What's Holding Back Microsoft's Windows Phone Platform? | TechTree.com

What's Holding Back Microsoft's Windows Phone Platform?

We find out why Microsoft's OS hasn't received much love from consumers.

 
What's Holding Back Microsoft's Windows Phone Platform?

Remember Windows Mobile platform? It was Microsoft's attempt to mimic desktop interface on smartphones that sounded nice but turned out to be a mess. By the time, these Redmond guys realised their mistakes, Apple was ruling the roost and Google quickly copied iOS to provide a much needed alternative. Microsoft made a bold decision of scrapping the existing OS and start with a clean slate. Steve Ballmer brought in his best UX guy to the game - Joe Belfiore, known for designing Windows XP User Experience. In 2010, He delivered the software design that was unlike any other mobile operating system. It offered you dynamic live tiles that made excellent use of the screen's real estate. Over the span of four years, the OS matured, and garnered positive reviews from critics. However, Windows Phone platform's market share still hasn't reached double digit figure. It certainly deserved better than that. So what's holding Microsoft's mobile platform back?

Perception Issue
Apple has carved out a niche market by presented itself as a company that fuses technology with art. Similarly Google is considered as a Santa Claus that distributes free stuff. On the other hand, Microsoft known for Windows Operating system and Office Suite are considered boring. There's a good reason for that — most of Microsoft's products are generally essential for businesses. So people generally look at Microsoft like a boring guy you find in those offices. Yes, those Apple's Mac Vs PC ads were quite clever.

Due to this perception, although Microsoft has delivered many hip products recently, people refuse to consider it cool. None is at fault here except for Microsoft's marketing team. We're not going to discuss what they've done in the US (super bowl ads and all), but in India, the company hasn't done enough to promote its mobile platform. Little wonder then, these things are reflecting in sales numbers. Now after taking over Nokia, let's hope that Microsoft does come up with a good marketing plan to shake-off its old image. 

Ecosystem
During the PC era, ecosystem has been a strong point for Microsoft. If you look at the desktop operating systems, Windows beats every other platform when it comes to the number of third-party apps. In late 90s, Microsoft knew that rich ecosystem can make or break platforms. Unfortunately, now the software-giant seems to have forgotten that. If you're still wondering what Windows Phone OS lacks right now, let the company's ex-CEO Steve Ballmer remind you that in this video. For dramatic effect, crank up the volume, say "Hey Steve what is it that Windows Phone lacks?", then hit the play button.

So yes, a bigger developer community is the need of the hour for Windows Phone OS. The good thing is that the latest iteration of Windows Phone is quite promising, and that should help Microsoft attract more coders. If you think there are more things Microsoft needs to address, sound off in the comments section below.


Tags : Mobile Phones, Microsoft, Windows Phone

 
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