Late-2012 Debut of Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows 8 Looks Achievable
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The much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system, expected to bridge the gap between tablets and desktop computers, should see testing finish sometime over the summer. Sources are saying Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is set to unveil the product during the fall of 2012. Initial Windows 8 devices will run on both ARM Holdings (Nasdaq: ARMH) and Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) chips, confirming rumors from last year.
Microsoft is mimicking Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) in using ARM technology, the same chips included in the iPad. At the launch, only five devices are said to include ARM technology, compared with more than 40 slated to utilize Intel chips.
With the developer preview launched in February, Microsoft may be holding an event in April for industry partners in April.
Timing for Microsoft is key for its next-generation platform; missing the October - December time frame means Microsoft won't be able to ship new devices in 2012, putting itself even further behind Apple. Last week, Apple's new iPad debuted to much fanfare and (not surprisingly) a ton of demand. Monday, Apple said it sold about three million of the new iPad tablets over its debut weekend, compared with about 15.7 million iPad 2's sold in its most recent quarter.
Microsoft hasn't exactly been a major player in the tablet or mobile device realms, making Windows 8 even more important for the Redmond, WA-based tech giant. With Google's (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android OS and Apple's iOS dominating the tablet and smartphone landscape, and Windows Phone 7 making a tinny, tiny dent in the space, there's plenty of room for Microsoft to gain a following.
One major OEM banking on the renaissance is Nokia (NYSE: NOK). Though Nokia remains the top shipper of low-cost mobile devices, its had trouble breaking into the smartphone segment. Giving up its Symbian OS and shunning Google's Android, Nokia is taking a risk on Windows Phone devices, which have come with mixed reviews to date. Its new Lumia lineup -- including the Lumia 710, 800, and upcoming 900 -- have been well-received, though consumers are still drawn to iOS and Android.
Microsoft is mimicking Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) in using ARM technology, the same chips included in the iPad. At the launch, only five devices are said to include ARM technology, compared with more than 40 slated to utilize Intel chips.
With the developer preview launched in February, Microsoft may be holding an event in April for industry partners in April.
Timing for Microsoft is key for its next-generation platform; missing the October - December time frame means Microsoft won't be able to ship new devices in 2012, putting itself even further behind Apple. Last week, Apple's new iPad debuted to much fanfare and (not surprisingly) a ton of demand. Monday, Apple said it sold about three million of the new iPad tablets over its debut weekend, compared with about 15.7 million iPad 2's sold in its most recent quarter.
Microsoft hasn't exactly been a major player in the tablet or mobile device realms, making Windows 8 even more important for the Redmond, WA-based tech giant. With Google's (Nasdaq: GOOG) Android OS and Apple's iOS dominating the tablet and smartphone landscape, and Windows Phone 7 making a tinny, tiny dent in the space, there's plenty of room for Microsoft to gain a following.
One major OEM banking on the renaissance is Nokia (NYSE: NOK). Though Nokia remains the top shipper of low-cost mobile devices, its had trouble breaking into the smartphone segment. Giving up its Symbian OS and shunning Google's Android, Nokia is taking a risk on Windows Phone devices, which have come with mixed reviews to date. Its new Lumia lineup -- including the Lumia 710, 800, and upcoming 900 -- have been well-received, though consumers are still drawn to iOS and Android.
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