Back in January, Asus announced a dual boot device which would run Google’s Android OS and Microsoft’s Windows 8.1, the Asus Transformer Book Duo. This innovative device promised to offer users the best of both worlds by combining the flexibility and app ecosystem of Android with the productivity and familiarity of Windows. However, according to a recent report, Microsoft and Google are trying to crush dual boot devices.
The news comes from a report over at the J, who have been told that both Google and Microsoft are opposed to dual boot devices. This opposition is rooted in the strategic interests of both companies, as they each aim to dominate the operating system market without sharing space on the same hardware.
The Impact on Asus and the Market
Asus has apparently put their plans to launch the Asus Transformer Book Duo on hold, and the reason for this is that they have apparently been pressured by both Google and Microsoft to cancel the dual boot device. This move is significant as it highlights the influence that major tech companies have over hardware manufacturers and the products that reach consumers.
The WSJ has received an internal memo from Asus stating that the dual boot OS device will not be released, and that the company will also scrap two dual all-in-one PCs that they launched last year. This decision is a setback for consumers who were looking forward to the versatility and convenience of dual boot systems.
Reasons Behind the Opposition
This is apparently because Microsoft has a new policy of not supporting dual OS products. The rationale behind this policy could be to ensure that Windows remains the primary operating system on devices, thereby maintaining its market share and ecosystem. By discouraging dual boot systems, Microsoft can focus on enhancing the user experience and integration within its own ecosystem.
Google has also apparently put pressure on Asus as well to not release dual boot devices. Google’s Android OS has a massive user base, and the company likely wants to keep users within its ecosystem to maximize engagement and revenue from its services and apps. Allowing dual boot devices could dilute the user experience and potentially lead to a fragmented market.
The opposition from both tech giants underscores the competitive nature of the operating system market. Each company is vying for dominance, and dual boot devices could disrupt their strategies by offering consumers more choice and flexibility.
Consumer Perspective and Future Outlook
From a consumer perspective, the cancellation of dual boot devices like the Asus Transformer Book Duo is disappointing. Such devices offer the potential for greater flexibility, allowing users to switch between operating systems based on their needs. For instance, a user could leverage Android for casual use and entertainment while switching to Windows for productivity tasks.
However, the pressure from Microsoft and Google suggests that the future of dual boot devices is uncertain. Hardware manufacturers may be reluctant to pursue such projects if they face opposition from the operating system providers. This could limit innovation and the variety of devices available to consumers.
Despite this setback, the concept of dual boot devices remains intriguing. As technology continues to evolve, there may be opportunities for new players to enter the market or for existing companies to find ways to navigate the challenges posed by major OS providers. For now, consumers will have to wait and see if dual boot devices will make a comeback or if they will remain a niche concept.
Source Gizmodo
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