Will Windows 8 Save Microsoft?
Mary is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
The rivalry between Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) has been going for years. So far the two brands have remained as distinctive as ever. However, with the introduction of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system it is possible that the gap could be closing. Windows 8 closely mimics the intuitive and responsive nature of Apple’s iOS. However, PC loyalists are not gravitating toward Windows 8 as quickly as Microsoft had surely hoped. Part of it has to do with the learning curve since the new operating system is clearly nothing like the old. But some fans of the PC are staying away out of clear principal. They saw no need for the change as they liked Windows just the way it was.
Still, there are those that are welcoming the user-friendly feel of Windows 8 with open arms. These products are more user-intuitive like Apple’s products, but they do not come with the same hefty price tag. So for the Apple admirer on a budget, Windows 8 seems to be the perfect alternative. The similarities across all devices such as PCs, tablets, and phones is welcome as it diminishes the learning curve. With their marketing it is clear that Microsoft is trying to nab the younger market before they become hooked on Apple products for life. This is a smart strategy as kids are gaining access to these devices and influencing their parents’ purchasing decisions from very young ages.
And let’s not forget that the adoption of the Windows 8 operating system allows Microsoft to compete more openly with Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG) Android operating system that is found in tablets and smart phones. The Windows 8 phone will be more suited to compete with the Android and the iPhone than it has with previous operating systems. Windows 8 is still new so it remains to be seen how effective this new system will be in closing the gap between Microsoft and their competitors.
The verdict is still out on Windows 8. However, one thing is certain. Microsoft is definitely heading in the right direction with this one. Only time will tell if this will be enough to bring Microsoft back to the top of its game. But the company is learning that users want systems that are more and more intuitive and responsive. With Windows 8, Microsoft is making headway toward closing the competitive gap.
MaryPosey has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!
