Dual OS Devices Gain Momentum This Year at CES 2014

Recently there seems to be a push to start making computers and tablets with two operating systems, or dual-booting devices. The Asus Transformer Book Duet was announced yesterday at Asus’ CES keynote. The tablet will feature Windows 8.1 and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with the option of switching back and forth as you please. Although the tablet will cost $600, it seems to be worth every dollar. A Haswell i7 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a convenient 128 GB SSD, and a sharp 1080p screen with 166 ppi. Like most Windows tablets, the Duet will come with an attachable keyboard to add productivity and 1 TB of storage. Based on the specs and two operating systems, this device seems like the best convertible tablet we’ve seen so far.

However, dual-booting devices aren’t all that new. Last June, the Samsung Ativ Q was announced and featured Android 4.2 and Windows 8.1. It also had 4 GB RAM, a Haswell i5 processor, a 3200x1800 13.3” screen with a keyboard and an S-Pen. Unfortunately, the Ativ Q was indefinitely delayed due to patent issues.

While consumers who favor aspects of each OS may appreciate the ability to purchase a tablet with both Windows and Android running on it, Microsoft and Google don’t seem so jazzed. Microsoft is already struggling to get a developer community growing in hopes of strengthening its burgeoning ecosystem of devices, and if this Dual OS becomes a craze, needs for Microsoft apps disappear as Android apps are run on every Windows 8 laptop. Google also fears more software fragmentation and may pull access to Google play and other Google services. The real winner here is Intel. They have their Bay Trail tablet chip with capabilities to run both operating systems. If these tablet convertibles become a hit, then Intel will have a virtual processor monopoly in this emerging market.

So, what do you think about Dual OS devices? Are they a must-have hit, or a passing miss? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!