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Samsung's Ativ Q: Can dual boot Windows 8, Android device sell?

It's unclear whether a dual-boot tablet is a real winner for technology buyers, but Samsung is going to give it a shot.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Samsung rolled out devices Thursday that may give Windows 8 a boost, but there's also a significant hedge: A convertible tablet that can also run Android apps.

It's unclear whether a dual-boot tablet is a real winner for technology buyers, but Samsung is going to give it a shot.

As for the lineup, Samsung rolled out the following:

  • The ATIV Q, the convertible that runs Windows and Android. Like other Windows 8 devices, the ATIV Q is designed to work as tablet and laptop. The device will run Windows 8 and Android Jellybean 4.2.2. Files will be shared from Windows 8 to Android.
  • The ATIV Tab 3 is "a tablet with the power of a PC" and is billed as the thinnest Windows 8 tablet. It's basically a Galaxy Tab with Windows 8.

Here are the specs:

ativspecs

 

 

There are two ways to read this Samsung announcement. Samsung's way is that the new products strengthen the tablet lineup and show support for Windows 8. Another read would be that Samsung doesn't want buyer's remorse with Windows 8 and is offering Android too.

CNET's Roger Cheng noted that Ativ is designed to replicate the success with Samsung's Android powered Galaxy line. Everything Windows 8 will be Ativ. But the Android hedging strategy negates some of the pop to Windows 8. Microsoft could use the boost, but a dual boot product indicates that Samsung may not be sold yet on the software giant's latest OS.

 

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