August 11th, Beijing Time — According to foreign media reports, in the face of widespread doubts from the tech industry, Nokia and Microsoft, this pair of allies, have shown a strikingly similar stubbornness. Just as the industry is pessimistic about Windows RT tablets, Microsoft recently stated that it will continue to launch ARM-based devices. Industry insiders claim that Microsoft will introduce a 7.5-inch RT tablet, making one last gamble on the ARM architecture before conceding defeat.
On Friday, a Microsoft spokesperson told American tech media, "Windows remains committed to the ARM platform, and we hope to launch new ARM-based Windows devices within the year."
The industry has little positive feedback for ARM-based Windows RT tablets. On Thursday, an NVIDIA executive stated that the sluggish performance of Windows RT tablets by various computer manufacturers has affected its profits.
Industry observers pointed out that when Microsoft made its statement, it did not explicitly mention plans to release "Windows RT" devices. However, based on past history, Microsoft often refers to RT devices as "Windows-on-ARM" or "WOA." In other words, when Microsoft mentions ARM, it could be referring to new RT devices.
Reports indicate that rumors are circulating in Silicon Valley that Microsoft plans to launch a 7.5-inch tablet. Industry experts believe that given its compact size, it would be an ideal choice for "ARM tablet + 4G/3G connectivity."
Tech media points out that at present, it is clear that Microsoft still has confidence in the combination of ARM and Windows. From a practical standpoint, almost all globally popular tablets use ARM chips, so Microsoft's persistence in this area is not unreasonable.
Tablets based on ARM chips and the Windows RT system (represented by Microsoft’s Surface RT) cannot use traditional Windows platform application software; developers need to start from scratch and redevelop applications, which has become a major obstacle to their promotion. Prior to this, market research firm IDC had suggested that Microsoft adopt Apple's iOS model and merge the Windows Phone and Windows RT systems, both of which are based on ARM chips. This would enhance the compatibility of mobile applications.
Due to poor sales and severe inventory buildup, Microsoft previously implemented significant price cuts for the Surface RT tablet and consequently wrote off $900 million in inventory losses. The industry generally believes that Microsoft should abandon the failed Windows RT project as soon as possible.