Samsung Ativ Q

• Tweet




• Email

• Tweet




• Email

Intel to Bring dual-boot Android/Windows Devices to CES?

We all know that the PC market has been shrinking for some time. Although Microsoft has made Windows 8 ideal (in their eyes) for touchscreens, consumers have not responded so well. To aid Microsoft’s big problem, Intel is going with a free solution — devices that can also boot into Android.

Las Vegas: According to sources close with The Verge, Intel is leading the charge and is in talks with PC manufacturers to unveil these “Dual OS” devices next week at CES in Las Vegas.This would not be the first time we have seen a device that can boot into Windows or Android.

Samsung’s unreleased Ativ Q was capable of doing so. Also, ASUS is apparently working on a Dual OS device as well. Last week, the company released a teaser video on YouTube that involved a dual booting tablet. And earlier today there were rumblings of an ASUS tablet with 64-bit architecture, something present in some devices running full Windows. But let me remind you, 64-bit architecture is not necessary. Intel’s Bay Trail chip for tablets was designed specifically for both Android and Windows compatibility.

How do Microsoft and Google feel about this? One of The Verge’s sources says Microsoft is dreading Dual OS while Google does not want more fragmentation with their operating system. Microsoft feels that it will deter developers on the heels of Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox merging stores. Microsoft’s solution would be reducing the amount of money spent on marketing Windows devices and charging OEMs more money for Windows copies. Google, however, can simply pull the plug on access to their services such as the Play Store and Gmail. There are reports that at this moment, Microsoft is calling manufacturers to cancel their Dual OS plans. Is it enough? No way. If Samsung, ASUS, and likely others are ready to unveil something new like this, it is going to happen.

Of course, Dual OS could just be something to create some buzz at CES. For many companies, the event is a way to gain attention for the rest of the year. But if Intel designed their chip specifically for this reason, it must be serious. Stay tuned for CES coverage next week from Talk Android.