Microsoft India plans to launch affordable hybrid devices to boost tablet sales in India.
In its efforts to bring down the costs of computing devices which can be used both as a personal computer or a tablet, Microsoft India has partnered with Indian vendors such as Micromax, Xolo, Notion Ink, Sakri and iBall. Through these partnerships, the company is working towards bringing down the cost of Windows-based two-in-one tablet PCs or hybrid devices in India. The move is aimed at boosting the sales of hybrid devices which are losing market share to large-screen smartphones.
Windows 2-in-1 devices are expected to bridge the gap between PCs and tablets and serve as an alternative to tablets with a display of seven to eight inches. The Windows 2-in-1 devices are popular among college students and buyers who have basis computing requirements.
According to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), Microsoft’s share in the tablet market could grow significantly over the next five years to reach 14 per cent with 38 million shipments worldwide. The research firm expects demand for Windows-based tablets and 2-in-1 devices to grow by 41 per cent year-on-year in 2015 and account for 7 per cent of the global tablet market.
