Now I know a lot of folks (including myself) basically grew in computing on the Windows Platform; through all its versions, bugs, service packs and updates.

We also know that recently, Microsoft is fully into hardware manufacturing with its Book, Laptop and Pro Surface series - quite innovative and quality products.

Okay, lets ask the question "WHY" - Is microsoft not making enough from its software platform or do they really need to compete with the same hardware makers (dell, ibm, hp, etc) who have been their main source of income since existence.

This is my personal take having studied the computing trend for a bit;

Windows started with early computing and has evolved through the years with its bulk and architecture remaining the same and has been directed partly by user/consumer needs and their market perception.

Computing on the other hand has evolved into a light and compact seamless integration of simplicity and practicability.

Android has basically changed computing and smart Apple is trying real hard to downsize on its "MAC OS" and promote its compact IOS platform with efforts of bridging both platforms without a hardware factor.

Most specialised software makers strangely are making "mobile" versions for Android and IOS - these versions are light and have calculated (timed) updates aimed at giving them enterprise functionalities and subtly replacing the "PC"

This is NOT about the computing ecosystem - its simply about practicality and simplicity.

The efforts by Microsoft to reduce windows to a mobile platform has simply failed and deciding to launch 2-in-1 laptops and ultrabooks shows their trying to effect mobility and compatibility through the hardware - which makes no sense as no touch screen laptop can be a tablet. Windows platform remains a bulky and seamlessly complicated platform that is light years behind a typical mobile platform like Android and IOS in terms of portability.

The emphasis is on the platform NOT the hardware.

With software developers and specialised applications makers developers writing and updating mobile versions for the Android and IOS platforms, windows simply is part of an outgoing technology - and so is Microsoft.

Nokia heralded this shift BUT refused to allow Android integration which made it easy for Microsoft to break them down, put them under and convert them into an Research department (Real Sad), same story with Blackberry.

But with companies like Samsung relying on Android and providing great hardware platforms for it, Im certain the relevance of Windows and Microsoft will not exist in the near future computing world.

And yes, Im one of those that understand that in a year or two, a business can run exclusively on Android OR IOS.

Let me know your thoughts on this subject.

Are you serious right now?

1st of all Microsoft isn't trying to compete with other hardware manufacturers, instead they're effectively setting a benchmark for Windows oems to follow, that's why you don't don't see a new Microsoft laptop every six months or trying to penetrate other market segments except the high end.

The microsoft laptop was launched less than 6 months ago. And how come microsoft has decided to "cut off"
Support for "unsupported" OEM laptops and tablets??

khalhokage:
Are you serious right now?

1st of all Microsoft isn't trying to compete with other hardware manufacturers, instead they're effectively setting a benchmark for Windows oems to follow, that's why you don't don't see a new Microsoft laptop every six months or trying to penetrate other market segments except the high end.