Microsoft hardware partners moving to Android

Microsoft hardware partners moving to Android

 Early developer consoles have now shipped


 Meanwhile, rumours are rife on the internet  that many of the manufacturers who launched new Windows 8 hybrid devices at the start of this year are planning to offer the same or similar devices running Android. With Microsoft having tried (albeit feebly) to attack its own hardware partners through the launch of the Surface tablet, it seems  inevitable that these partners will seek to  hedge their bets in this rapidly growing market. 

                              A report on DigiTimes cites industry sources  as saying that Lenovo is planning to release an Android version of its Yoga notebook/tablet convertible in the fi rst half of 2013. As yet, it seems unclear if the new device will run on an Intel or ARM architecture and whether it will take the 13-inch or 11-inch form factor. However, if current reviews of the Yoga’s hardware and build quality are anything to go by, this could be one of the most popular  will take the 13-inch or 11-inch form factor. However, if current reviews of the Yoga’s hardware and build quality are anything to go by, this could be one of the most popular  Android devices released this year. Android devices released this year.

 ■ Linux: coming soon to a Windows 8 machine near you! Meanwhile, another anonymous source close to Hewlett-Packard recently told ZD Net blogger Zack Whittacker that the company is planning to release at least one Android device this year. HP is still the world’s largest PC manufacturer by volume and a key partner for Microsoft’s PC business. 

                       However, given HP’s disastrous start in the 122.3 million unit tablet market with its own, failed webOS platform, the company clearly needs to move fast to challenge Apple’s lead with the iPad. Given the current growth of Android and the increasing success of devices such as the Nexus 10, Google’s OS certainly looks a safer bet than Windows. In addition, Microsoft’s $2 billion involvement in the deal to take HP’s main competitor, Dell, back into private hands will have done little to convince HP CEO Meg Whitman of the value of loyalty to Microsoft.

  ■ Lenovo’s current IdeaPad Yoga – Android model expected soon