14 DAY TRIAL // Back at CES 2014 in January, ASUS made a big splash when it announced the dual-boot 2-in-1 tablet/laptop hybrid. This was a machine that could run either in tablet or laptop mode, with a choice between Android on Windows 8.1 to go along for the ride.
A few months after the official introduction, it became apparent that the dual-boot tablet wouldn’t be making an appearance on the market anytime soon.
Microsoft and Google didn't like the idea
We still don’t have a crystal clear view of what really happened, but Microsoft and Google apparently partnered up to put pressure on ASUS, which was ordered to pull the plug on the project.
Despite the benefits that such a partnership might bring about, Microsoft and Google appeared to want to keep things separate.
But Google’s and Microsoft’s adversity towards the project didn't stop Chinese OEMs from trying their hands at building dual OS machines.
At Computex, a bunch of Chinese device makers put on display several dual-boot machines running Windows 8.1 and Android 4.2 or even Android 4.4.
These companies were looking to offer lower-priced, entry-level tablets that are reminiscent of Windows 8.1 tablets but that also offer some Android functionality.
Some products following these lines have already been launched in China, like the Ramos i10 Pro which arrives with 3G and the ability to switch between Android 4.4.2 and Windows 8.1.
Chuwi also enters the dual-boot game
Well, as of this week, we have a new arrival to the category, which we presumed to be quite dormant. Another big player on the Chinese market, Chuwi has unleashed the V10HD dual-boot tablet, but there’s no keyboard friend involved in this story, notes GizChina.
The slate takes advantage of a 10-inch screen with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution plus a 64-bit Intel Bay Trail processor clocked at 1.83GHz fitted with 2GB of RAM.
The tablet takes advantage of both 3G and Wi-Fi and will be offered for a price of $276 / €219. It appears the dual-boot allure is making a comeback, but will it last?
Speaking of which, even after being ordered to pull the plug on its dual-boot effort, ASUS seems to have a hard time letting go, so it is looking for a workaround to appease its dual-boot cravings.
With this in mind, the company has showcased the Transformer Book V, a laptop/tablet/smartphone hybrid. While the laptop/tablet part runs Windows 8.1, docking the Android smartphone in the pouch located on the back will result in the Android interface popping up on the screen inside Windows 8.1.
However, to this day the product hasn't made a debut on the market, so we have to assume this too was another failed project from the cradle. Will Chinese OEMs have better luck? It's hard to believe.
