Microsoft's New Game of Catch Up

It's no secret that Redmond-based Microsoft Corporation went through somewhat of a rough patch and a public image meltdown when Windows Vista (early 2007) failed to meet the expectations and needs of consumers. Many saw Vista's failure in the mainstream market as a huge blow for the once legendary software company.

 

But with the release of windows 7 in 2009, Microsoft was able to bring a beautiful and highly functional operating system to the table. Sure, many would argue that the OS was still a bit bloated, but when it boils down to it the release was a great come back for Microsoft.

Now, I must say that even though I love the functionality and appearance of Apple's iOS mobile platform, I definitely see windows Phone 7 as a very strong contender. Having said this, Microsoft finally seems to be following the trend  (arguably set by Apple) of producing high function software with minimal design. With the limited screen-space on windows mobile devices, this really is a great leap forward. And even though I'm not a huge fan of the WP7-style theme in a desktop environment, I've got to admit that Microsoft is doing a pretty good job at bridging the gap between their desktop and mobile product lines; at least in terms of appearance, for now.

When Windows 8 rolls around, tablets will have become the "in" thing in the electronics industry and Microsoft will undoubtedly put significantly more thought into tabled devices. For me it will be a bit hard sell, but I do believe that windows 8 will be a game changer for Microsoft. Running this established desktop on tablet computers will bring advantage to use extensive library of Windows software currently available, and both Apples' iOS and Google's Android platforms will see sudden competition. Gone will be Microsoft;s days of struggling with low-interest on the part of mobile developers.

 

Regardless, Microsoft has done a fantastic job at revamping Windows 8; at least form what I've seen thus far. While I can't make a horribly accurate prediction about how Microsoft's release of windows 8 and the bridge between mobile and desktop will go, I think some questions will be answered down when Apple releases Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion), as the Cupertino-based company has made similar moves with how they've implemented iOS like features into the upcoming operating system.

 

Article Submitted By : Anand Shrestha