Can Windows 10 Save The Desktop?
Today Windows 10 is released to the bulk of the first wave of users that'll be running Microsoft's next desktop-based OS. It works with a variety of features that aim to make users happy they've decided to purchase a new PC – it'll also be aiming to bring Apple desktop users to the Windows PC environment. But what will Windows 10 do to stem the leaky boat that is user movement from full-time daily desktop to 60% (or more) mobile computer users? Microsoft might by trying to save their share of the desktop PC, but what's left to save?
According to a recent comScore Global Mobile Platform Report, just 39 percent of total digital media time in the United States is spent on the desktop. Polls in the UK and Canada place this number slightly higher, but in all regions polled, comScore makes it clear: the mobile device space is winning.
But wait a second, you might be saying, isn't Windows 10 for mobile devices too? Yes, sort of. Microsoft will be calling their next update for mobile devices Windows 10, but it won't be released until later this year. For now, Microsoft is focused on the desktop world.
It's clear that Microsoft's aim right here and now is primarily on the desktop world. Mobile and Holographic come second.
One big way Microsoft may do away with the less-than-enthusiastic way in which people are buying PCs these days is to do away with OS releases. Instead, they suggest, they'll be focusing on updates. Updating what's already released to maintain a solid relationship with the consumer.
They've also promised a new version of Minecraft free to Windows 10 users.
Microsoft suggests they're working on cross-device compatibility features like Xbox One PC streaming.
As for connections to phones – it's been suggested that Windows 10 phones will not be launched this Summer. Nor will brand new Windows 10 phones likely be launched for a few months from now, if this year at all.
For now we'll have to rely on our own testing and experience with today's download of Windows 10. From here we'll see whether or not Microsoft's aims are true enough to reinvigorate an industry that certainly appears to be fading.