Microsoft announces Windows 8.1 with Bing for low-cost devices

✎ CJ Magowan | 🕑 05.25.2014

winbing

Microsoft recently announced a new version of its latest OS the Windows 8.1 with Bing through its windows blog that is especially designed to cater low-cost devices. Microsoft made an announcement from its recent Build 2014 that they are giving out a version of Windows 8.1 for free for devices with displays 9-inch below and it seem that the company just fulfilled that promise.

Though everything seems unbelievable, the company just let it out and made it real. But the Operating System wont be available in store shelves, instead, Microsoft will shipped the Software to OEM’s and should come pre-installed with devices that it intends to come out with. Added to that, Microsoft will also set its home-grown search service Bing as it’s default search engine for its Internet Explorer browser that shipped with Windows 8.1. Users can change this setting later though as they get their hands on those devices that it comes pre-installed.

Microsoft hopes with this marketing gimmick, by offering the OS to budget devices it would go head-to-head with Android tablets and Apple iPad’s to offer the same functionality as a full-blown PC in a small compact chassis. There are rumors that several manufacturers are working with Redmond to bring out low-cost devices to the market soon, but Microsoft haven’t mentioned any of these partners at this time. What companies are hopping it Windows 8.1 with Bing is anyone’s guess until an official announcement is being done.