To sum this all up
Ultimately when you look at all the factors that have come into play, the finger can only point at Redmond and their partners.
Ultimately, consumers had no overwhelming and compelling reason to go out and spend money on new Windows hardware this past holiday season. If you are keeping track of the hardware being released at CES 2013, it’s pretty clear that the best Windows 8 hardware is coming soon – it’s not here yet.
In addition, most consumers couldn’t tell you the difference between Windows RT and Windows 8 today (not sure some Best Buy employees could either).
I tend to believe that the case for Windows 8 is being made but the sale hasn’t been closed yet.
The first big test of my hypothesis is later this month when the Surface Pro tablet is released.
- If Surface Pro sales go through the roof, it will be clear that consumers just need the right type of hardware to rush out and buy Windows 8.
- If Surface Pro is unable to do big numbers and Apple continues to do them, the verdict will be clear – consumers will clearly be making a statement about the software.
Microsoft need to refine Windows 8, make better ads, fix the sales partner problem and push OEM’s to make higher quality hardware.
There’s still time to turn this around and I am hopeful but if we are still talking this way by the summer….
That’s my take – use the comments below and let me know what you think.
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