# Windows 8.1 with Bing > reduced-cost SKU of Windows 8.1 that was introduced by Microsoft in May 2014 in an effort to further encourage the production of low-cost Windows devices, whilst "driving end-user usage of Microsoft Services such as Bing and OneDrive" **Wikidata**: [Q36400095](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36400095) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/windows-8-1-with-bing ## Summary Windows 8.1 with Bing is a reduced-cost SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) of the Windows 8.1 operating system developed by Microsoft. Introduced in May 2014, it was created to support the production of low-cost Windows devices while promoting the adoption of Microsoft services such as Bing and OneDrive. ## Key Facts * **Product Name:** Windows 8.1 with Bing * **Developer:** Microsoft * **Release Date:** May 2014 * **Parent Operating System:** Windows 8.1 (Released October 17, 2013) * **Product Type:** Operating System / Reduced-cost SKU * **Strategic Goal:** Encourage the production of low-cost devices and drive user engagement with Microsoft Services (Bing, OneDrive). * **Integrated Services:** Microsoft Bing (Search Engine) * **Example Hardware:** The operating system runs on devices such as the ASUS EeeBook X205TA. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Windows 8.1 with Bing? A: Windows 8.1 with Bing is a specific version of the Windows 8.1 operating system. It was introduced by Microsoft in May 2014 as a lower-cost option intended to help manufacturers build affordable devices. ### Q: How does Windows 8.1 with Bing differ from standard Windows 8.1? A: The primary difference cited by Microsoft is that this version is a reduced-cost SKU designed specifically to drive the usage of Microsoft Services like Bing and OneDrive, whereas standard SKUs were not explicitly tied to this service-promotion strategy in the same way. ### Q: When was Windows 8.1 with Bing released? A: Microsoft introduced Windows 8.1 with Bing in May 2014. ### Q: What kind of devices use Windows 8.1 with Bing? A: This SKU was designed for low-cost Windows devices. An example of hardware utilizing this system is the ASUS EeeBook X205TA. ## Why It Matters Windows 8.1 with Bing represents a strategic shift in Microsoft's licensing approach during the mid-2010s. By offering a reduced-cost version of its flagship operating system, Microsoft aimed to compete more aggressively in the burgeoning market for budget laptops and tablets, preventing competitors like Google (Chrome OS) from dominating the low-end sector. This SKU was significant because it tied the operating system's economics directly to the company's "Services" strategy. Microsoft effectively subsidized the cost of the OS for hardware manufacturers in exchange for guaranteed prominence of its search engine (Bing) and cloud storage (OneDrive) on the end-user's device. This move helped partners like ASUS produce viable low-cost hardware, such as the EeeBook X205TA, ensuring Windows remained relevant in the entry-level computing market. ## Notable For * **Cost Reduction:** Being a specific SKU designed to lower the manufacturing costs of Windows devices. * **Service Promotion:** Explicitly aiming to increase the usage of Bing and OneDrive services. * **Timeline:** Being introduced in May 2014, roughly seven months after the launch of the parent Windows 8.1. * **Hardware Integration:** Serving as the operating system for budget-friendly devices like the ASUS EeeBook X205TA. ## Body ### Overview and Classification Windows 8.1 with Bing is an operating system developed by Microsoft. It is technically classified as a subclass of Windows 8.1, which is a personal computer operating system released on October 17, 2013. While it shares the core functionality of the standard operating system, it is distinguished as a reduced-cost SKU. ### Strategic Purpose Microsoft introduced Windows 8.1 with Bing in May 2014 with a dual objective. The primary goal was to "further encourage the production of low-cost Windows devices." By reducing the licensing cost for manufacturers, Microsoft enabled the creation of more affordable hardware. Simultaneously, the SKU served a strategic internal purpose: "driving end-user usage of Microsoft Services such as Bing and OneDrive." This ensured that even on lower-cost hardware, Microsoft's ecosystem of search and cloud services remained central to the user experience. ### Hardware and Implementation As an operating system, Windows 8.1 with Bing manages computer hardware resources. A notable example of its implementation in the consumer market is the ASUS EeeBook X205TA, a laptop built by Asus which utilized this specific SKU to maintain a low price point. The system includes Microsoft Bing as a component, designated specifically for use as a search engine within the OS environment.