Why HP, Microsoft killed their tablet plans?
Earlier this year, Hewlett Packard along with Microsoft had unveiled its Windows 7-based tablet device slated for release later this year. The device, called as Slate, was supposed to compete with Apple’s iPad. In March, HP showcased its Slate and claimed that the consumers will have all the basic functions in the device that are absent in the iPad.
Last month, it was reported that the technology giant is planning to kill its tablet PC. Sources added that the company will use Palm’s WebOS in the device, after the acquisition of Palm for $1.2 billion.
Besides HP, Microsoft Corp, the software giant was reportedly working on its dual multi-touch screen tablet PC, dubbed as Courier. Around the same time point, Microsoft also announced to end the never revealed tablet PC project.
Various market experts suggest that the two biggies are actually re-formulizing their tablet plans after studying the success of Apple’s iPad. Here, the feature tries to find the possible reasons for the two biggies to rethink or delay their individual tablet plans.
Apple’s iPad success
Without offering multi-tasking and 3G connectivity, the company sold 300,000 Wi-Fi-only iPads on its first day of availability in the US and one million iPads in just 28 days. Apple said that the demand for the device is more than the supply. In contrast, its famous iPhone took 74 days to achieve the milestone.
It is reported that the company will start delivering the iPad globally from May 28. Further, Apple aims to sell 10 million iPad PCs in the current year. The sales number and the hype validate iPad as a successful product.
Why HP and Microsoft killed or postponed their tablet PCs?
According to channel insiders, HP was reportedly not satisfied with the touch-based capabilities of Windows 7 and also faced some battery life issues. Further, the company has included various features that are missing in the iPad, which raised the price tag of the device. Moreover, the company has acquired Palm recently and Palm’s WebOS can offer a new platform for the company’s Slate device. It is suggested that the technology giant would build WebOS tablet and an array of WebOS based smartphones.
The ‘Courier’ project that was first rumoured last year was predicted to feature dual multi-touch screen to function as as a day planner/notebook that allows users to keep track of appointments, to-do lists, and contacts.
It was reported that the Courier tablet would have 7-inches dual screen facing each other to give a book form factor, and will utilize a stylus and finger touch for input. However, Microsoft has never confirmed the device.
The invasion of the new iPad-inspired tablet segment by HP and Microsoft would be a worth watching move
ANUJ
