New low-cost Windows tablets take on Android juggernaut

Software behemoth Microsoft Corp has lined up a new range of mainland brands to supply cheap, Windows-based media tablets around the world, challenging the larger group of rival devices running Google's Android operating system.

The company unveiled 21 new tablets from lesser-known hardware partners with factories on the mainland in Hong Kong yesterday. They include PiPO Technology, Vido Digital Electronics, Chuwi Technology, LiveFan Information Technology, Onda Technologies and Digital 2, part of Hong Kong-based Goldin Group's Matsunichi Digital subsidiary.

"We are broadening our partner ecosystem to bring more affordable Windows tablets to the worldwide market," said Horace Chow Chok-kee, the general manager at Microsoft Hong Kong. "In Hong Kong and elsewhere, we see there is big demand for high-quality tablets in the HK$1,000 to HK$2,000 price range."

Chow said low-priced Windows tablets had an edge in terms of quality build compared with "uneven" Android devices.

"We've set up a technology team in Shenzhen to ensure quality control on all the Windows devices manufactured by our partners," he said.

The global market for tablets, however, is still dominated by the major brands with Android devices and the iPads from Apple. Data from research firm IDC showed 4.15 million Windows-based tablets were forecast to be sold worldwide this year, up from 2.93 million units last year.