Chromebooks, Microsoft has reportedly lowered licensing fees on Windows 8.1 for low-cost tablet and PC manufacturers. According to a report by Bloomberg, the discount may be as much as 70%, as Microsoft looks to regain their foothold on the market.

In the past, manufacturers of devices retailing for $250 or less paid Microsoft $50 in exchange for licensing of Windows 8.1. Now the publication's sources say that fee has been reduced to just $15, in hopes of capturing the lower end of the market. This discount also applies to any device that retails below $250, regardless of size and type.

The discount comes on the heels of Satya Nadella being named CEO earlier this month, amid a global decrease in PC sales. Unfortunately, many customers have serious qualms with Windows 8 as an OS, and a discounted price might not be enough to sway people towards Microsoft.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2014 02 > Microsoft reportedly cut Windows 8.1 prices for manufacturers
Omar Qudsi, 2014-02-22 (Update: 2014-02-22)