Why we want (and need) the new Windows Phones to succeed
I’m willing to bet that most our visitors out there own either an iPhone or one of the various Android phones on the market. I’m also willing to bet that you’re already a fan of one or the other and wouldn’t consider changing to the other end of the spectrum. But those of you who have swapped between the devices might notice a trend.
When the iPhone launched, I think we can all agree it considerably upped the ante in the smartphone market. The same thing happened when the first few iterations of the Android mobile phones launched. The trend some of you might be seeing is that there’s been a leveling out of the innovations that were coming out so fast and furious in the beginning from Apple and Google. After all, in the consumer market, it’s quickly becoming only the two of them duking it out and if you’ve ever had the opportunity to mess around on the iPhone and then immediately after had access to an Android phone, I think you’ll agree that the race to innovate has quickly become one of who can do existing features better.
They are, of course, the major players in the market. Some would argue that Nokia’s Symbian stands a chance (and the numbers might support the argument) but with the market share Apple and Google have managed to grab up in such a very short amount of time, the trend appears to indicate otherwise. They’ve made their points, lines have been drawn in the sand, and each has their staunch supporters. Lately, however, the experience of the two operating systems have began to take on similarities. That isn’t to say that each isn’t still moving in their own direction but that each tends to see something the other can do and decides to add the functionality without making too many changes. A case of “monkey see, monkey do???, if you will.
It’s my firm hope, and belief, that with the launch of the Microsoft Windows Phones that we may be looking at a much needed change.
Many would argue that Microsoft missed their chance in the smart phone market but looking at the offerings that will be available on November 8th and the functionality they provide, it may be too early to count them out just yet. Incorporating aspects of the Xbox Live experience, a music service that is getting a lot more attention and respect, and a solid hardware platform, Microsoft might not only be getting a second shot at the much coveted business in the smart phone market but offering new opportunities for users who are feeling as if they’ve “been there, done that???.
I, for one, am willing to forgive and forget the fiasco that was the Kin and see what Microsoft has up its sleeve when the phones begin to hit the market in November. I just hope they don’t pull the same marketing “oops??? as they did with their last ill-fated offering.
Gritskrieg – End of Line