Windows 8: PC Makers See Big Changes Coming

A report in the Wall Street Journal suggests that Microsoft may be implementing two significant new initiatives when it comes to Windows development: 1) Cheaper licensing costs for manufacturers (and by extension, consumers); and 2) Less emphasis on touch screen functionality.

The Wall Street Journal says that it has learned from several Asia-based PC industry executives that Microsoft is slowly changing its attitude towards Windows.

These PC industry insiders also told the WSJ that Microsoft has been progressively more receptive to feedback on how to improve the Windows user experience.

Microsoft: Head in the Clouds No More

Acer Chairman J.T. Wang -- who recently showed off several new Windows-based devices at a New York City event -- has been very vocal about what it's like to communicate with Microsoft about the Windows operating system (OS).

"In the past we consider they (Microsoft) live in heaven," Wang said. "But now they go down to earth and they start to learn how people living on earth think." (Source: pcworld.com)

Following up on that idea, Acer President Jim Wong noted that Microsoft is becoming more "considerate" of PC manufacturers' concerns.

Most importantly, Wong said that Microsoft is finally moving away from the idea that the Windows experience must be focused on touch functionality.

"When we were talking to Microsoft, our input to them is balance," Wong said.

"The world in the next five years is not going 100 percent to touch. Although touch makes a lot of possibilities for PCs, you need to take care of the rest of the world that doesn't need touch." (Source: wsj.com)

Cost of Windows Devices May Be Coming Down

The Wall Street Journal also pointed to comments by Asus chief executive officer Jerry Shen, who recently indicated that Microsoft is making a valiant effort to reduce the cost of Windows licenses.

This means that, in the near future, the price difference between Android and Windows 8 tablets could be reduced by $50 to $150. It could also contribute to a decline in the price of Windows 8-based PCs, including desktop and laptop computers.

Microsoft and its hardware partners will be hoping that these changes can help win back consumers and revive a sliding PC market.