Despite any confirmation or suggestions from Nokia, rumors grow of a tablet device from the Finnish manufacturer featuring Microsoft’s Windows RT operating system. The rumors are quite surprising considering that most OEMs have failed to take any interest in Windows RT, due to the lack of interest among consumers. Even Microsoft’s own Surface RT was not received well by consumers. But, if there is any truth to the rumors of a Windows RT tablet device from Nokia, it could potentially resurrect the operating system from its apparent failure.
Nokia’s strategy with the Lumia series of Windows Phone devices has worked out pretty well so far. The last quarter saw nearly 8 million Lumia devices being sold worldwide and has brought Microsoft’s Windows Phone to a solid third position among mobile operating systems. With flagship devices such as the Lumia 1020, 925 and the 920 as well as low end offerings like the Lumia 520 and 620, Nokia had a Lumia for every range of customers. There is no reason why the same strategy will not work for tablet devices too.
If Nokia is coming out with a low-end Lumia 520 equivalent of RT tablets, there is a good chance that consumers will welcome the device in spite of all the complaints against the RT operating system, provided, of course, that the device is priced right. A basic functional device with a decent display and internal storage priced in the $200 – $250 range might just do the trick.
If Nokia wishes to indulge on high-end hardware features, it should do so on a high-end Windows 8 Pro based device which could be a tablet-laptop hybrid. A two-device strategy would be best for both Nokia and Microsoft considering that most of the Windows RT tablets have not been a success. But, rumors suggest that this may not be the case. Patent filings imply that the Windows RT based tablet with a 10.1 inch display would be featuring a stylus. In all likelihood, Nokia will come out with a single overpriced Windows RT tablet without a second Windows 8 Pro based flagship device.
Nokia’s hardware and brand name might be sufficient for Windows RT to survive for a while, but to prosper in a highly competitive market; both Microsoft and Nokia will need a better strategy.
