Why is Windows consistently losing market share?
Windows, undoubtedly, is the most widespread operating system known to everyone. However, over the last decade, its market share has dropped from 95% to 65%. What caused this decline, who is taking its place, and what is Microsoft doing about it? These questions and more will be addressed in this article.
Windows used to be my personal preference, but its market share has decreased significantly. The last groundbreaking feature that influenced the entire market was around 2012 with the launch of Windows 8, addressing touchscreen interaction. Microsoft's marketing strategy and the global market variations play a crucial role in understanding this shift. In contrast, Apple's macOS has been gaining ground, reaching 20%, while Linux struggles with a much lower percentage.
Microsoft's challenges include inflating expectations and a lack of innovation in Windows itself. The system's appearance evolves, but fundamentally, it remains the same. Apple's strategic move with the iPad, introducing a dedicated touch system, highlighted the importance of tailored interfaces. Microsoft adapted late with Windows 8, providing a new interactive interface but faced mixed reviews. The complexities in Microsoft's approach contribute to its declining market share compared to competitors like Apple.
The Sharp Decline Begins:
The problem is that they updated the same system, didn't create a new one. Windows users didn't like the entirely new system. You're talking about a system I've used for decades and suddenly you change it. This disrupts my work and studies because I need to relearn the system. Microsoft considered the system a failure due to user criticism and quickly reversed course. They reintroduced touch devices with the regular Windows, which is a mistake. Creating a separate system is crucial; people are naturally skeptical at first, but your role is to market it gradually. If users transition gradually, they adapt and eventually leave the old system. Microsoft lost the touch device market when it canceled the project. When someone considers buying a tablet today, they hesitate between iPad, Samsung Tab, or an Android device. The last thing they consider is a Windows tablet, so you've effectively removed yourself from the comparison. In 2011, Google introduced a completely new concept called ChromeOS, a lightweight system relying on cloud services, which was considered revolutionary at the time. However, Microsoft attempted Windows 10 S, but users were shocked as it couldn't run essential Windows applications. Microsoft abandoned the project within a year. Later, Samsung released foldable phones, and Microsoft, once again, claimed that this type of device was the future. They launched two foldable devices, one running Windows, but the smaller device never saw the light of day. It got canceled, and we returned to the regular Windows, which saw minor changes, including a touch version and support for multiple screens.
The Processor Race:
While Windows processors boast impressive marketing technologies, Apple's processors, used in iPhones and iPads, have proven powerful and energy-efficient. Charging a laptop once a week is a frightening possibility. Qualcomm, on the other hand, has entered the competition with former Apple engineers, claiming their processors outperform Apple's. Whether they will be better or not, they are expected to offer competent performance with significantly improved energy efficiency. However, the critical question remains: What about software compatibility? Imagine a scenario where the narrative shifts, macOS is perceived as having no software transferable to Windows, and Windows claims it lacks software. Odd things happen in this world. The primary issue is Microsoft's tendency to exaggerate and market excessively, leading to canceled projects like Windows 8, Windows 10 S and X, RT, and even their venture into virtual reality. Consequently, Microsoft has lost the trust of users, companies, and partners.
Microsoft and Artificial Intelligence:
Microsoft is shifting the focus to the future of Windows, emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI). AI is presented as the future for all Microsoft applications, Office, and PowerPoint. They have introduced capabilities, Bing AI, and a range of AI features embedded in everything. Will Microsoft break the cycle this time?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and we'll meet in a new article.
