everyone saw this coming a decade or so ago. I’m sure Google did though. Google built itself on policies that sought to target out companies like Microsoft, with a more open model and yet in many ways they’ve become the giant they wished to bring down. What I’m curious about is whether or not Google will keep this moment going, and what the company might look like in another decade. Do they have what it takes to steal the PC and OS market away from Microsoft for good? Maybe, they’ve certainly shown some big progress. Still, going from a search company, to an OS/software company so quickly is certain to leave some big growing pains in the process. Android isn’t a bad OS but I’m firm that it won’t be the OS that directly challenges Windows on the PC front. At least they’ve gotten their foot in the door, and even though Android has some serious problems, it is still quite popular. Perhaps in another 4-5 years something new will take its place at Google that can truly challenge Windows. So what can Microsoft do to stop this from happening? First of all, I’m not claiming that I believe Google will take the OS market, just that it is possible. We’ve seen huge growth from the company and it’s certainly branched out to some unexpected places. For Microsoft, getting in good with the tablet market is a big part of this key. If Windows 8 is successful in merging mobile and desktop environments through innovative inputs like touch, voice, and Kinect, then they have a lot less to worry about. If Windows 8 isn’t well received, does it spell doom and gloom for Microsoft? Not at all, but it certainly will push them back and give companies like Google the opportunity to move forward into PC territory. Keep in mind, this piece is entirely speculation based on recent changes, and I’m not claiming I agree with the possibility of Microsoft getting bumped down by someone like Google (or even Apple), I’m just throwing it out there as food for thought. So what do you, as readers, think? If Google does have a chance, is it with Android or would they have totally scrap it in favor of a new OS before you’d consider a Google-based Windows-alternative on your home machines?]]>
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“If Windows 8 is successful in merging mobile and desktop environments through innovative inputs like touch, voice, and Kinect, then they have a lot less to worry about.”
I genuinely believe this is what the discussion boils down to! Microsoft have so much staked on Windows 8 it’s untrue.
I will also go as far to say that they need to adopt a more Apple-like approach, in the sense of linking software to hardware. By all means keep Windows open to all, but bring on a hardware partnership program just like Google did with Android Nexus devices.
I wouldnt mind getting a mac and putting windows on it. Macs are bult very stable and I wouldnt mind having one. If Microsoft develops their own computers they better be very well developed and actually not a pain to use and not a sore to look at.
Comparing apples and oranges is never a good idea. Your post’s title may be attractive but that’s not gonna happen. There are lot of factors that makes Windows critical than ever. There are people who actually like windows and use it day-to-day but there are lot many for whom liking is not the option. Whether they like it or not they are forced to use Windows because of the applications they like to use like Office, PC games etc and also since their friends and family are also in the same platform it is easy for them to share things. So unless Google tries to take out these factors first they would just be shooting blanks.
This article is not even worth considering a read. Please!!
I agree that Microsoft has a strong product, and even in the article I said I doubted very much that this will happen. Is it impossible though? For now, yes. Still as cloud and other technologies change the way we do things, maybe not. I hope that Microsoft does stay on top of its game, I for one am very excited for Windows 8 and overall rather happy with Microsoft’s direction over the course of the last few years.