But how far can Windows actually reach in the market? Is it going to become extremely popular on business mobile deals? Is the consumer market going to embrace the user interface?
About Windows
Windows are onto their version 8.0 of the phone operating system. It is a compelling user interface using live tiles and offering hub functionality that really does provide a great experience.Several really good phones are now available on the platform, and it appears that more and more manufacturers are taking the platform extremely seriously. Consumers are enjoying the platform and companies are looking for business mobile deals on the platform.
Continuity in Technology
Continuity is always an exciting concept when it comes to technology, and with the Windows phone environment, we have somewhat of a mirror of our PC environment. Being able to use a full version of Microsoft office on your phone, is certainly a real bonus.Businesses and consumers will enjoy the fact that there is continuity in look, feel, and experience between their large screen environment and their phone environment.
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How Far Can They Go?
Recent reports have suggested that the Windows operating system could take over as second in command from the Apple iOS in terms of market share by 2016. CNET report research from IDC pointing to a potential 19% share for the Apple system in 2016. They also predicted that the Windows environment could move from around 5% to over 19% being on a par or just above the Apple system.Currently, Android holds around 61% of the market share and this is expected to perhaps drop to around 53%. BlackBerry look at around 6%. Certainly BlackBerry has somewhat withdrawn from the consumer market, although their latest phone—the Z10, will improve the company’s reputation with personal consumers.
Android certainly has advantages, which include the massive number of apps at over 700,000, the ability for developers to re-skin the operating system, and the amazing interface and functionality. Add to this the Google factor, and you have a really powerful position.
But Windows have the Microsoft factor and this looks set to catapult the company further up.
What Happened to Apple?
Apple as a company has lost significant market share in other arenas. Since 2007, they have done incredibly well in the smartphone market but the company share price is falling and many people predict a struggle for Apple. Certainly, iPhone 5 did not deliver the amount of innovation and performance that many had hoped for.Critics came down quite hard on the phone rating it around 70 to 80 out of 100—far below the 90’s and 95’s of the top performing phones of the time. When you compare the iPhone 5 with phones that have come out in 2013, you see dramatically lower performance on almost all fronts. If you compare the top Samsung phones with the current industry protagonists, they fare much better.
Certainly, the iPhone 6 will have to innovate greatly in order to retain market share. And I personally think that Apple retaining a 19% market share over the next four years will require a shift in emphasis from Apple. The iconic iPhone cannot survive based on its looks alone.
Conclusion
Windows Phone platform certainly will make a stir in the industry. Android look secure in their market share position. BlackBerry have developed a new and exciting BlackBerry 10 operating system but still must go further to enhance it, and Apple must innovate to survive and thrive or face a slow death.
Phil TurnerAbout the Guest Author:
Phil Turner rang his current network provider to see what business mobile deals they could offer. He was not satisfied, so rang around other providers before ringing his own network again. He got a better deal the second time around . . .