ASUS chair isn't a Windows 10 Mobile believer

Microsoft is putting all its eggs in the Windows 10 basket almost literally. The next version of the operating system will run on all its supported hardware, which includes not just PCs or tablets, but even smartphones and, yes, the Xbox. But while some OEMs like LG, who just recently launched a new Windows Phone, are in on the game, one major name isn't joining the singing. Based on the words aired by ASUS chairman Jonney Shih, his company isn't jumping on the Windows 10 Mobile wagon just yet.

It's not that ASUS doesn't like Windows. In fact, while it does have some Android tablets on sale, majority of its large sized products run Windows. He even believes that combining productivity and entertainment is where Windows excels. It just so happens that he believes that it doesn't translate well to mobile. Or to be more blunt, He thinks that Windows on phones doesn't really offer a significant advantage over Android or iOS.

That could, perhaps, explain why ASUS hasn't had a Windows Phone in an excruciatingly long time since the E600 in 2011. Or it could also be a self-fulfilling prophecy. ASUS' entire smartphone line up currently consists of Android devices embracing all price tiers, many of the higher ones powered by Intel's much maligned mobile chips.

ASUS isn't closing the doors on Windows 10 Mobile just yet. Shih admits that Continuum as it will work on smartphones is "achievable". It could perhaps bring that same productivity and entertainment combo to the small form. But it is, of course, too early to tell. Implementation will definitely be key, and we won't get to see that until much later this year.

For now, ASUS will be playing it safe with Android, and it can't really afford to do otherwise. It has just launched its ZenFone 2 flagship in the US in the hopes of at least striking up a name again in the country's mobile market. It will need to focus all its attention, resources, and marketing to accomplish that, and a Windows 10 Mobile foray would only be an unnecessary distraction.

SOURCE: Mashable