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The most interesting latest news on the topic: Microsoft |
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Microsoft's Windows 8 is launching into a crowded market, but it boasts a number of remarkable features that may help it stand out.
Microsoft's grand ambitions for Windows 8 focus on integrating the new operating system across platforms in a way that appeals to people with multiple mobile devices. Aiming to bridge the desktop environment with mobile, Microsoft is aiming to angle itself at the forefront of a new era of computing with the OS, especially as PC sales are expected to slow and mobile computing on phones and tablets picks up. Though it faces an uphill battle distinguishing itself among entrenched rivals like Apple's iOS and Android, the operating system shouldn't be ruled out just yet and could end up giving other platforms a run for their money. The company took risks differentiating Windows 8 from previous Windows versions and competitors on the market, developing a unique product with some truly interesting features. Here are a few that stand out, and may help Windows 8 develop a loyal following: 1. Compatibility with Touchscreen Laptops Windows 8 will work on touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets, and the touchscreen features will work on laptops as well. PC maker OEMs is working on a touchscreen laptop specifically designed for Windows 8, which could reinvigorate the netbook market and attract tech fans looking for novelty. Microsoft's emphasis on compatibility will pay off for cloud users, and since businesses are rapidly adopting cloud software, this could be a huge plus for Windows 8, especially among a core group of customers. 2. Strong Multi-Monitor Support For users running Windows 8 on multiple monitors at the same time, the company worked hard to fix problems plaguing Windows systems in the past. This time around, the start button and other important features will be available on any monitor, not just the primary screen. Microsoft also boosted the mouse detection to prevent the cursor from spilling onto the wrong screen. 3. Potentially Runs Adobe Flash Without Plug-Ins Although it isn't certain yet, Microsoft is working to make Internet Explorer on Windows 8 run Adobe Flash video even though it will not have plug-ins. The move may restore some tech cred to the oft-maligned Internet Explorer, since Google Chrome works in a similar way and is often lauded for its strong design. Chrome now dominates Web browsing, but a souped-up, slimmed-down but still robust IE optimized for media could put Microsoft back into the game. 4. Super Quick Boot-Ups The boot up time for Windows 8 actually received criticism for being too quick, since people couldn't access the boot menu as it flitted across the screen in record time. Microsoft fixed the problem, but the system still starts incredibly quickly, addressing a common complaint with Windows systems. Apple is known for having a quick start-up time, so this will help Windows 8 compete with its Cupertino rival. 5. Possible App Haven Another project still in the works, but it's a big one if it goes through: reports are leaking that show Windows 8 expanding its repertoire of built-in apps, which may prove critical for attracting young fans, since users consider apps an increasingly vital feature for mobile devices. Apple and Android phones have a big head start, with robust app stores and enticing deals for app developers. Bluestacks' app player will allow Windows 8 to run Android apps, which is an absolute coup for Microsoft, because without apps Windows 8 simply will not succeed, especially in the mobile space where it must make headway to remain viable into the future. At the same time, just having the apps available from Android will not help the OS stand out, so the reports circulating about Windows 8 coming out with its own unique, built-in apps suggest the company is working hard to bulk up its app supply and prove that it offers something original. |
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Barnes & Noble is revolutionizing e-readers by adding mobile payment technology to its Nook, through a partnership with Microsoft to challenge rivals Apple and Amazon.
Big Plans For Mobile Payments and Microsoft The bookseller is adding NFC technology to the Nook, and plans to integrate mobile payments with its in-store browsing experience. "You can walk up to any of our pictures, any of our aisles, any of our bestseller lists, and just touch the book, and get information on that physical book on your Nook and have some frictionless purchase experience. That's coming, and we could lead in that area," CEO William Lynch told Fortune, highlighting how the company plans to wield NFC to give it a leg up on competitors without in-store components. Barnes & Noble's foray into NFC will help the Nook stand out from other e-readers, and its partnership with Microsoft is fostering deep integration, which will further boost the Nook's credentials. Lynch discussed the potential for running the Nook on Windows 8 instead of Android, which would be a huge boon for Microsoft and give the e-reader a distinguishing characteristic. Windows 8 is set to connect mobile devices with laptops and computers, and connecting an e-reader to the wider Microsoft ecosystem opens up possibilities for the Nook to take advantage of. Lynch, for example, envisioned integration with Microsoft's Office suite and other publishing tools, so authors could put materials composed through Microsoft directly to the Nook. Apple already does this with iBook Author, but Office is the most-used word processor, so the Nook will have a big advantage in luring authors. Moreover, the controversy surrounding Apple's publishing deals may further push writers into Barnes & Noble's arms. ... But Rivals Won't Take This Lying Down The Nook will have formidable competition no matter how well it innovates. Apple may lose authors if Barnes & Noble incorporates Microsoft's publishing tools, but the iPad is still the premiere tablet, and other companies are also striving to make revolutionary changes to e-publishing, like LG with its upcoming flexible, paper-like e-reader. Amazon's Kindle sales are still brisk, and the company is testing an app purchasing system, looking to recruit the best app developers. Also, one of Microsoft's problems with its OS is its lack of apps, so Barnes & Noble may need to figure out a way to compensate or risk losing business. The Bottom Line Barnes & Noble's embrace of NFC shows the company is looking for ways to stand out, but it may run into problems convincing customers to adopt the technology, as research shows buyers are less enthusiastic about mobile purchasing than the retailers implementing it. No matter how cutting-edge the NFC debut looks, unless customers are open to using it -- and unless there is enough content and apps to take advantage of it -- the benefits will be negligible. Barnes & Noble's recent ventures with Microsoft and NFC may give the company a boost, but it has to convince customers to use NFC technology and prove Windows' worth as a mobile OS to sway consumers. The publishing advantages Barnes & Noble's integration with Office are likely to attract authors, but it may take time to reap the benefits from other customers. |
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Amazon and Apple dominate e-books, but Microsoft's partnership with Barnes & Noble will challenge them in a shifting digital publishing market.
Microsoft's announced partnership with Barnes & Noble will challenge the existing market, bringing a solid contender to the game, accelerating e-reading adoption and changing how people consume, create and share digital content. As part of the deal, Microsoft is set to invest $300 million for a 17.6 percent investment stake in "Newco," the temporary name for the joint venture. Barnes & Noble will own the remaining 82.4 percent share as it pushes e-reading technologies and spins off its Nook Digital and College businesses. Former Enemies, Now Partners Many analysts thought a venture capital firm would join with Barnes & Noble, so Microsoft's involvement comes at a surprise. But the idea makes good sense for both companies, thought the two were previously opposed in a legal wrangle over Nook e-readers. Microsoft and Barnes & Noble fought over Nook's alleged patent infringement, an issue the partnership will render moot. Instead of battling each other in courtrooms, the new subsidiary will join them together with royalty-bearing licenses on Microsoft's patents, which comes in handy with future Nook e-readers and other tablet products. Also, Microsoft will likely offer Barnes & Noble's Nook app on its Windows 8 system to push e-book, magazine and newspaper content to its customers. The collaboration brings world-class digital reading to Microsoft's platform as well as millions of users to expand Barnes & Noble's business. The partnership also opens up the possibility of a Windows 8 e-reader, boosting the profile of the upcoming OS and connecting Barnes & Noble to a massive group of consumers. Barnes & Noble's e-readers were able to break through and capture a niche in the e-reader and entertainment tablet markets. Still, the company has been unable to parlay that early success into catapulting the brand further, a feat Amazon was better able to achieve with its Kindle e-reader. The giant online-retailer developed its Kindle Fire, then aggressively priced it and offered a subscription service to give customers a direct link to content, strategies which increased its popularity and sales with consumers. A Boon for Both Parties The infusion of Microsoft's investment, as well as its Windows platform audience, will fuel more innovation from Barnes & Noble, which made strides in this area just last week with its GlowLight e-reader. The device debuted in a unique category Amazon isn't able to match, providing a nice boost for the bookseller's business as it attempts to gain ground in the market. The proposed deal also opens the door for Microsoft to have a greater presence in the exploding tablet market, at a time when it is ripe for educational expansion. Windows tablets barely register against iOS and Android products, considering both Amazon and Barnes & Noble's tablets use a modified Android OS. Developing more offerings with an established player gives Microsoft a jumpstart in an area where it lacks. The timing is significant for competitors like Apple as well. The Department of Justice is suing Apple and publishers Penguin and Macmillan about their agency pricing model, saying it violates antitrust laws. The lawsuit destabilizes an e-book market -- complete with offerings, publisher agreements and prices -- which is ripe for another competitor to enter. While the courts debate the case's antitrust merits, Amazon is taking advantage of Apple's legal woes to push forward in the e-book industry on its own pricing terms. More consumers already buy e-books for Kindle than iPad, so Amazon can capitalize on Apple's DoJ troubles to rake in book sales and attract new users, expanding an already large market share in e-books against rivals like Barnes & Noble. But, not so fast, there. The game-changing partnership boosts formerly minor rivals like Barnes & Noble and Microsoft into contention during the transitional tumult, transforming the e-reader and the tablet market in the process. |
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Verizon is planning a big marketing push for the launch of Windows Phone 8 later this year, giving the struggling OS momentum to take on Apple and Android. |
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Apple and its rivals appear to be starting a new war over SIM cards, while Chrome won the battle of the browsers, if only briefly, over Internet Explorer. Meanwhile, an iPhone owner learned that if he wants to get results, it's best to start at the top, and HP is merging its printer and PC divisions. Plus, if you're looking for a good scare, try Netflix, which is unveiling a 13-part original horror series early next year. Apple, Rivals Heading Toward SIM Card WarThe next-generation nano-SIM card is spurring another war between Apple and its rivals in Europe. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute is set to vote on Apple's plans for the new card. The problem is Apple's version requires a special drawer for the card, which is already designed into the iPad and iPhone. However, the competing design led by Nokia and backed by Motorola and RIM is described as having "significant technical advantages." The SIM design would be licensed to any organization, but some are worried the nano-SIM patents could fall under Apple's controls, further exacerbating the patent wars between tech companies.
Man Takes iPhone/AT&T Complaint To Tim Cook HimselfA frustrated iPhone owner is able to use his device in Canada, after he wrote a letter Apple CEO Tim Cook to complain after AT&T told the man to "just jailbreak" the device. The owner, while moving to Canada, learned his AT&T phone wouldn't work there, but he still wanted to use it. He called AT&T, who told him to call Apple, who told him to call AT&T. After the last call, when an AT&T employee told him to jailbreak the phone, the man had enough and complained in a letter written directly to Tim Cook. He said his entire family is immersed in the Apple brand and "Apple has touched every aspect of our lives and made it richer." His plea worked. Not long after he sent his letter, AT&T called the man to tell him Apple requested they fix the iPhone issue. After the man confirmed his ID number and plugged the phone into one of his four Mac computers, his iPhone is now unlocked.
HP to Merge Printer, PC BusinessesHewlett-Packard is merging its printer and PC divisions to save costs and boost growth. PC chief Todd Bradley will head the new unit. CEO Meg Whitman said the reorganization will increase effectiveness and efficiency. The company is also planning to unify other functions such as marketing across the business to promote a stronger brand and improve efficiency.
Netflix Adding Horror Series to Its LineupNetflix will add its exclusive horror series "Hemlock Grove" early next year, as the video streaming and DVD rental service continues to add original programming. "Hemlock Grove," an adaption of Brian McGreevy's novel by the same name, will star Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard in what Netflix says is a "gripping tale of murder, mystery and monsters set in a ravaged Pennsylvania steel town." The 13-part series' exact release date has not been announced.
Chrome Goes to the Top, BrieflyGoogle's Chrome web browser overtook Internet Explorer to become market leader globally for the first time for one weekend day, web analytics firm StatCounter said. "While it is only one day, this is a milestone," said Aodhan Cullen, StatCounter's chief executive. "At weekends, when people are free to choose what browser to use, many of them are selecting Chrome in preference to IE." On March 18, Chrome was used for 32.7 percent of all browsing, while Explorer had 32.5 percent share. However, when the weekend ended, people went back to using Internet Explorer, possibly because they were back at work and IE is used in more offices. Explorer remains on top worldwide, but is slipping slightly as other browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox become more widely used. |
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Apple and its rivals appear to be starting a new war over SIM cards, while Chrome won the battle of the browsers, if only briefly, over Internet Explorer. Meanwhile, an iPhone owner learned that if he wants to get results, it's best to start at the top, and HP is merging its printer and PC divisions. Plus, if you're looking for a good scare, try Netflix, which is unveiling a 13-part original horror series early next year. Apple, Rivals Heading Toward SIM Card WarThe next-generation nano-SIM card is spurring another war between Apple and its rivals in Europe. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute is set to vote on Apple's plans for the new card. The problem is Apple's version requires a special drawer for the card, which is already designed into the iPad and iPhone. However, the competing design led by Nokia and backed by Motorola and RIM is described as having "significant technical advantages." The SIM design would be licensed to any organization, but some are worried the nano-SIM patents could fall under Apple's controls, further exacerbating the patent wars between tech companies.
Man Takes iPhone/AT&T Complaint To Tim Cook HimselfA frustrated iPhone owner is able to use his device in Canada, after he wrote a letter Apple CEO Tim Cook to complain after AT&T told the man to "just jailbreak" the device. The owner, while moving to Canada, learned his AT&T phone wouldn't work there, but he still wanted to use it. He called AT&T, who told him to call Apple, who told him to call AT&T. After the last call, when an AT&T employee told him to jailbreak the phone, the man had enough and complained in a letter written directly to Tim Cook. He said his entire family is immersed in the Apple brand and "Apple has touched every aspect of our lives and made it richer." His plea worked. Not long after he sent his letter, AT&T called the man to tell him Apple requested they fix the iPhone issue. After the man confirmed his ID number and plugged the phone into one of his four Mac computers, his iPhone is now unlocked.
HP to Merge Printer, PC BusinessesHewlett-Packard is merging its printer and PC divisions to save costs and boost growth. PC chief Todd Bradley will head the new unit. CEO Meg Whitman said the reorganization will increase effectiveness and efficiency. The company is also planning to unify other functions such as marketing across the business to promote a stronger brand and improve efficiency.
Netflix Adding Horror Series to Its LineupNetflix will add its exclusive horror series "Hemlock Grove" early next year, as the video streaming and DVD rental service continues to add original programming. "Hemlock Grove," an adaption of Brian McGreevy's novel by the same name, will star Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgard in what Netflix says is a "gripping tale of murder, mystery and monsters set in a ravaged Pennsylvania steel town." The 13-part series' exact release date has not been announced.
Chrome Goes to the Top, BrieflyGoogle's Chrome web browser overtook Internet Explorer to become market leader globally for the first time for one weekend day, web analytics firm StatCounter said. "While it is only one day, this is a milestone," said Aodhan Cullen, StatCounter's chief executive. "At weekends, when people are free to choose what browser to use, many of them are selecting Chrome in preference to IE." On March 18, Chrome was used for 32.7 percent of all browsing, while Explorer had 32.5 percent share. However, when the weekend ended, people went back to using Internet Explorer, possibly because they were back at work and IE is used in more offices. Explorer remains on top worldwide, but is slipping slightly as other browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox become more widely used. |
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 Tags: Apple, Business, Companies, Daily Roundup, Facebook, Mergers & Acquisitions, Microsoft, Social Media, Strategies & Solutions, Steve Wozniak, Mike Daisey, Kim Dotcom
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20 March 2012 |
The creator of Verizon's "Can You Hear Me Now" campaign is hoping to make some noise for Windows Phone, after Microsoft hired him to help its slow-growth division. In Apple news, European courts are taking a look at how Apple markets its product warranties, and Steve Wozniak was moved to tears over Mike Dailey's stage show, even though it's been discredited as a news source. Bankers are about to make some bucks from Facebook's initial public offering -- but not as much as they normally would. Not to be outdone, disgraced Megaupload leader Kim Dotcom may get his assets back after all.
"Can You Hear Me Now" Creator to head Windows Phone MarketingMicrosoft named Thom Gruhler, global managing partner of telecom and technology for McCann Worldgroup, to run its Windows Phone marketing division. Gruhler, 42, is best known for the Verizon "Can you hear me now?" campaign. He will be the third marketing vice-president to try to sell the revamped Windows Phone software. The product has gotten positive reviews but only accounts for a two percent share of the market.
Groups Seek Apple Warranty CrackdownConsumer groups in 11 European countries are asking national regulators to stop how Apple markets its warranties. Apple usually markets its products as having one-year warranties, unless the buyer takes out an AppleCare plan. Under EU regulations, manufacturers must cover a product for at least two years. Italian courts have already fined Apple $1.2 million for the warranty, and the consumer groups' letters could bring even more fines. Apple plans to appeal the Italian fine, and posted a link on its Italian online Apple Store acknowledging the legal dispute.
Facebook IPO Underwriters Geting 1.1 PercentFinancial instutions underwriting Facebook's initial public offering will receive a 1.1 percent fee, much smaller than the typical underwriting fee made for such work. Sources said the underwriters are swallowing the rest of the fee, which normally would range between 3-7 percent, because of the prestige of being associated with Silicon Valley's largest-ever IPO. Further, the underwriters will serve as Facebook's bankers in the future. The underwriters include Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Barclays, Allen & Co. and an additional 25 banks.
Woz Applauds Mike Daisey's Foxcomm PlayApple co-founder Steve Wozniak says that he loved Mike Daisey's show about conditions at the Apple's supply plants, and even spoke well of Daisey to Steve Jobs before his death. "I didn't get the sense that Mike was anti-Apple," Wozniak said. "I think he loves Apple's products and I told this to Steve Jobs. I think Mike was looking at Apple to become one of the positive forces for having influence on improving things." Daisey stars in a one-man play called "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs." His claims of seeing signs of abuse at the Chinese plants were used as a factual report on National Public Radio, and later retracted. "Woz" didn't talk about Daisey's journalism credentials, but said he was moved "nearly to tears" after seeing it in February 2011.
Kim Dotcom May Get His Property BackMegaupload founder Kim Dotcom, recently arrested and charged with racketeering, copyright infringement and money laundering, may be able to reclaim his seized assets, which were taken through a botched court order. New Zealand police raided Dotcom's home in January, seizing his cash, cars and mansion. New Zealand police admitted to making a "procedural error" when seeking the warrants for Dotcom's house. A New Zealand newspaper said there is no guarantee Dotcom's assets will be returned, however, because his lawyers must prove the police lacked "good faith" when they made their procedural error. |
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Tags: Apple, Business, Companies, Daily Roundup, Facebook, Mergers & Acquisitions, Microsoft, Social Media, Strategies & Solutions, Steve Wozniak, Mike Daisey, Kim Dotcom
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20 March 2012 |
The creator of Verizon's "Can You Hear Me Now" campaign is hoping to make some noise for Windows Phone, after Microsoft hired him to help its slow-growth division. In Apple news, European courts are taking a look at how Apple markets its product warranties, and Steve Wozniak was moved to tears over Mike Dailey's stage show, even though it's been discredited as a news source. Bankers are about to make some bucks from Facebook's initial public offering -- but not as much as they normally would. Not to be outdone, disgraced Megaupload leader Kim Dotcom may get his assets back after all.
"Can You Hear Me Now" Creator to head Windows Phone MarketingMicrosoft named Thom Gruhler, global managing partner of telecom and technology for McCann Worldgroup, to run its Windows Phone marketing division. Gruhler, 42, is best known for the Verizon "Can you hear me now?" campaign. He will be the third marketing vice-president to try to sell the revamped Windows Phone software. The product has gotten positive reviews but only accounts for a two percent share of the market.
Groups Seek Apple Warranty CrackdownConsumer groups in 11 European countries are asking national regulators to stop how Apple markets its warranties. Apple usually markets its products as having one-year warranties, unless the buyer takes out an AppleCare plan. Under EU regulations, manufacturers must cover a product for at least two years. Italian courts have already fined Apple $1.2 million for the warranty, and the consumer groups' letters could bring even more fines. Apple plans to appeal the Italian fine, and posted a link on its Italian online Apple Store acknowledging the legal dispute.
Facebook IPO Underwriters Geting 1.1 PercentFinancial instutions underwriting Facebook's initial public offering will receive a 1.1 percent fee, much smaller than the typical underwriting fee made for such work. Sources said the underwriters are swallowing the rest of the fee, which normally would range between 3-7 percent, because of the prestige of being associated with Silicon Valley's largest-ever IPO. Further, the underwriters will serve as Facebook's bankers in the future. The underwriters include Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Barclays, Allen & Co. and an additional 25 banks.
Woz Applauds Mike Daisey's Foxcomm PlayApple co-founder Steve Wozniak says that he loved Mike Daisey's show about conditions at the Apple's supply plants, and even spoke well of Daisey to Steve Jobs before his death. "I didn't get the sense that Mike was anti-Apple," Wozniak said. "I think he loves Apple's products and I told this to Steve Jobs. I think Mike was looking at Apple to become one of the positive forces for having influence on improving things." Daisey stars in a one-man play called "The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs." His claims of seeing signs of abuse at the Chinese plants were used as a factual report on National Public Radio, and later retracted. "Woz" didn't talk about Daisey's journalism credentials, but said he was moved "nearly to tears" after seeing it in February 2011.
Kim Dotcom May Get His Property BackMegaupload founder Kim Dotcom, recently arrested and charged with racketeering, copyright infringement and money laundering, may be able to reclaim his seized assets, which were taken through a botched court order. New Zealand police raided Dotcom's home in January, seizing his cash, cars and mansion. New Zealand police admitted to making a "procedural error" when seeking the warrants for Dotcom's house. A New Zealand newspaper said there is no guarantee Dotcom's assets will be returned, however, because his lawyers must prove the police lacked "good faith" when they made their procedural error. |
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Microsoft plans to release Windows 8 in October, aiming to give the OS a leg up in a starkly competitive market. According to Bloomberg, Microsoft will finish work on the Windows 8 during the summer. The report also confirmed predictions that the OS will work with devices using Intel chips, as well as ARM, the first Microsoft's OS tackles the seamless integration. The October release will help Microsoft stake its claim in the tablet market, and a fall debut provides good timing to create hype for the holiday buying season and let hullabaloo surrounding Apple's new iPad die down. Microsoft designed Windows 8 to run on tablets, traditional PCs and smartphones, and the company hopes to bridge the gap between different devices and capitalize on users' desire for an integrated experience. Windows 8 features an app store with a player allowing users to run Android apps, and Microsoft continues to search for unique app entries. In addition, the company is relying on its already-popular Kinect gaming features to integrate unparalleled gaming technology on laptops running Windows. Microsoft is betting its upcoming partnership with Nokia will help propel Windows 8 into the tablet market, and both companies are gearing up for intense competition with Google's forthcoming integrated tablets and Apple's popular iPads, not to mention solid opposition from Amazon's Kindle Fire. Windows 8 is up against stiff competition in the tablet market, but it has some strengths to play on for overall success. Despite dips in traditional PC sales, Microsoft's domination of that market means the operating system will have a robust conventional desktop audience to tap into for mobile customers. Dominating the PC market could sway consumers to try out the OS on more mobile devices, upping Microsoft's share in a crucial market. Windows 8 is getting good reviews from critics, but it must contend in the mobile market with the established supremacy of Apple and emerging competition from Google. The October release date will give Microsoft a marketing advantage, but even with this possible edge, Windows 8 will have to be a powerhouse to overtake its rivals. |
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Microsoft plans to release Windows 8 in October, aiming to give the OS a leg up in a starkly competitive market. According to Bloomberg, Microsoft will finish work on the Windows 8 during the summer. The report also confirmed predictions that the OS will work with devices using Intel chips, as well as ARM, the first Microsoft's OS tackles the seamless integration. The October release will help Microsoft stake its claim in the tablet market, and a fall debut provides good timing to create hype for the holiday buying season and let hullabaloo surrounding Apple's new iPad die down. Microsoft designed Windows 8 to run on tablets, traditional PCs and smartphones, and the company hopes to bridge the gap between different devices and capitalize on users' desire for an integrated experience. Windows 8 features an app store with a player allowing users to run Android apps, and Microsoft continues to search for unique app entries. In addition, the company is relying on its already-popular Kinect gaming features to integrate unparalleled gaming technology on laptops running Windows. Microsoft is betting its upcoming partnership with Nokia will help propel Windows 8 into the tablet market, and both companies are gearing up for intense competition with Google's forthcoming integrated tablets and Apple's popular iPads, not to mention solid opposition from Amazon's Kindle Fire. Windows 8 is up against stiff competition in the tablet market, but it has some strengths to play on for overall success. Despite dips in traditional PC sales, Microsoft's domination of that market means the operating system will have a robust conventional desktop audience to tap into for mobile customers. Dominating the PC market could sway consumers to try out the OS on more mobile devices, upping Microsoft's share in a crucial market. Windows 8 is getting good reviews from critics, but it must contend in the mobile market with the established supremacy of Apple and emerging competition from Google. The October release date will give Microsoft a marketing advantage, but even with this possible edge, Windows 8 will have to be a powerhouse to overtake its rivals. |
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