Microsoft has some big plans for the company’s Windows platform and the upcoming holiday season. Microsoft is looking to sell 16 million Windows tablets, along with improving the Windows retail experience.
Microsoft wants to improve the Windows retail experience, which apparently has seen a decline in Windows retail device shares. Microsoft’s biggest barriers include mixed reviews on Windows 8 and consumer perception that Windows 8 is too difficult to learn. Other hurdles include the various editions and versions of Windows.
“Make the Windows experience a vital and loved part of people’s lives.”
“Consumers are confused that several OS versions – Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and even Windows 7 – are all in the market at the same time. And the variety of PC and devices type choices can be “overwhelming,” with touch/non-touch, tablet, detachable, laptop, convertible and All In One (AIO) choices,” the report from WinSupersite states.
Microsoft wants everyone to realize that Windows is best for both working and playing, at least in the company’s view. Microsoft believes a Windows tablet is more than an ordinary tablet and that a Windows PC is the only type of PC that has touch.
Microsoft’s new mission is simple. “Make the Windows experience a vital and loved part of people’s lives.”
Microsoft wants to expand upon the store-within-a-store model, which BestBuy recently launched, and provide “immersive educational experiences” to help drive Windows sales as a result.
Apparently, only 20% of PCs that are shipping during the holiday season will have Windows 8.1 pre-installed. Microsoft is looking to fix this by offering a special USB Windows 8.1 Upgrade Kit to help retailers such as Best Buy get Windows 8.1 up and running on devices.
Microsoft is also looking to spend $405 million dollars this year in an attempt to push the Windows retail brand. $131 million will be spent on incentives and offers while the remainder of the $274 million will be spent on marketing and operating expenses.
