Technological supremacy can never be taken for granted.
Nor can you assume an also-ran to be that way forever.
We refer to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) as the doyen of the PC industry, but so far a persona non-grata in the hand-held devices tech sphere.
It’s no secret that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) seemed to have lost its way in the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry, and was unable to anticipate changes in user preferences, or to take advantage of these changes, as did Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).
But all that may be about to change, and here is a look at Microsoft’s Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) offerings in the near future, which may banish forever its current image of a fuddy-duddy, plodding, desktop-oriented behemoth.
Windows Phone 8
This is MSFT’s all-new phone operating system. Contrary to expectations, the OS has been well-received and has some features that could help take the battle into its competitors’ court. Key features include support for faster and multi-core processors, different screen resolutions, support for removable microsd card storage, and support for NFC (near field communication) and a good app ecosystem. More features include Data Smart, IE10, and encryption for business users.
Surface Tablet
Microsoft’s tablet offering, dubbed ‘Surface’ wowed critics and users alike. The Surface RT tablet will launch on October 26, i.e. the same day Windows 8 goes public. The Intel-based Surface Pro tablet will arrive after 90 days.
These tablets gripped media attention during their preview. They feature innovative design and a very user-friendly interface, and have a business orientation that other tablets have lacked. The RT version comes with an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processo,r while the Pro runs on the Intel third gen Core-I processor. Running on Windows 8, the Surface is only 9.3mm thick, has USB 2.0 ports (full size), weighs just 1.5 lbs, and has a kickstand. Cased in magnesium and Gorilla Glass 2, it helps people to both work and play, according to Steve Ballmer.
The user experience will be enhanced with accessories, such as an ingenious 3mm cover that transforms itself into a keyboard. The Surface would carry 32/64/128 GB storage depending on the variant.
Windows 8 OS
This October, Windows 8 will mark Microsoft’s Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) complete, from the ground up, revamp of the desktop. This OS will “unite Microsoft’s computers and hand-held gadgets with a single touchscreen-friendly interface,” as per stuff.co.nz.
In a radical departure, the Start menu has been dispensed with, and you navigate with the help of icons dotted across a start screen, called ‘tiles’. The interface makes it very easy to perform tasks, without having to handle the deeper Windows interface. Tiles such as People, Messaging, Maps, Photos, Videos, and Apps now transform the PC into quite something else. The OS is built to run on touchscreens across PCs, tablets, phones, and other devices.
Analysis
The products above clearly spell out one thing. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has come out with a well thought up, comprehensive plan to address both hardware and software shortcomings across the board. And it is a no-holds barred approach, to finally getting to what the modern consumer wants in a smart and sleek clutch of offerings, that may just grab consumer mindset the world over.
