The question that’s been bugging me lately is this: Why hasn’t Microsoft managed to break through with mobile consumer devices? While Apple has been breaking into the enterprise through consumer demand, Microsoft’s enterprise tradition hasn’t been helping with consumers. Case in point? Windows Phones. Meanwhile, why do I care? After all, I’m an Apple product enthusiast. Microsoft could make a Surface Book that also baked little loaves of fresh hot bread, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
Microsoft is a Multi-Platform OS which let's you bounce activities and programs all across the networks regardless of platform (for the most part, and becoming more and more compatible every day) so I feel as if you answered your own question. Microsoft doesn't need to push Cloud Storage on it's customers. Microsoft doesn't need all of your devices on the same OS version. Microsoft doesn't leave your phone incapable of being unbricked due to maliciously intended "disabled" mode. Microsoft doesn't need to conform to Apple's "Standards". The way I see it, Apple needs to begin to conform to Microsoft's cross platform ease of productivity and entertainment.
I am a Computer Information Systems Major Minoring in Database Administration/Network Administration - Technical Support - System Security
DCSE/MCSE
CompTIA+
CompTIA Networking+
27 years of age with 18 years of in depth experience, research, and dedication.
I agree, and also agree that the odds are stacked against Microsoft. The lack of a visible and understood app ecosystem for phones is hurting Microsoft for sure. So many things Microsoft would have to do right. Here's a few: a killer feature? Being able to dock your phone and then work on it like a computer with a decent experience is the sort of feature that can spark imagination in consumers. Seems like a missed opportunity in so many ways right now.
I'd forget trying to dislodge iOS users from their iPhones. Best course of action is to go after the fractured Android market. Hammer down on multiple versions, carriers who drag their feet on updates, security, security, security. Highlight the best, most popular apps and make sure they are available. Create a sweet deal for these developers and fund new app development with real money. Hammer down on Android app profitability.
Connect all the pieces of the ecosystem and show how they work together, Xbox, included. Create some massive Microsoft "smart home" sweepstakes that deliver an entire setup every week for a year -- with a lot of smaller prizes. Tie it into the Year of Microsoft campaign. Or whatever. Something bold. Or they can hope lightning will strike with their own class of "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" type of marketing campaign.
Figure out how to support Dell, Lenovo, and HP, etc, for PC sales without angering them. Think these partners want to see consumers using Windows Phones instead of their PCs? Probably not. It's important, though -- Microsoft needs dozens of little excuses that add up to get people to buy their phones . . . and get back into the ecosystem.
I think so much of it comes down to Microsoft's vision for its future. Work the enterprise and dabble with consumers? Or something more ambitious?
Microsoft lack of mobile success is simply about timing. When you have Apple and Google with mature and successful mobile platforms. Its really very hard for even a Microsoft to gain ground. Even a solid mobile platform like Blackberry failed to maintain any level of success. Not to mention Microsoft created a tile format that was so different from IOS and Android that it really made a lot of people shy away from it. It also did not help that Windows 8 was solidly rejected in the PC world too. Having owned one Windows phone that will be enough for a lifetime. I will either choose Android or IOS but have absolutely no interest in Windows phones. The only way Microsoft could every gain market share on Android or IOS would be a killer feature that neither Android or IOS have. I just don't see that happening.
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Appletizing Microsoft: All You Need Is Love
Posted by: Chris Maxcer October 19, 2015 10:25 AMThe question that’s been bugging me lately is this: Why hasn’t Microsoft managed to break through with mobile consumer devices? While Apple has been breaking into the enterprise through consumer demand, Microsoft’s enterprise tradition hasn’t been helping with consumers. Case in point? Windows Phones. Meanwhile, why do I care? After all, I’m an Apple product enthusiast. Microsoft could make a Surface Book that also baked little loaves of fresh hot bread, but I still wouldn’t buy one.
I am a Computer Information Systems Major Minoring in Database Administration/Network Administration - Technical Support - System Security
DCSE/MCSE
CompTIA+
CompTIA Networking+
27 years of age with 18 years of in depth experience, research, and dedication.
I agree, and also agree that the odds are stacked against Microsoft. The lack of a visible and understood app ecosystem for phones is hurting Microsoft for sure. So many things Microsoft would have to do right. Here's a few: a killer feature? Being able to dock your phone and then work on it like a computer with a decent experience is the sort of feature that can spark imagination in consumers. Seems like a missed opportunity in so many ways right now.
I'd forget trying to dislodge iOS users from their iPhones. Best course of action is to go after the fractured Android market. Hammer down on multiple versions, carriers who drag their feet on updates, security, security, security. Highlight the best, most popular apps and make sure they are available. Create a sweet deal for these developers and fund new app development with real money. Hammer down on Android app profitability.
Connect all the pieces of the ecosystem and show how they work together, Xbox, included. Create some massive Microsoft "smart home" sweepstakes that deliver an entire setup every week for a year -- with a lot of smaller prizes. Tie it into the Year of Microsoft campaign. Or whatever. Something bold. Or they can hope lightning will strike with their own class of "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" type of marketing campaign.
Figure out how to support Dell, Lenovo, and HP, etc, for PC sales without angering them. Think these partners want to see consumers using Windows Phones instead of their PCs? Probably not. It's important, though -- Microsoft needs dozens of little excuses that add up to get people to buy their phones . . . and get back into the ecosystem.
I think so much of it comes down to Microsoft's vision for its future. Work the enterprise and dabble with consumers? Or something more ambitious?
--CM