Computex 2011 is usually where the world’s press comes to take the pulse of global tech, checking in to check out the latest and greatest developments in consumer electronics from the world’s top chip companies.
The media loves Taiwan especially owing to the country’s energetic yet ultra-porous nature, providing the perfect storm of above-board trade show excellence mixed in with a healthy dose of rumors that take a bit of the marketing shine off the shiny Computex veneer.
And this year’s event is no exception, with some particularly juicy subplots unfolding, especially concerning the tablet market.
Over the past couple of years tablets have become a big theme at Computex, as they have at trade shows across the globe, thanks to last year’s launch of Apple’s iPad and the ensuing consumer craze.
And with such a lucrative market developing, who could resist wanting a slice of the action? Certainly not Microsoft, who we’re told will be putting its best software foot forward in the hardware tablet space, with yet another attempt to convince customers it can be relevant to the discussion.
On the afternoon of June 1st, Microsoft VP Steve Guggenheimer will take the stage for a Windows lovefest where it’s rumored we’ll see the first glimpse of the company’s upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) running on tablets.
While we’re sure the event will be high on visual sizzle we’re also hoping Microsoft uses the photo-op to clear up any remaining confusion over the new OS, especially as it relates to its developer program, legacy application compatibility, Intel/ARM architecture support plans and planned release dates.
Over the past weeks the media rumor mill has run rampant over rumors that ARM-based ports to Windows 8 might not support legacy applications, and whisperings of version control madness with so many partners working on variants of the new OS for their own tablet platforms. Intel, AMD, TI, Qualcomm and NVIDIA all make their own chip flavors, and all need to be optimized for the new Windows software.
Many in the telco space are also wondering whether there will also be some form of compatibility with Windows phone and when can we expect to see it.
While Microsoft PR has been quick to issue statements about “inaccuracies” being spread by Intel, the company unfortunately has done rather little in terms of setting the record straight.
This PR schizophrenia is adding further fuel to the rumblings of confusion we’re hearing from OEMs and Taiwanese ODMs. It seems everyone has questions but Microsoft just isn’t ready to offer any answers.
Of course, the firm could just be playing its cards close to its chest as a matter of caution, as Microsoft has previously faced challenges in the tablet market with a series of false starts and an aggressive set of competitors in Google (Android) and Apple (IOS). Both competitors have also built up a massive lead in devices, development and the all-important applications category, which must have the Redmond giant feeling a bit insecure.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that long-time Microsoft allies like HP have dismissed Windows tablets altogether, in favor of the firm’s own Web OS software.
And finally, long term Microsoft partner, Intel, suddenly doesn’t seem like such a safe bet either, with the firm seen to be increasingly cozying up to Google with new Oak Trail-based Android tablets on the way.
Either way, the world’s largest software company faces a lot of questions heading into Computex 2011 and we hope the firm comes armed with at least some of the answers.
