Exclusive: Microsoft decision to “re-start” is a wise one, says analyst
There’s “limited information” at this stage but drawing on what Microsoft has said there are two likely reasons to go to Windows Blue, IDC analyst Amy Cheah, told SmartHouse, including a chance to ride the mobile wave.
“First is the need to constantly improve Windows 8 to ensure its relevance with end users,” says Cheah.
“The success of Windows 7 is in most parts attributed to improvements and upgrades made to the troubled Windows Vista based on market feedback. Microsoft is wise to apply the same approach to Windows 8.”
Earlier this week, Microsoft chief marketer Tami Reller revealed the software giant plan (codenamed ‘Windows Blue’) to rejig parts of Windows 8, its first stab at touch based software released in October, vital to its businesses as it looks to break into the lucrative tablet and phone software market.
‘Blue’ is rumoured to be bringing back the Start button, among other revisions.
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The much hyped Windows 8 was met with disdain among some Microsoft loyalists, horrified at the loss of the Windows signature ‘Start’ button and familiar user interface, on the new touch ’tiles’ system.
The revised Windows 8 “will deliver the latest new innovations across an increasingly broad array of form factors of all sizes, display, battery life and performance, while creating new opportunities for our ecosystem,” Reller said in an interview this week.
However, the Redmond exec said the change was due following “customer feedback.”
But Cheah says “the bigger picture is to realise Microsoft’s strategic direction to bring Windows 8 across all platforms including Intel, AMD, and more importantly, ARM” devices.
This will see Windows 8 powering smaller devices like smartphones and tablets, and give Microsoft “a chance to ride on the rapidly growing mobility momentum.”
We should know more about Windows Blue, to be released this year, in the coming weeks.
