Why Windows 8 tablets will be big
Ever since Apple launched it's IPad many mobile and PC manufacturers have been trying to get into the tablet market. Most manufacturers have gone with an Android based solution and have generally took advantage of the new Honeycomb version which has been optimised for tablets. Apple, however is basically using the same OS on it's tablets that it has on it's IPod touch.
Now Microsoft will soon be release their new OS Windows 8. The new PC OS seems to be very tablet oriented with a optimised interface for tablets and touch screen devices. What I find most interesting is that Microsoft have decided instead of starting with a mobile OS and optimising it for tablet use, similar to what Android or Apple has done, they are starting with a PC OS and adding a tablet friendly shell.
I personally and others have often questioned the point of tablets. They're to big to carry around in your pocket, and they're too impractical to use for anything other than basic web browsing. In fact the main purpose I've found people have for their tablets is to browse the web and play games when they're on a break at work or at university.
With Windows 8 there seems to be more reason why you would want one. For example you can plug your USB camera into it, copy the photos over, and upload them to Facebook. This kind of thing is impossible on an Android or Apple tablet. Having the device support of Windows on a tablet brings a whole new set of functionality to the market.
I think this over everything else, including that beautiful UI inspired from Windows 7, will make Windows 8 a very strong competitor in the tablet market. The ability to plug in external devices makes it nearly as useful to carry around with you as a laptop.
Personally I can't wait to see what some of the Windows 8 tablet solutions will look like. If manufacturers can make attractive devices with USB inputs I can see a whole new appeal tablets arising.
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Hello, I'm Lee.I'm a developer from the UK who writes about technology and startups. Here you'll find articles and tutorials about things that interest me. If you want to hire me or know more about me head over to my about me page
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