IoT Connected Experience In Stores

The in-store shopping experience is going to continue to be more interactive.  Digital relationships are a must for the store of the future, happening today.

I first really jumped at this with BLE, bluetooth, interactions with smart phones and then smart watches.  That is still ongoing but there is a real opportunity to do it a different way and it appears Kroger is teaming up with Microsoft to do just that.

Read the story here:

https://www.mobilepaymentstoday.com/news/microsoft-kroger-to-test-connected-experience-grocery-stores-in-pilot/

Here is the blurb that should catch your eye:

Store associates will also be able to use the technology to speed up curbside pickup and Kroger will use the Edge technology to sell digital advertising space to consumer packaged goods brands, according to the release.

Thank to a few of the folks previously from MCX who pointed this piece out on LinkedIn.  You know who you are.  :-)

What we absolutely know is the impact the great recession, combined with ever-improving store brand generics is having on traditional consumer packaged goods. During a recession shoppers cut back.  They try out the store brand version of whatever CPG widget or food stuff they think suits them.  The quality of these has increased dramatically over the decades and the average consumer likes it, then never goes back to the more expensive "name brand" version.  CPGs are desperate to get customers back and they have huge advertising dollars to work with.  Enter the Edge technology system.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Who Is Innovating in Personal Computers?

iPhone

Tablets

Laptops

Computers

While Apple is frequently pushing the edge with its iPhone its play in the PC space is lagging substantially.  Who is the leader now?  One article says it is Microsoft.

The software company that ruled the world once upon a time is doing pretty well with hardware today.  Worth a read.  Here is a snippet from the piece:

...today, the company is making the most visionary computers in the industry, if not the best machines, period. In the last two years, while Apple has focused mainly on mobile devices, Microsoft has put out a series of computers that reimagine the future of PCs in thrilling ways.

Here is the full story:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/26/technology/microsoft-pcs-apple.html

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0249 Microsoft vs. Apple

Best Reading of the Day

The never ending war continues.  It is as if the novel "1984" was actually about computer wars struggling for the hearts and minds of customers everywhere (not to belittle the tragedy of war).

Great read though:

http://www.cio.com/article/3188853/it-industry/microsoft-vs-apple-strategies-change-but-the-battle-continues.html

Here is a snippet from the piece:

The Microsoft vs. Apple argument is getting old. At this point, it's safe to say there's enough room in the enterprise for both tech giants. Still, it's difficult to ignore when one starts to surpass the other in either enterprise or consumer popularity.

Earlier this month, Apple revealed to TechCrunch that Windows 10 is four times as popular as macOS or OS X, with 400 million estimated devices running Microsoft's OS. And earlier in 2016, Microsoft claimed that disappointment over the MacBook Pro drove sales of the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4.

Although the numbers suggest Windows 10 is more popular, it's also important to note that Windows 10 is available on more tablets and laptops than macOS or iOS, with greater options for entry-level and budget models. It's easier to own multiple Windows 10 devices on a budget, compared to Apple's smartphones, tablets and notebooks.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

BRotD - Entry 0248 - Mac vs. PC - Has Apple Left the Building?

Best Reading of the Day

I've always been brand agnostic when it comes to computers.  Whatever works is what I'll invest my money in.  So I've always kept an eye on the major competitors in the space.  For decades that has been Apple Mac and Windows PC.

One die-hard Mac user has given up on Apple and sees a lot to love about the new direction Microsoft is going.  Great read if you enjoy these sorts of things:

https://medium.com/charged-tech/why-i-left-mac-for-windows-apple-has-given-up-b48c0eaac64#.lpofyg332

Here is a snippet from the piece:

If you ask anyone who knows me, I’m probably the biggest Apple fan they know. Ask for a suggestion of what computer to get, and I’ll almost certainly either tell you the MacBook Pro, or to wait, because Apple is about to update its hardware finally.

But recently, I realized I’d gotten tired of Apple’s attitude toward the desktop. The progress in macOS land has basically been dead since Yosemite, two years ago, and Apple’s updates to the platform have been incredibly small. I’m a developer, and it seems to me Apple doesn’t pay any attention to its software or care about the hundreds of thousands of developers that have embraced the Mac as their go-to platform.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Microsoft Rocking the Cloud

Earning are coming out and while Yahoo! looks to be taking its final lap Microsoft is doing quite well with its focus on the cloud.

Microsoft on Tuesday reported earnings that easily topped expectations as the company continues to shift from a traditional software seller to a provider of cloud-based services.

Excluding certain items, the Redmond, Wash.-based company said it earned $5.5 billion, or 69 cents per share, on adjusted revenue of $22.6 billion. On that basis, the company had been expected to report per-share earnings of around 58 cents, according to Zacks, with analysts expecting revenue of around $22.1 billion, roughly flat from the prior year.

Including all items, per-share earnings would have come in at 39 cents per share, on revenue of $20.6 billion.

Read the whole story here:

http://www.recode.net/2016/7/19/12226280/microsoft-july-2016-earnings-report

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Microsoft Surface Book and Pro 4

Big announcements by Microsoft the other day as the company continues its transformation.  One piece of news is Windows 10 hitting well over 100 million users.  Wow.

This little story over on Wired.com is worth reading to see the future of hardware, today:

http://www.wired.com/2015/10/microsofts-surface-book-will-redefine-pcs-made/

Here is a snippet from the piece:

Microsoft’s Surface Book is the most exciting Windows laptop in years. Actually, aside from a few hot-rod gaming rigs, it may be the only exciting Windows laptop in years. That’s great news for people who’ve longed to long for a PC again. And it could be a nightmare for every other PC manufacturer.

If you missed the Surface Book announcement, you’ll want to get acquainted. It’s a 13.5-inch laptop with a killer display, maxed-out guts, a funky cool hinge, and a top half that detaches, like the saucer of the USS Enterprise, to become a thick, powerful tablet. Reattach the display face-up, and the Surface Book enters “draw mode,” which brings the full power of a discrete Nvidia GPU to bear on stylus-based sketches and similar applicationxs. It’s a beauty, it’s a beast, and at $1,500 it’s expensive but not ludicrously so.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple's September Event

This is the day Apple announces all of the new goodies in its hardware product lineup.  Awesome right?!!?

Not so fast.

The expectations by those following the leaks are painting an unhappy picture.  What will the day actually bring?  Time to find out.

Apple Watch
Apple is following up on the release of the Apple Watch by announcing ... new bands.  New colors.  Fancy (and expensive) new partnerships.  Etc.

Next one up will be big right?

iPad Pro
We've been hearing about a large size iPad for some time now and Microsoft is seeing increasing success with its Surface lineup of tablet/PCs.  Apple has to respond right?  And they will amaze us right?

Not so fast.

At 12.6" vertical this tablet is huge and is quite powerful.  Plus you have the option to buy more goodies to go with it!  Like ... a pencil.  Or ... a keyboard.

Wait isn't that the Microsoft Surface Pro 3?

This thing is expensive.  It starts at $799 for the 32GB version, and you can add $99 for the pencil and another $169 for the keyboard.  Wow.  Will the war for the Enterprise be won be a pure tablet?  This is positioned head to head with the Surface lineup so we are going to find out.  The biggest surprise however was ... Microsoft on the stage with Apple to show you MS Office.  Wow!  Didn't see that coming.

So, something huge will come right?

Apple TV
Finally an update to Apple TV. Do I really care at this point?  My smart TV does everything I can imagine, including cook my dinner.  Do I need to shell out more for this new widget from Apple?

Maybe.  Improved apps.  A solid UI.  A good looking and seemingly intuitive remote control that can be a game controller as well.  Games.  Hmmm.  They might sell a bunch of these.  It'll use tvOS instead of iOS.  That means it is now its own platform, just like the Watch or the Phone, or even the iPad.  More software sales for Apple, but they make almost all of their money on hardware anyway. Another plus for the Apple TV is integration with Siri for voice control ... assuming it works okay since Siri doesn't seem to provide value for many folks on their iPhone or Apple Watch.

I do think MLB is doing great work in the digital streaming space. The app for Apple TV is excellent looking.  Marrying data to live game coverage is awesome.  But I don't watch sports anymore anyway so this means nothing to me.

Starts at $149 for 32GB or get the 64GB version for $199. This will sell.

iPhone Update
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.  Basically the same as last year's but with big changes inside.

A new color: Rose Gold.  A new screen called Ion-X, not the Sapphire screen on the more expensive Apple Watches.  Still, anything to help the screen's toughness is good.

3D Touch - As expected Apple has taken the 'Force Touch' screen interaction from the Apple Watch and brought it to the iPhone. They didn't get good press for the use of "Force".  A friend of mine described this as essentially "right-click" for all you Windows users out there.  That seems right to me.  You can interact with apps without opening them through 3D Touch.  I like that new layer of interaction.  They've worked hard to embed this in the OS so it impacts many things you are familiar with. Now you just have to figure out when you can use the feature.  "Can I right-click this?  Left-click?  Oh, okay."

Haptic touch engine to allow the phone to essentially vibrate and interact with you.  Another feature on the Watch.

Big performance updates which also means improved performance for games.

The camera is much better at 12 megapixels but there are others far better on the market today. The dern camera lens still protrudes from the back of the phone.  I have disliked that a LOT with my iPhone 6 and have cracked lens already as well. Nice software updates for the camera.  Only pros need a dedicated camera now.  Seriously.  Of course, 12 megapixels mean the pictures will be much bigger and require much more storage on your phone.  It will take 4K video, that is 2160p resolution.  Also a huge drain on storage.

Pricing: Still starts at $199 for the 16GB model.  For $299 you can get 64GB.  They are pushing you to spend ridiculous rates on memory.  As usual.  However, they've created an installment plan so you can endlessly upgrade, and endlessly give Apple more money.  Okay, that last bit might have been harsh.  But wait!  You can use iCloud storage to handle your memory needs.  At an additional cost.

Overall I find myself laughing at this non-event event.  Will there be one more thing?

The band is playing.  I think we are at the end.  Only 2 hours too.

Windows 10

I did it and it was very painless.  I upgraded my main desktop machine at home to Windows 10.  Piece of cake to do, and wow it is a really nice OS.

The nerd in me must admit it felt good, almost comforting, to once again be going through a Windows OS upgrade process. So, how about a couple good stories on this?

First is a review by CNet:

http://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-windows-10/

Here is a snippet from the review:

THE GOOD Windows 10 bridges the gap between PCs and tablets without alienating anyone. The new OS combines the best bits of old and new Windows features into a cohesive package, while correcting nearly all of the missteps of Windows 8. The upgrade process is mostly painless, and free for most Windows 7 and 8 users.

THE BAD Many of the new features will be lost on those who don't care about touch. Automatic, forced updates could spell trouble later on. Cortana's features are better suited for smartphones.

For those interested in the process used to develop this new version of the OS, to learn before launching, and to set up a flywheel of ongoing development for the new "Windows as a Service" concept read this excellent story that contains examples of A/B testing and much more:

http://venturebeat.com/2015/08/13/how-microsoft-built-and-is-still-building-windows-10/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

The Windows 10 team started with the basic capability of having multiple virtual desktops, then added functionality to see what users wanted: Over the release, the team would look to incorporate the top feedback items. First basic switching was added, then keyboard support was requested and implemented, then users asked about being able to sort contents in the taskbar that map to the desktop, and so on. Aul considers virtual desktops a “great example for where the feedback really led the development of the feature.”

Eventually, an A/B test was required. For the taskbar, there were two different ways to show your running apps: Display all the apps or display a filtered view, where for any given desktop you only see what you’re running in that desktop. Microsoft offered the options to two different groups and asked each how they liked their variant.

Microsoft has become a very different company today, and it looks like a change for the good based on the products and services beginning to come out of Redmond.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Windows 10 - Tablets, Desktops, Laptops, Hybrids, etc

The one operating system to rule them all?  If Microsoft has finally done it this should be pretty impressive.

Windows 10 is coming soon and here is a quick look at some core features:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2874400/windows-10-the-10-coolest-features-you-should-check-out-first.html#slide1

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

CurrentC by MCX to go Public mid-2015, plus Microsoft and PayPal News

News everywhere in the mobile payments space about CurrentC's plans though all of the stories seem to point back to MacWorld.  Here is one story:

http://www.mobilepaymentsinsider.com/2015/04/07/currentc-prepares-to-go-public-with-mid-2015-launch/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Mobile payments service CurrentC will officially launch in the US over the next few months, adding further competition to the crowded mobile payments market.

Here is the MacWorld piece that appeared to break the story:

http://www.macworld.com/article/2906592/apple-pay-rival-currentc-coming-in-mid2015.html

Here is a snippet from that piece:

A small -scale trial began last year and CurrentC is currently being tested in several undisclosed markets around the U.S. However, its use is restricted to employees of member retailers, which include Walmart, 7-Eleven, Dunkin Donuts, Sears, Best Buy, Exxon Mobil and Gap.

Merchant Content Exchange (MCX), the operator of the service, plans to make it available to the public in mid 2015, but in a single market at first.

More news in the payments space has also come out from both Microsoft and PayPal.

Microsoft is working on some kind of 'Microsoft Pay':

http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/04/microsoft-payments-may-join-apple-android-samsung-in-pay-platforms/

UPDATE: Another story works to add to this report:
http://www.mobilepaymentsinsider.com/2015/04/10/microsoft-makes-another-mobile-payments-move/

PayPal is going to release a new wallet that will utilize NFC technology:

http://www.digitaltransactions.net/news/story/PayPal-Will-Include-NFC-Capability-in-the-Coming-Version-of-Its-Mobile-Wallet

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant 

MS Windows 10, Beacons, PayPal, and the New York Times

Quite a few pieces of news.

First is word on the next iteration of Windows, dubbed "Windows 10" by Microsoft recently (yes they jumped from Windows 7 to 8 to ... 10).  I'm on record saying Microsoft badly handled the advent of tablets with Windows 8, leaving desktop users and the Enterprise out of consideration.  Here is a good article on Windows 10:

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/windows-10-undoes-the-disaster-of-windows-8-mostly-98835840904.html?src=rss

Next is news on eBay spinning off PayPal.  Looks like the move to integrate PayPal with Samsung TouchID technology spurred Apple to kick PayPal out of Apple Pay.  The NYT is stating Apple Pay is changing retail permanently.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/technology/apple-pay-signals-new-era-at-cash-register.html

Beacons are in the news again in a few ways.

Beacons deliver for Marriott Hotels:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/235116/beacons-deliver-local-perks-at-marriott.html?edition=76551

Shopkick is acquired:

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/shopkick-acquired-amid-growing-importance-for-beacon-enabled-shopping

Macy's doing much more than just Beacons:

http://risnews.edgl.com/retail-news/Macy-s-Rollout-Goes-Beyond-Beacons95568

Facebook has added the ability to purchase items directly from your news feed.  As someone who cut back to weekly or monthly visits to Facebook I view this as one more bad idea from Facebook.

http://www.mobilepaymentsinsider.com/2014/09/26/facebook-adds-buy-button-to-news-feed/

Finally is a bit about the continuing problems traditional printed news is having. The New York Times is laying off staff to cut costs.

http://recode.net/2014/10/01/the-new-york-times-app-plan-isnt-working-so-its-laying-off-staff/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Best Reading of the Day - Entry 0128 Misc

Travel to and from San Francisco last week limited my availability to provide comment.  I'm going to catch up with the 4 stories that most captured my interest.

First is the brand crisis ISIS is facing thanks to the group in Iraq with the same name.  Does this spell trouble or what?

http://www.paymentssource.com/news/isis-faces-a-branding-crisis-3018333-1.html

Next is the rumor that Microsoft will use the Lumia name instead of Surface, something this writer mentioned at the time of the release of the Surface Pro 3.

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-rumored-to-be-planning-to-replace-surface-branding-with-lumia-7000031028/

A good little article that talks about disruption in retail and some simple thoughts on how to approach the phenomenon.

http://chainstoreage.com/article/three-ways-retailers-can-capitalize-digital-disruptions

Finally, a short piece on the accelerating pace of mobile payments.

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/mobile-pay-seen-trailing-cards-despite-dominance-over-desktop

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Microsoft Tablets - Surface Pro 3 and ????

Microsoft is frantically trying to either catch up in the tablet space or leapfrog the competition, depending on who you listen to, by creating a device that is both a laptop and a tablet.

The announcement of the new Surface Pro 3 comes about a half a year after the Surface Pro 2.

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-pro-3

Here is a pretty good review of the device:

http://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-surface-pro-3/

The biggest news might be what was missing.  Rumors were heavily inclined towards a Surface Mini and it did not appear.  Most revealing, however, was the lack of a Windows RT version in this announcement breaking the pattern established through the first two iterations of the Surface line.  Version 1 included the Surface and the Surface Pro.  Version 2 included the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2.  However, version 3 only included the Surface Pro 3.

What happened to Windows RT?

The current theory dominating the waves is this signals the death of Windows RT.  Left out of the discussion though is the recent acquisition of Nokia Devices by Microsoft and the Lumia line of products including the excellent Lumia 2520 Windows RT devices.

One criticism of the Surface line is a lack of clarity.  What are you getting and why would I get "less" of a Windows device in RT when I can get the "full" version?

My prediction is Microsoft is solving this problem by utilizing the existing Nokia line for Windows RT and will now target Surface exclusively to the high-end 'ultrabook' demographic.

Time will tell.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Best Reading of the Day - Entry 0118 Design at Microsoft

Please forgive the 2nd entry in the "daily" postings but this one is well worth reading as well as entry 117.

Do you wonder how design works?  What is "User Experience (UX)"?  How do the big companies do it?

If they do it well they do it exactly like the small companies.

This blog post from Microsoft is a very good read:

http://blogs.office.com/2014/05/22/the-art-of-designing-office-for-ipad/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Hello once again from the Office for iPad team. We’ve hit a great milestone with over 27 million downloads of Office for iPad and we would like to say thank you to everyone who has tried out the apps and provided feedback to help us continually improve Office for you. Today we want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the design and creative journey we took as we reimagined Office from the ground up for iPad.

From its inception, the Office for iPad project has been a blend of imagination and passion. When we had our first tantalizing glimpse of the iPad, we were intrigued by the huge opportunity ahead: enabling Office customers—over 1 billion around the globe—to rediscover the power of mobile productivity in new and exciting ways.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Best Reading of the Day - Entry 0100 Microsoft's New Direction

Wow!

One hundred posts in the "Best Reading of the Day" category.  All done in less than a year.

Today we will look at Microsoft that recently made its office products available for iPad.  This is a significant break from the past where other Microsoft endeavors were always tied to Windows.  This move follows others, such as the renaming of Microsoft Windows Azure cloud services to just "Microsoft Azure", that indicate a break from the past.

Here is the article:

http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/30/the-resurgent-post-windows-microsoft/

Here is a snippet from that piece:

Microsoft had become an oft-ignored, behemoth to the North, despite $77 billion in revenue, $57 billion in gross profits and $21 billion in net income. It seemed that the mobile revolution had passed it by. Although Steve Ballmer was already making many of the right moves, it took new CEO Satya Nadella to fully accept that Microsoft had to move beyond Windows into a new future of apps and cloud services.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Best Reading of the Day - Entry 0095 Flat Design A History

Design is the art of ... well, art, at least in mobile apps.  Flat design vs. a more textured "real world" or skeuomorphic design style has taken hold very strongly since the release of Apple's iOS 7.  How about a history lesson on all of this?

The folks over on "The Next Web" have done so and it makes for excellent reading.

http://thenextweb.com/dd/2014/03/19/history-flat-design-efficiency-minimalism-made-digital-world-flat/?fromcat=all#!AzMHH

Here is a snippet from the piece:

It seems as though any time you hear about Web design these days, you can’t help but come across the term “flat design.” While the flat Web design trend has been emerging in recent years, it seemed to have exploded in popularity thanks to large companies and organizations changing their design aesthetic to that of flat design.

But where did flat design come from? And why are we seeing it on the Web? As with anything in design, knowing where a style or technique came from and the history behind it can help you make more educated decisions when it comes to the use of the design aesthetic.

Don't forget to read my white paper on the end of Skeuomorphism:

http://thagent.blogspot.com/2013/06/user-interface-design.html

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Android Tablets Sold More Than iPads

Let's go back in time briefly.

The year is 2007.  Google is working on a phone idea that will put the internet in your pocket.  Apple is working on the same thing.  The keynote announcing the iPhone hits like a bombshell and the world is changed.  Google re-gears the entire Android concept and is playing catchup.

Just a few years later Android smart phones are outselling iPhones.  Yet the usage data shows Apple customers are typically more affluent, browse more on their iPhones, and spend more than their Android using counterparts.

The year is 2010 and the iPad is announced.  Google soon follows with Android tablets and the battle is on yet again.

Today we learned that Android tablets have surpassed sales of iPads for the first time.

http://www.internetretailer.com/2014/03/05/android-tablets-outsell-ipads-so-what

What should we take from this news?  The analysis above states it is more of the same.  More Androids, but much more usage (and sales) through Apple devices.  Here is a snippet from that piece:

So what does this shift in tablet market share mean for retailers and mobile commerce? Not much, retailers and mobile experts say, because consumers who use iPads browse and buy far more than those using other tablets. This follows the exact same pattern that’s developed with smartphones: Android phones have a significant lead in market share, yet Apple iPhone users account for a gigantic majority of browsing and buying.

In my personal repertoire of devices I have a few to choose from at any given moment of any day:

• Windows 7 Tablet
• 2 HP TouchPads
• Google Nexus 7
• iPad Air
• Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2

My go to device is the Windows 8 platform.  Love it.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Microsoft to Re-emphasize the Desktop

In an announcement that is no surprise to this writer Microsoft publicly acknowledged the need for Windows to better provide for the needs of desktop users.

This article on Computer World illustrates the statement:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246526/Microsoft_concedes_Windows_8.1_needs_more_for_mouse_keyboard_customers

Here is a snippet from the article:

Microsoft on Sunday publicly acknowledged what leaks had already shown, that the company will issue an update to Windows 8.1 this spring that provides more tools for owners of traditional PCs controlled by mouse and keyboard.

In a press conference at Mobile World Congress (MWC) and an accompanying blog post, Joe Belfiore, the executive in charge of Windows Phone's and Windows 8's user experiences, announced that the update will launch this spring, but did not put an official name on the revision or reveal a timetable.

Happy reading,

J.W. Gant

Microsoft Names New CEO

Many months have passed but we know who will be taking the reigns at Microsoft.

Satya_Nadella

Bill Gates is departing as Chairman of the Board effective immediately.  He will take on a technology advisory role.

Cramer, the investment guy, over on CNBC has some thoughts on this and calls for Microsoft to spin off at least one unit.  He generally thinks this selection was a good one for Microsoft:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101388161

Here is a snippet from that news:

Nadella seems well-positioned to help the company, Cramer said, given his experience with the cloud-computing division of Microsoft.

"I do think the cloud division of the company is the one part of the company that kind of seems to have the thesis of where America is going," Cramer said.Next up is a write-up on part of the challenges the new CEO will face:

www.zdnet.com/mobile-vs-desktop-microsofts-least-significant-challenge-with-windows

Here is a snippet from that piece:

As big as the Windows XP installed base is, the Windows 7 segment is even larger. Microsoft wants to get this huge group moving forward to Windows 8, too.

How to get these two massive segments onto Windows 8 is no doubt a major focus in Redmond. It not only impacts Microsoft's business but that of its partners, too.

Exactly.  How does Microsoft reconcile the desktop with the tablet?  That is what I've written about already as the major issue with Windows 8.

Happy reading,

J.W. Gant

Best Reading of the Day - Entry 0073 Windows 9?

Microsoft has released Windows 8 and followed it up with Windows 8.1.  What is next?  The buzz is about turning to Windows 9 and we expect to hear official word this year about a 2015 release.

So why is this interesting reading?

The Innovator's Dilemma that we've already talked about in this blog and the issue of pricing as it relates to the Windows product line.  How can Microsoft continue to charge big dollars for its operating system when none of the competitors do so?  Android is free, Mac OS is free, iOS is free, Google Chromebooks come with a free operating system, but Windows still adds to the margins for tablets and everything else.

ZDNet has an excellent write-up on this subject:

http://www.zdnet.com/windows-9-price-and-microsofts-innovators-dilemma-7000025053/

Happy reading,

J.W. Gant