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.

Omar Qudsi, Published 02/22/2014

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.