Acer Pulls Back From Windows To Focus On Android and Chromebook 253
SmartAboutThings writes "More bad news for Microsoft: Acer is apparently rethinking their Windows strategy, planning to offer fewer Microsoft products and focus more on products delivered by Redmond's rival Google, in the form of Chromebooks and Android devices. This comes after Acer's second-quarter earnings call, where the Taiwanese company posted a surprise second-quarter loss, having unexpected lower sales and rising expenses. Acer's change of plans comes not long after Asus' CEO announced that the company would no longer make Windows RT products until Microsoft proves there's real demand."
Bullshit (Score:3, Insightful)
This is a well known negociation strategy to get better deals from Microsoft. Remember when Dell threatened to go AMD-only?
Acer is a big laptop OEM, especially in emerging markets. What are they going to put in them? A browser OS? Really?
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
I've been an Acer user for two generations of laptops at this point, and in each case, I bought it to run Linux. I know I'd certainly have liked to not pay the Microsoft Tax on 'em.
That said, why do you have such a problem with a "browser OS" as you call it? If there's one thing I noticed when I went back to school a while back to finish a degree, it's that most students could certainly have gotten by with nothing but this so-called "browser OS".
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
A lot of students can actually get by without even buying a computer even if you are studying computer science, since there is always the lab.
Re:Bullshit (Score:4, Interesting)
Given that (in terms of vendor margins, and thus price elasticity under hardball negotiations) MS licenses are probably the most flexible component that goes into a Wintel box (with Intel CPUs being the other one), any negotiation strategy that works at scaring MS a bit is probably worth a great deal of money indeed.
HDDs, RAM, passives, OEM assembly sweatshops, plastic mouldings and metal stampings, are already cut to the bone, so being able to tell scary lies to Microsoft is probably worth as much to a PC OEM as amazing expertise in JIT supply chains or other elegant re-engineerings of the actual manufacturing and distribution process.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Don't forget the crapware business - the Windows license is basically paid for by Symantec, McAfee, etc., when the OEM preloads that stuff on the PCs they sell.
Re: (Score:3)
Oh, I don't doubt that they are, in fact, expanding their Chromebook and Android production, if only because industry sales trends don't show any alternative on their part. My point was just that any strategy that successfully scares Microsoft is one of the most valuable supply-chain innovations you can realistically implement in your production of Wintel hardware: Microsoft and Intel are really the only companies with fat left to cut on the list of suppliers and assemblers for your average x86 box.
Re:Bullshit (Score:4, Informative)
This is probably a troll, but I'll play along...
I thought the same thing until I checked Amazon and Best Buy. Search either one for Chromebooks and you'll turn up a bunch of products with thousands of reviews. This one's even listed as a #1 Best-Seller [amazon.com] among laptops. Go ahead and do the same for Windows RT. It's okay, I'll wait here.
Now I'm not endorsing Chromebooks. I didn't even realize they were still available because I'm sure as hell not buying one... but that's two major retailers that have tons of models (including ones from Acer) that seems to be doing ok.
So I guess their "negotiation strategy" is going to be really really effective, because it also happens to be true.
Re:Bullshit (Score:4, Insightful)
The article says "fewer Microsoft products", not "no Microsoft products". Windows PC/Laptop manufacturing is incredibly competitive and consequently profit margins are razor thin. Acer has decided to narrow their line up to increase their Windows product profitability. At the same time, they've decided they can get a bigger slice of the ChromeBook market.
This sounds a little less sexy than the headline.
Maybe Microsoft just needs more time (Score:5, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
they did try, but failed with IE6
then google and firefox came along with extensions
Re: (Score:3)
the Windows and Office guys were printing all the money and killed anything that endangered their revenue stream. now that the money flow is ending they are probably panicking. old story.
google does something similar with their ad business bringing in all the cash and has some risk. apple's rule is that every product they sell has to make a profit at the cash register.
Re: (Score:3)
Apple also doesn't mind cannibalizing sales of another product line (iPhines vs iPods) as they'd rather lose sales to themselves than a competitor. Sounds like MicroSoft's corporate culture precludes this strategy.
Kaboom! (Score:5, Interesting)
Re: (Score:2)
Oh the humanity!
Re: (Score:3)
Oh the developers!
Re: (Score:2)
Oh the Hugh Manatee!!
Re: (Score:2)
The Hindenberg didn't have any fore warning. I prefer to picture the captain of the Titanic responding to the impending iceberg by having the helmsman maintain his course, then asking the engine room for ramming speed.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Re: (Score:2)
The Hindenberg didn't have any fore warning.
Werner Heisenberg: German theoretical physicist.
Paul von Hindenburg: German president from 1925 to 1934.
Never heard of Hindenberg.
Re: (Score:2)
Windows 8 and Win RT are two very different things. Windows 8 will likely take off with the changes in 8.1. Once you get passed the odd tile layout and go back to the regular desktop it is a brilliant OS. I hate using XP or 7 now.
RT was just a non-starter with its inherent limitations.
In a related note.... (Score:5, Funny)
....Microsoft employees were spotted moving chairs out of CEO Steve Ballmer's office.
Re: (Score:3)
That would be like throwing chairs on the deck of the Titanic!
Re: (Score:2)
*golf clap*
microsoft knows it... (Score:4, Insightful)
I believe the recent move that makes Office accessible to Android (even if it is a cloud version and a wrapper) is very significant.
The Microsoft crew knows that Android will at least be a major contender for OS share and maybe even beat them. I think they are starting to get ready for a world where Windows isn't the automatic choice by the corporate zombie crowd and it will be just as viable to give your non-power users an Android-based desktop. They are smart enough to know that the possibility for that is there.
Give the graphic designers a mac. Give the business power users a Windows 7 PC. Give your secretary an Android Desktop. Give a geeky workers that need raw power a Linux box. Well get closer to giving everyone the correct tool for the correct job.
Won't save you Acer (Score:2)
All I've seen in general is that Acer make average and poor PC equipment, knocked out generally at below market prices as their model, and with at best average support.
To be fair I've over generalising somewhat - but what I laid out applies to too much of the Acer family.
Moving to Chrome and Android will be a simpler model. The problem is that its a full on race to the bottom. Your value as Acer is null. Its in the OS. And beyond that, unless you are on the winning edge hardware wise and winning at review l
Gateway (Score:2)
I have never owned an Acer branded product but have owned a Gateway laptop from Acer. 2 Keys broke in the 2nd month - wasn't covered by warranty. The charger slot slipped into the case after 6 months. Repair was covered by warranty but it was a patch-up job - they had to stick something to something.14th month, motherboard developed a problem which required motherboard replacement. Since it was out of warranty, I junked it.
Bad news for Microsoft ... (Score:5, Interesting)
For the last 20+ years, companies have made hardware for whatever Microsoft was making, because it was the gravy train.
Now all of a sudden they're realizing they're footing the bill to make products focused around Microsoft stuff, and that isn't always working for them if the stuff Microsoft is making nobody is interested in. In fact, it has become a liability in some instances.
The manufacturers have more options these days, and if the Microsoft products aren't selling, they can make more money by focusing on the Android and other stuff.
So Microsoft really needs to pay attention, and learn that they need to better understand what it is people want and why -- because there is increasingly not as much certainty that a MS product will sell, and if you're sitting on your laurels collecting revenue from OS and Office upgrades, you will get overtaken.
Their tablets aren't doing stellar, their phones aren't nearly as popular, nobody seems to like Windows 8, and they've pissed off everybody with the XBone -- and while they may be entrenched in corporate environments and likely to stay there, at the consumer level, they seem to be foundering.
Acer hmm... (Score:2)
I don't think anyone will really feel the effects of a few less underspec'd machines being on the market. Anyone who could have bought an Acer can still get their underspec'd machine from HP, Lenovo, or any other number of manufacturers.
Collapsing Market (Score:2)
I don't think anyone will really feel the effects of a few less underspec'd machines being on the market. Anyone who could have bought an Acer can still get their underspec'd machine from HP, Lenovo, or any other number of manufacturers.
Your right they won't, but its not because others will make up a shortfall. Its because the PC market has been shrinking for 5 quarters now with no end in sight.
interesting timing (Score:2)
Excellent! (Score:2)
I love my Acer netbook, and I know they quit making them due to pressure from Microsoft. If they start making normal Netbooks again I'll be a happy camper.
Lets not forget, these people paid money... (Score:2)
...for the Packard Bell brand.
Dear Acer.... (Score:3)
At least dont be Dusche-Bags and LOCK the bootloader/Bios. Give us linux dweebs a way to blow out the Chrome OS and install linux on it easily without a 20 second "ZOMG UR BookIZ Compromised!" warning on the screen...
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Interesting)
Microsoft really dropped the ball with RT. That is the problem. They really should have added some PC Compatibility for some legacy systems. Sure you don't need to go back to windows 95 apps. But being able to run any .NET applications may have made it useful.
Re: (Score:3)
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:4, Insightful)
...simply because Metro is completely screwed-up, and because of that you have to price it way lower to attact any interest in it.
FTFY
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Insightful)
Isn't it slightly breathtaking how Microsoft has put more than a decade into CLR/CIL and all the .NET framework stuff, theoretically putting themselves in a surprisingly good position for multi-architecture support (given a software ecosystem dominated by proprietary applications from loads of independent vendors and substantial demand for legacy support: Linux and BSD do multi-architecture better; but only for situations where 'just ship the source, stupid' is considered viable, and Apple's 'if it were legal, we'd personally execute anybody who produces software compatible with OS versions older than the one we currently ship' approach allows them to bludgeon the ecosystem into compliance; but isn't a matter of technical sophistication), and then utterly fucked up their foray into ARM?
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
Problems like features/software that people want for professional use(or power user use) won't be dealt with either if how they treated WP7 is any indication
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Insightful)
From what I understand, the problems associated with Windows RT cannot really be fixed via a new version.
Marketing this product as "Windows", which confused the market place. A true lack of applications. A completely locked-down hardware device. Being extremely late to an already saturated market. These are all reasons that RT failed to gain much traction.
In fact, from what I understand, the hardware itself is not terrible though WinRT is a love or hate thing.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Informative)
Actually, as the people who found the first RT jailbreak noticed, the only thing keeping Windows RT from running ARM compiled applications (which you can create in Visual Studio, even!) is a policy that mandates that only Microsoft-signed executables can run outside of the WinRT environment. If Microsoft removed that restriction by changing a single registry key, all of that compatibility would suddenly appear. In fact, .NET apps distributed in PE form and compiled for Any CPU would be able to run without being recompiled at all.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Interesting)
Unless of course, they keep running with their blinders on.
Like refusing to reinstate the start menu on Windows 8.1 and forcing that metro crap instead of listening to their customers?
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
True, true, I was thinking about NT-derivatives and succumbed to tunnel vision.
It'll be interesting to see if MS keeps CE around, since there will always be something on 'low end hardware' no matter how high the low end gets to be, or whether they'll eventually ditch CE in favor of some compact-but-NT-kernel-based embedded flavor for consistency's sake.
Re: (Score:3)
some PC Compatibility for some legacy systems.
I actually want more than that... why can't they make almost-full compatibility? Apple did it at a time when they were a much smaller company. Sure, higher-performance x86 apps would suck on ARM, but the UI wouldn't need to be emulated. Maybe they couldn't get Office to run well or something and decided against it. Maybe they were in a rush. Or maybe they just totally misread the market.
There is little reason to buy an RT tablet until the ecosystem improves, and now it looks like the partners are bailing be
Re: (Score:2)
Or just not branded it as "windows"... If it was branded differently then people wouldn't have expected compatibility, and thus wouldn't have been disappointed when they found out that it wasn't compatible...
It seemed to work well for apple with ios/ipad, noone expected to be able to run mac applications on them.
Re: (Score:2)
They really should have added some PC Compatibility for some legacy systems.
Well in my mind, they probably should have picked one direction or another. They should have made it compatible, or they should have made it its own incompatible system, with everything optimized just to run applications written for it. Sometimes when you pick the middle road between satisfying two needs, you end up failing to fulfill either need.
Re: (Score:3)
Exactly! Apple named their mobile OS something totally different from their desktop OS, thus setting up expectations that they were the same and would run the same apps. Apple so dumb!
Re: (Score:3)
Basically they need something, anything to compensate for disaster that is windows 8, until MS comes back to reality. MS can carry over the dry period with it's MS tax and other parts of its business, OEMs not so much.
It's not so much lack of learning as desperation to keep the revenue flow going in the current market.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Insightful)
They could fix this so easy and fast, but they don't because they are bull-headed and know what their customer wants (or, at least, think they do.)
If there is a mouse / keyboard, use the Win7 UI.
If there is a touchscreen and no mouse, use the tiles.
Regardless of the above, put a radio button in the control panel to easily switch between the two.
I just fixed Windows 8.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Informative)
Considering they were profitable with those, they have learned.
I just bought an Acer C7 Chromebook for my 5-year old son. He uses it to watch YouTube videos. My wife liked it so much, she has taken it over and I'm buying another one.
99% of what she does in through the browser. Actually, make that 100%. There isn't anything she uses the computer for that doesn't have a web interface. Stick AdBlock Plus in Chrome and you have a machine that boots from cold to fully ready in 7 seconds, with a fast, clean browsing experience w/Flash and PDF support. (And the only time it boots from cold is when there is a full Chrome update that requires a restart.)
Chromebooks are fantastic devices for what 80% of the population does with computers. For $199 it was by far and away the best thing out there.
Re: (Score:2)
Yes. Chromebooks is the device you want your 5 years old spending time on watching youtube. I don't know about you, when my kids turn 5, I want them to start writing programs and learn how computer operates. Chromebooks won't be my choice.
That's excellent; although maybe a bit early.
That said, the market for computers aimed at people who want their young children to learn how to write programs isn't very big.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Informative)
Why?
You can put the thing in dev mode and do whatever you want. You can even install another OS. So you get a $199 laptop meaning no great loss if it gets dropped or destroyed by the kid and he gets a great first computer.
Re: (Score:3)
what if your kid hates programming and anything like it and wants to focus on the liberal arts?
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Then they'll most likely never earn enough to pay for all the DRM protected content they wish to consume.
Re: (Score:3, Funny)
Re: (Score:3)
Nope, a bedpan and mop. Senior Care: the Job of Tomorrow!
Re: (Score:2)
That's what the SSH extension is for, buddy. They can log into your Linux server (or a VM running on the server) when they're ready for that kind of thing.
Chromebook a success; Microsoft Not. (Score:5, Interesting)
So they are pulling out of one pointless OS (WinRT) and focus an another even more pointless OS (ChromeBook).
When will they ever learn?
The reason why they are focussing on the chromebook is because its selling. In fact its the fastest growing part of an otherwise lackluster PC Market. The fact that it loosens Microsoft Grip on them is a massive bonus.
"fastest growing" (Score:5, Insightful)
Yeah, when you go from 0.1% to 0.3% of market share, that's 300% growth, which far outstrips everyone else. Ask Microsoft how they feel about being the "fastest growing part" of the smartphone business since Windows Phone 8 also shares that particular title.
Note: I am not disparaging ChromeOS or Chromebook with this post, I'm only pointing out how useless the term "fastest growing" is when applied to a platform that has been on the market for like 18 days (sarcasm).
Re: (Score:3)
You aren't wrong, but you are being disingenuous if you're claiming that Acer's strategic management made that mistake when deciding to focus on Chromebook/Android sales over Windows.
Presumably they're smart enough to do the maths and make an informed decision as to which way to steer their billion-dollar corporate giant. And presumably they think that the way their Chromebooks are selling, there is more untapped demand for Chromebooks than yet more Windows devices.
Re: (Score:2)
The fact that it loosens Microsoft Grip on them is a massive bonus.
I would not call giving market share to the grand spying corporation a bonus in any sense of the word.
Yes, that's the Chromebook. (Score:5, Insightful)
Carewolf: "The Chromebook is a failure!"
Tupe: "No, the Chromebook sells quite well"
You: "No, they're not buing a Chromebook, they're buying 'that $199 laptop'"
Which would be the Chromebook right? So they're buying the Chromebook, which means that someone is selling it, right? Which means it's selling, right?
So what, exactly is the point of a tone that indicates that Tupe was wrong?
Or is your complaing "They are buying it wrong!!!!"?
Re:Chromebook a success; Microsoft Not. (Score:5, Interesting)
A chromebook might have been a much smarter investment for her, as she doesn't use half the functionality her laptop offers. Also, even though her laptop is orders of magnitude more powerful than the first servers I worked on, it *still* takes several minutes to cold-boot Windows. In fact, she recently got an Android phone and has pretty much forgotten about her laptop, using the phone for her online consumption instead.
Re: (Score:3)
Just talked with wife (my wife; I have one too!) about updating her 2006 laptop. She said shed be fine with a tablet that can play her Facebook games and print stuff. I think I'm getting a new bike and a tablet this weekend!
What killed the NetPC .. (Score:3)
Intel was pushing the NetPC and it was Microsoft that acted to kill it
--
"do you have a list of issues on this topic? we have a conference call with them (intel) re NetPC today at 9, and pending your response we can bring them up or try to stave off a little, but
Comment removed (Score:5, Funny)
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Insightful)
Most people don't need fully kitted out laptops any more than you need an amphibious tank, or your own private GPS satellite network..
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Funny)
Most people don't need fully kitted out laptops any more than you need an amphibious tank, or your own private GPS satellite network..
An amphibious tank, connected to my own private GPS satellite network? Awesome, where do I sign up?
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Funny)
It's right next to the Surface RT display.
Re: (Score:2)
You can get an x86 Windows laptop for less than $200?
Re: (Score:3)
They are cheap, that really is it.
If you put them in dev mode and install a better OS they are quite decent. I may buy a pixel just for the display.
Re:From the ashes into the fire? (Score:5, Interesting)
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3)
This is what I did with my recently purchased Samsung Chromebook:
1) Put in dev mode, very simple
2) Plug in a high quality 8 or 16GB SDHC card
3) Open crosh in a Chrome tab, and open a bash shell within that
4) Install crouton (XFCE) onto the memory card. Boot (it's simply chrooted).
5) Use Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Backspace to switch between the two OS's
I may have left out a minor step or two but it's a fully functional portable dev environment for under $200. Runs smoothly and has great battery life. The only caveat
Re: (Score:3)
my ipad might not have the paper specs but i can use it on the train to work and on the couch COMFORTABLY
apps like Pulse and flipboard you don't need a keyboard
Re: (Score:3)
Those cheap laptops are totally unsuited to lap time on the couch. They are heavy, hot on your legs, and have a crappy battery. Many also have a loud fan if you dare to do something like play a game. In my experience, the durability is also bad and constant couch time is hard on things like cheap screen hinges. With an iPad, you can surf all night on the couch and still have enough juice to fall asleep in bed reading. (I have a Kindle - not quite as nice, but same argument applies).
Re: (Score:2)
It's not rocket science ... the majority of personal computers will never be used for anything overly complex or taxing on the hardware, and won't be doing anything they can't completely do using the Google functionality of a Chomebook.
Go look at your parents, or people who don't work in tech who pretty much only need a web browser to do everything they'll ever do with a computer. They don't need ho
Re: (Score:3)
> Even something like media consumption is far easier on an iPad -- you buy the movie from iTunes (or buy the physical disk which comes with the digital copy and download it like I do), and play it. You don't even need to know anything about file formats.
That only works so long as you stay inside the walled garden and only do the things that Apple wants you to do. The moment you add one home movie into the mix it becomes a total mess.
You are conflating crippled with easy.
Your example is not terribly inte
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, and Microsoft and Google are trying desperately to get in on that action. Without going into some advanced settings on my Nexus 7 to allow sideloading, it's pretty much the same thing. And I've sideloaded only one or two things on my Nexus 7.
Bullshit, I've added ripped movies into my iTunes, and they work just fine. If
Re: (Score:2)
Chromebook sales are strong. It's all about money, and that is not pointless.
Re: (Score:3)
And you really can’t blame Acer for not sticking with Windows 8, as the company has put on the market a good number of different-sized tablets, laptops, hybrids and even all-in-one PC units. -- from the article
Re: (Score:2)
And most of the industry. Don't forget about say 85% of the people who use Desktops and Laptops.
Re:Stop writing about Windows (Score:4, Funny)
Nonsense! All of those users are just installing ChromeOS as soon as they get the machines home. And switching to Emacs instead of Word.
Re: (Score:3)
Emacs??!?!?!?!?
LaTex is the bees knees!
Re: (Score:2)
> My brother the non-nerd who would be in love with his roku if it had a browser and is actively looking for a replacement that does.
A $200 ION nettop with a wireless keyboard/mouse combo sounds like just the thing.
I'm not sure that I would want to use a web browser with the kind of inputs that come with a Roku.
Re: (Score:2)
Only for about 15 minutes, at least based on my experience with my smart tv's browser. ...but then again, in Sweden they still use TeleText, so a lot of people don't need much.
Re: (Score:3)
PC gaming (Score:2)
Re: (Score:3)
Why are you giving them free press.
Because in difference from the far too frequent slashvertisments this actually is news for nerds, stuff that matters..
Re: (Score:2)
Why are you giving them free press. Except couple grandmas nobody is using Windows. Much better choices are available.
Shut up. Every news article is "free press" for someone if you look it that way. Windows is a big thing in IT world so it's good to hear about it too.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Sounds more like the CPU is overheating
Re: (Score:2)
The first desktop I bought with my own money used to just hang I think, often working for up to 30 minutes before having issues. Me and my dad spent a week or two trying to diagnose it, checking IRQs, updating drivers and the BIOS, reinstalling Windows, etc. Applying new thermal paste sorted it out.
Re: (Score:2)
I always thought "Ridiculous Tragedy" myself.
Maybe Surface RT Sucks (Score:2)
The reason your windows machine's aren't selling is because you make piss-poor products Acer.
When Microsoft crapped all over its OEM Partners(sic), by releasing a device its reference model..and like you have just done announced how rubbish its OEM partners are. Microsoft Spent a billion on Advertising making less in revenue for its sale...and its X86 Twin the Surface Pro, had to devalue its inventory by $900million.
Perhaps a better strategy would have been to treat its partners...as just that partners instead of Victims especially considering OEM now have choices...clearly something Acer is willin