IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany during September 5-10 showed that Android tablet vendors are not looking to offer entry-level models for price-cut competition and instead offered models equipped with 3D depth-of-field cameras, water-, dust- and shock-proof features, high-resolution touch panels, and LTE etc. to increase added value. 8-inch has replaced 7-inch to become the mainstream screen size for new models to be launched in the second half of 2014.
Small-size Windows-based models showcased at IFA 2014 saw prices fall US$100 from those in early 2014 and are currently at a level similar to that of Android-based entry-level models thanks to Microsoft's license-free policy for small-size tablets and assistance from Intel's China Technology Ecosystem (CTE) project to help lower costs, Digitimes Research said.
Following the launch of Asustek Computer's Intel fifth-generation Core processor-based fanless Windows detachable tablet at Computex 2014, many first-tier PC vendors unveiled US$1,000 detachable tablets at IFA 2014. To defend its position, Asustek also unveiled its mid-range TF300TA at the show.