DigiTimes reports Microsoft will roll out a discount to lower the OEM licensing cost of Windows 8. The discount will be available beginning April-May but it will only focus on compact laptops and tablets. Laptops with screen sizes of 11.6-inch and below will get a $20 discount, while below 10.8-inch notebooks, tablets and hybrids will get the $20 discount plus free Office 2013 software.
Viewing that Windows 8 has fallen short of expectations in driving demand mainly because Windows 8 notebooks and tablets are too expensive, Microsoft will lower OEM licensing costs by offering a discount of US$20 for 11.6-inch and below notebooks that are equipped with touch screens, according to Taiwan-based vendors and ODMs.
For below 10.8-inch notebooks, tablets and hybrids, Microsoft will offer the US$20 discount plus free Office 2013 software, the sources indicated. OEM licensing rates for Windows 8 Pro stand at US$80-90 currently, the sources noted.
