Ever since Google announced that it’ll be making a toned-down version of Android called Oreo Go in 2017, it sounded like a great idea. Phones with 1GB of RAM (costing less than 6K) could run all Android apps from Google Play Store without any glitches.
And that triggered my focus towards the PC segment, which could use a similar strategy from Microsoft. We all know that the laptop segment has been stagnant for a while now, with most of India’s rural regions jumping ship to internet-enabled mobiles.
With 4G data rates at its lowest, letting people use the internet without spending a bomb, isn’t it time that we had a Windows version for entry-level laptops?
I’d say, Microsoft should take Google’s cue (swallow their pride) and make a Windows 10 version that won’t crash the moment you end up multitasking on low-end notebooks with less storage in tow. Reports like these suggest that’s happening and it’s hard to argue why not.
The overall scenario of PCs in India has been stagnant for a while now. You have brands like HP, Dell and Lenovo among others holding the fort. And any chances of local players breaking the mould hasn’t worked at all.
We have seen brands like Smartron, iBall and even Micromax trying its hands with Windows 10 notebooks and tablets. However, Windows 10 and its reliance on high memory and storage has discouraged buyers from considering them.
Windows 10 and its app-centric design has meant that every update of the version eats into the storage of the laptop. Not ideal for low-end devices then.
Unlike smartphones and smart TVs these days, notebooks in the budget segment (under 15K) have never worked out as a direct alternative to the regular laptops. Intel’s Atom range of processors have tried, but for Windows 10 (and Windows 8 before that), it didn’t cut out.
Research firm IDC expects the PC market in India to decline in 2018, compared to 2017, and it’s surprising that no major PC brand is looking to counter this trend.
Google, with its Chromebook, could have put its hand forward and taken the onus to offer affordable notebooks that don’t need storage, only internet is required. No wonder Reliance Jio is rumoured to come out with affordable laptops in the years to come.
Affordable laptops with 4G support could have a JioPhone-like impact on India’s PC segment, if planned smartly.
With the ever-growing reach of 4G internet across the country, Chromebooks could have worked as an ailing touch for the segment. But they’re keen on smart speakers and voice for some reason. Qualcomm is reportedly in talks with Indian brands to enter this space and we’re hopeful of some movement in the coming months.
This again leaves Microsoft with enough room to design its Lean version of Windows 10, and offer them for market like ours. It might not deliver the volume, but could change the mindset of buyers looking for an ultra-affordable notebook in the country.
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