Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Needs Consumers to Adopt Windows 8… Fast

If Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has lowered the licensing fee for Windows 8 and Office 2013, the savings could be passed on to consumers. The discount is reportedly for small computers with a screen size of 10.8 inches or less, and with touchscreen capabilities. With OEMS paying a cheaper price for the software and OS, and the savings passed on to consumers, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) would have a greater chance to get the new OS into more hands.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s strategy of only offering the discounts to small touchscreen laptops also helps the company transition from falling PC sales to an in-between market of hybrid tablets and laptops. Google just released a new Chromebook laptop with touchscreen capability, but its starting price is $1,300 — much higher than the laptops receiving Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s discount.

A touchy subject
It’s yet to be seen whether touchscreen laptops will take off. Touchscreen laptops are generally more expensive than non-touchscreens, and so far sales have been slow. Last month, Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) offered $100 discount for two weeks on touchscreen laptops, with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Best Buy, PC makers, and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) absorbing the cost of the discount.

With the future of tech devices so closely tied to mobile, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) investors need consumers to start adopting the Windows 8 OS. The company is betting its future on it. If Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) can get users to jump on board with Windows 8, the company may be able to bring consumers into its growing ecosystem of devices like the Surface tablet, Windows Phone, and future mobile offerings.

The article Microsoft Needs Consumers to Adopt Windows 8… Fast originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Chris Neiger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Intel. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Intel, and Microsoft.

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