Microsoft has lowered the price of Windows 8.1 licenses from $50 to $15 for devices that cost less than $250. Anonymous sources told Bloomberg that Microsoft wants to compete with cheaper Android tablets and Chrome OS laptops that way.
The sources state that the lower prices are valid for all devices under $250 regardless their size or type. Besides that, the cheaper devices would no longer require certification and a touchscreen.
The changes should make Windows more competitive with cheaper devices like Chrome OS laptops that have gained a lot of popularity recently. The anonymous sources did note that large PC manufacturers often pay $30 instead of $50 for a Windows 8.1 license. Despite that, the sales of Windows 8 are still behind of Windows 7.