The preview version of Windows 8.1, the first major overhaul of Windows 8 is just a few days away. But there is no shortage of analysts who believe that the new OS will not make that much of a difference when it hits the market.
Instead, market watchers are of the view that Microsoft should increase its focus on the overall price of its products. Talking to ITProPortal, Ryan Reith, program manager for IDC’s Mobility Tracker project said:
“Recent rumours have circulated about the possibility of smaller screen Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets hitting the market. However, the notion that this will be the saving grace is flawed.
Clearly the market is moving toward smart 7-8 inch devices, but Microsoft’s larger challenges centre around consumer messaging and lower cost competition.”
It appears that analysts and market watchers are going with checked expectations this time around, at least when it comes to the seemingly continuous decline of the overall PC market. Then again, lackluster performance of computing devices does directly affect the Windows ecosystem.
Microsoft has done well to both unify and diversify its flagship platform at the same time, and the various Windows powered tablets could well play an important part in the grander scheme of things.
Ultimately, how things go will be evident by this time next year.
The improvements to Intel Atom platform are coming at the right time, and this Holiday season is set to witness the arrival of several smaller and affordable tablets running the x86 version of Windows 8.1. Throw in the next generation Surface tablets into the mix and things could get really interesting.
