Nokia Resumes Development of Windows RT Tablet
Nokia, arguably the biggest champion of Microsoft's Windows Phone strategy, is apparently fond of Windows RT as well. Or perhaps Nokia believes it can build a better Surface than Microsoft. Either way, Nokia has reportedly resumed development of its own Windows RT tablet, which it will likely unveil at the 2013 Mobile World Congress (MWC).
Microsoft made its hardware partners nervous when it first revealed plans to launch its own brand tablet, and it's the reason why Nokia backed out of developing a 10-inch Windows RT slate, choosing instead to focus on smartphones. Perhaps the lukewarm reception to Surface is encouraging companies to reconsider on the basis that they could build a better tablet than Microsoft, or maybe Nokia was just waiting for Microsoft to prove a market existed for Windows RT devices.
Nokia plans to go head-to-head with Microsoft's Surface RT tablet.
Whatever the reason, Nokia appears to be back on board. Details are pretty sparse, but it looks as though Nokia's Windows RT tablet will come equipped with a Qualcomm processor of some sort. Compal will handle ODM production and initial shipments.
It will be interesting to see what other Surface-like slates emerge, especially from Acer, which earlier this year warned Microsoft to "think twice" about its tablet strategy.
Microsoft made its hardware partners nervous when it first revealed plans to launch its own brand tablet, and it's the reason why Nokia backed out of developing a 10-inch Windows RT slate, choosing instead to focus on smartphones. Perhaps the lukewarm reception to Surface is encouraging companies to reconsider on the basis that they could build a better tablet than Microsoft, or maybe Nokia was just waiting for Microsoft to prove a market existed for Windows RT devices.
Nokia plans to go head-to-head with Microsoft's Surface RT tablet.
Whatever the reason, Nokia appears to be back on board. Details are pretty sparse, but it looks as though Nokia's Windows RT tablet will come equipped with a Qualcomm processor of some sort. Compal will handle ODM production and initial shipments.
It will be interesting to see what other Surface-like slates emerge, especially from Acer, which earlier this year warned Microsoft to "think twice" about its tablet strategy.
