Sign up for a new account or log in here:
also @ TechSpot: AMD A4-5000 Review: the affordable ultraportable APU
A report by The Register reveals that Microsoft blames OEMs for its relatively lackluster Windows 8 sales. Purportedly, Microsoft believes vendors didn't adhere closely enough to its hardware recommendations, producing mostly non-touchscreen computers that didn't showcase Windows 8's touchable side. This information comes from a "well-placed" source familiar with the matter.
Between its October 26 release and the end of 2012, Microsoft claimed to have sold 60 million copies of Windows 8. By comparison, it took Windows Vista about six months to sell the same number, but as some like to point out, statistics like these don't always tell the whole story. Official figures on Microsoft's Surface sales are still missing in action too, although Ballmer told a French news outlet that initial Surface sales were "modest". Some analysts estimate that Microsoft has sold fewer than one million Surface tablets.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, the report also indicates that OEMs have turned the tables, assigning blame for lackluster Windows 8 sales to Microsoft. The primary reason computer-makers didn't strictly follow Microsoft's internal guidelines is that few companies were willing to risk producing millions of expensive, high-end devices that customers weren't guaranteed to snap up.
In spite of tepid sales though, Microsoft took numerous steps to make Windows 8 a success. The company hyped up Windows 8 as its most important OS since Windows 95, offered upgrades at record low prices and even created reference hardware to ship it on, in spite of possibly damaging its OEM partnerships. Interestingly, the report also uncovers a little-known effort Microsoft also bankrolled: a "contest" between computer manufacturers to create "Hero PCs". Hero PCs were 10 hand-picked computers that Microsoft would have had retailers showcase globally. Disappointing sales though forced Microsoft to call off the promotion.
The report claims that due to its underwhelming performance, Microsoft may be planning a February "re-launch" of Windows 8. What that exactly entails is unclear, but the Surface Pro and Office 2013 should also be landing on shelves that month. It sounds as though February may be a particularly busy month for Redmond.
User Comments: 53
Got something to say? Post a comment-
Windows 8 is actually pretty good once you download an aftermarket start menu! Its fast, It goes to sleep quickly and wakes up quickly. Its Just a faster windows 7. However, I despise the new app menu. Once I installed the classic start menu icon, I haven't even used the apps or the app screen. It adds no value to me. I think Microsoft removed the classic start menu to try to generate app revenue. What a bust! Without the classic start menu though, I couldn't imagine using Windows 8. They tried to reinvent the wheel....I mean mouse and as expected it didn't work. It is MUCH MORE complicated using Windows 8 if you don't have the classic start menu. Half the new features are "hidden"!!! The person who is in charge of Windows 8 should be fired along with Balmer.Yeah but, negating any claimed speed difference, all you've done is reverse engineer Window 8 to be Windows 7. Nobody disputes that Win 7 is a great OS, do they?
-
aikiwolfie said:
The fast boot times of Windows 8 are a cheat. Windows 8 uses a modified hibernation method to deliver those fast boot times. Which has been shown to cause corruption of hard drive data if the hibernated disk is accessed by another OS. Which you may have to do in the case if viral infection, other technical issues or when dual booting other OS's. Including other versions of Windows.
This fast boot feature can be turned off. When turned off Windows 8 boots no quicker than it's predecessors. So if you value your hard drive, turn off fast boot and go put the kettle on.
-
Rsndom Guess Time: Microsoft will be smoked when/if Apple release some sort of touch-screen desktop/laptop/I've used a lot of forward slashes. But what is this came out? -www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5zhEuFw
Vns
Most Popular
| Trending | Featured |
Featured on Cases
Subscribe to TechSpot
Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.