Windows RT is one of the most enigmatic operating systems Microsoft put out. To find something similar, you would have to tread back into time, to the very early beginnings of the software giant.
The standard Windows and all its various versions have seen and done it all. They had a straight path to conquering a steady market, which they did with distinction.
But Windows RT is a special flavor designed for special processors and platforms, and lacks that special functionality to run traditional desktop applications. This is one of the biggest reasons why analysts believe both Windows 8 and Windows RT are killing each other’s appeal.
In fact, market watchers expect Windows RT to only mount up a 3 percent market share in the next four years as the lack of desktop applications will keep customers away. Ouch!
Tom Mainelli, the research director of tablets over at IDC was quite as saying by eWeek on the future prospects of the new flavor of Windows:
“Microsoft’s decision to push two different tablet operating systems, Windows 8 and Windows RT, has yielded poor results in the market so far.”
And here is his explanation of the solution:
“Consumers aren’t buying Windows RT’s value proposition, and long term we think Microsoft and its partners would be better served by focusing their attention on improving Windows 8. Such a focus could drive better share growth in the tablet category down the road.”
Microsoft is still (and some may say, rightly so) betting on both Windows RT along with Surface RT. The consumer tablets are set to debut in several new markets over the coming months. A new version of Surface RT could also be scheduled for later this year, as the focus shifts to 64-bit ARM processors.
But what about you folks? Still believe in Windows RT? Plan to buy a device powered by it in the coming months? Or is this taste not for you? Speak you mind in the comments below.
All Comments
What a ridiculous commentary. I have both devices. It’s pretty easy. A Surface RT is like an Android or iPad. It’s not a full PC. A Surface Pro is an Intel PC it runs older desktop applications just like other PCs capable of running Windows legacy software. Window 8 apps and Windows RT apps download and install from their respective app stores. Most of which have parity. If you need the full Office Pro, then you need a pro or intel device. The non pro not a full PC costs LESS, but may be all you need.
How difficult is any of that ?
It is for you, and for me, but you seem to forget that most costumers are quite dumb.
Microsoft should explain clearly and extensively what Windows RT is and what are the main differences between Windows RT and Windows 8.
Microsoft failures to come with the appropriate and efficient marketing strategy explains a lot of the confusion. The ads of both Windows 8 and Surface are useless and extremly inefficient to say the least. All those ads give me headaches and strongly irritate me.
I suspect that Microsoft expect to leverage the Windows name to increase the appeal of Windows RT but this strategy is backfiring.
What a ridiculous commentary. I have both devices. It’s pretty easy. A Surface RT is like an Android or iPad. It’s not a full PC. A Surface Pro is an Intel PC it runs older desktop applications just like other PCs capable of running Windows legacy software. Window 8 apps and Windows RT apps download and install from their respective app stores. Most of which have parity. If you need the full Office Pro, then you need a pro or intel device. The non pro not a full PC costs LESS, but may be all you need.
How difficult is any of that ?
I have enough windows laptops to run x86 programs so having another tablet running x86 programs is not needed. WinRT is appealing but I am not sure about its long term existence as Intel Haswell is rolling out. I am afraid RT will be gone when Haswell tablets are accepted as standard windows tablet.
Smh… Whoever analyzed this needs to quit analyzing.