Microsoft is aiming big with the upcoming launch of Windows 8 with all sorts of devices which can run the next windows operating systems,ranging from the conventional X86 based devices all the way to the WoA(ARM) based devices.
The Market
Many companies are pitching with both the flavors of devices for their next Windows 8 based laptop,desktop and tablets.Companies like Dell,HP,Samsung are gearing up for the occasion with a bunch of devices set to be released in the second half of this year.With not just conventional laptops,desktops or even tablets for that matter,but the hybrid devices which bring the hybrid devices like the Touch Screen based ultrabooks.
The changes
Microsoft has worked their hearts out for Windows 8 with a completely new approach than any of their previous Windows iterations.They have tried every possible trick in the hat to make Windows 8 reach the public in every aspect.So be it the Redesigned Metro UI or the Start Screen or the removal of the conventional Start Menu and Start Button or the introduction of a new store for Metro apps the “Windows Store”optimizing the Memory Management and Power Management features of Windows 8 which will enhance the battery life of the portable Windows 8 based devices.
With the Metro UI the major makeover of Windows operating system which makes the operating system more intuitive and useful on touch based device while keeping the Desktop version of the operating system intact for those who are familiar with the conventional UI.
With changes comes criticism,Many of the tech enthusiasts did like the Metro UI and the newly added features in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which was recently released at the Mobile World Congress,but there were also some people who didn’t like the major redesign of the operating system and those who prefer the conventional operating system.That might be one of the reasons they didn’t completely rule out the desktop version and keeping it as an alternative to the Metro UI in Windows 8.
The challenges
Major challenge Microsoft could face is the acceptance of Windows 8 on tablet devices,by far their tablet strategy with the Slate PC’s which were introduced a couple of years ago wasn’t able to cope up with the competition of the Apple iPad.And as if that wasn’t enough the competition got even tougher with the introduction of Android based tablets in the market as well.
So at this moment what Microsoft needs to do is to make sure that they manage to gain their momentum in the tablet segment with the launch of Windows 8 tablets from various manufacturers like Samsung, Dell,HP and even Nokia for that matter.
One more thing that will play an important role in the success of the Windows 8 in the tablet market is the price range of the devices,so Microsoft has to choose a competitive price range to make a mark in the tablet market which is currently held by Apple iPad.
By far by the first impressions of consumer preview it looks quite an impressive product and by far the best product in terms of features and security.For this to convert into numbers Microsoft might also have to pull of a great marketing campaign and we will get to know by the end of the year that if Windows 8 will go the Windows 7 way or the Windows Vista way.
