The Windows 8 strategy reeks of desperation. They are using the monopoly power of Windows to try to force feed a tablet and phone interface on the world. No windows user actually wants Metro for their desktop machine, but Microsoft is hoping they will tolerate it, enough that it will be an attractive captive audience for developers, and close the app gap in a hurry.
I find the Metro interface gorgeous and attractive on my phone and would love to use it on a tablet. But it didn't stand a chance as a tablet only OS. Might have beaten Android, but that's not saying much. On its own, Windows RT would sell 1 million copies in 2012, tops. That's simply not enough critical mass to move the dial for developers. But coupled with Windows 8, we are talking about 50 million? 100 million?
It's a gamble, but it's one Microsoft had to make, while they had the clout to do so. And IMO, it might work. |
