In the Tablet War, Microsoft Is Fighting the Wrong Battle

Updated
In the Tablet War, Microsoft Is Fighting the Wrong Battle

Have you seen the slew of Windows 8 tablets? There's a wide assortment of devices due from Acer, ASUS, Dell, and, of course, Microsoft . However, you won't find a single iPad killer among them, says Fool contributor Tim Beyers in the following video.

Why? Because software and content are more important than hardware in the tablet war, Tim argues. Look at Apple's iPad Mini, a top seller despite its comparatively dim display and Siri's well-publicized shortcomings. A rich library of apps and content more than makes up for its deficits elsewhere.

Microsoft isn't likely to catch up soon. A quick survey of the Windows 8 store finds apps for Netflix and Hulu, but nothing for HBO, Showtime, or Amazon Instant Video. YouTube doesn't even merit an official app.


What chance of winning the tablet war does Mr. Softy have when its most advanced devices are destined to fall short in the eyes of customers who depend on tablets to watch movies and TV? Tim answers this question and more in the video below.


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The article In the Tablet War, Microsoft Is Fighting the Wrong Battle originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Tim Beyers is a member of the Motley Fool Rule Breakers stock-picking team and the Motley Fool Supernova Odyssey I mission. He owned shares of Apple and Netflix at the time of publication. He was also long Jan. 2014 $50 Netflix call options. Check out Tim's web home and portfolio holdings or connect with him on Google+, Tumblr, or Twitter, where he goes by @milehighfool. You can also get his insights delivered directly to your RSS reader.The Motley Fool recommends Amazon.com, Apple, and Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.com, Apple, Microsoft, and Netflix. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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