Microsoft is preparing to become the new kid on the block once more as they attempt to wrest away Apple’s stranglehold on the tablet market. Windows 8 is designed to work seamlessly across all types of devices with tablets specifically in mind. It represents Microsoft’s first passage into a market that is almost completely the lapdog of Apple. The new OS is set to be unveiled at a conference in Anaheim later today when it’s understood that they will give away a number of Samsung tablets running the system for experts to evaluate.
Steven Sinofsky, president of Microsoft’s Windows division, said, “Windows 8 will provide a unique industry opportunity across hardware architectures for developers.”
The interface itself will be very similar to the Windows Phone and the software is isb geared towards HTML5 developers. Products are expected to first come out early next year and it will give tablet manufacturers a worthy alternative to Google’s Android OS. Did someone say it’s going to be like a three-way?!
Apple is set to lose some of its share of the tablet market in the UK as more people decide to take the plunge and buy one in the next year. Two million more consumers are set to purchase a tablet PC and according to Kantar Worldpanel ComTech figures, only half of that number has decided to buy an iPad with 28% still undecided about what they might opt for.
Currently, Apple is flying high with 73% of the 3.62 million that own a tablet pc having chosen to purchase an iPad. That was before the market had as much choice as it does now and the threat that they see in Samsung has led to a number of lawsuits being taken out against the company.
Dominic Sunnebo, global consumer insight director for Kantar, said: “Apple’s achievements in this market are clearly linked to its success in the smartphone market: 80% of people who already own an iPhone and plan to purchase a tablet intend to buy an iPad. This is clearly something other manufacturers will have to contend with.”
