Microsoft has been on a crusade to kill Chrome OS for some time now. Their Scroogled campaign has gotten out of hand, and it seems every time they make an add they just have to mention Chromebooks. So far this has been nothing but silly jabs, but when will Microsoft actually try to compete with Chrome OS the way they should – with products?
It’s hard for Windows to compete against Chrome OS. They are simply two completely different beasts, but there seems to be a close contender in the works. Enter Windows 8.1 with Bing, what seems to be Microsoft’s attempt at making a platform that can be affordably put in any computer.
What is Windows 8.1 with Bing?
Windows 8.1 with Bing is said to be a version of Windows 8.1 that will be either free or very affordably priced. This means more computer manufacturers will be able to put Windows 8.1 with Bing in their computers, without having to pay Windows’ usually high fees. This means these computers will be cheaper, as well.
Rumors and leaks don’t tell us much about the differences in this “Bingified” version of Windows, but we can assume there will be a strong focus in Microsoft’s search engine and apps.
How does it compete with Chrome OS
Regardless of what Windows 8.1 with Bing ends up being like, it will still be completely different from Chrome OS. Windows 8.1 with Bing will probably still support the vast list of available programs and won’t run completely from the web.
Windows is taking a bit more of a Google-like business strategy with this new product, though. Windows 8.1 with Bing will probably entice people to use Windows services, which ultimately will make Microsoft money. Google’s products all revolve around its own services, which is what helps the Search Giant keep its products free or affordable.
Affordability is one of Chromebooks’ biggest advantages, though. If Microsoft can have computers with equal performance and price compared to Chromebooks, they might have a case against Google’s OS.
We will have to wait and see what gets announced. Chrome OS keeps gaining momentum with affordability, functionality, simplicity and performance being its top qualities. We doubt Windows 8.1 with Bing can match all of these.
