600 Millions PCs Waiting for Windows 10: Intel Very Optimistic about shipments

Softpedia ^ | 12/04/2014

[SeekAndFind]

Windows 10 is still in development at Microsoft, but Redmond’s partners claim that interest in new PCs has increased lately, especially after the software giant released the very first Windows 10 Technical Preview for testers. What’s more, millions of PCs are waiting right now for Windows 10, as the new operating system is already seen as a breath of fresh air for the collapsing PC industry which has suffered from dropping figures in the last couple of years.
Windows 8 didn’t help, many said, so Windows 10 could definitely boost shipments, Intel’s executives explained during a recent press conference.

Renee James, president at Intel, said at the Credit Suisse Technology Conference on Tuesday that most manufacturers were already seeing positive signs after the unveiling of Windows 10, so most are very optimistic that shipments would be increased once the new operating system becomes available.

Very enthusiastic about Windows 10

James explained during the conference that Intel was very enthusiastic and optimistic about Windows 10, pointing out that Redmond had adopted a pretty good strategy for this new operating system.

The fact that Microsoft is now focused on user feedback more than ever definitely helps, James explained, mostly because the software giant needs to get closer to users and work together with them on improving the operating system based on their feedback.

"They're being extraordinarily responsive to customers," James pointed out, adding that approximately 600 million computers running Windows 10 could hit the market once the operating system becomes available.

Windows 10 designed to address feedback

Windows 10 also marks the beginning of a completely new strategy for Microsoft, as the operating system is entirely based on consumer feedback, so many of the features that will be included in the upcoming product will actually be built with help from users.

This is the first time Microsoft releases a technical preview build of Windows in such an early development stage, as the company obviously needed more time not only to get in touch with users, but also to listen to what they had to say in order to improve the operating system based on their requests.

Obviously, consumers are really pleased with this strategy, and there’s no doubt that, if Microsoft plays its cards right, Windows 10 has pretty big chances to succeed, also thanks to this growing appetite for a new operating system that works better than Windows 8. Manufacturers and users alike expect Windows 10 to be superior in performance to Windows 8, so the next six months will be critical for the Redmond-based tech giant.

[minnesota_bound]

I will sometime next spring build a new desktop pc and buy a 4k monitor. That should hold me for several years.

The one I have now from 2010 works fine but I just want a new one and Windows 10 should do.

If you buy a pc with Windows 8 I believe Microsoft will give a free upgrade. I have the Windows 8 dvd but have not left it installed on any of my computers. It was just to stupid.

[piasa]

I loved Win 98...

[trebb]

Can't give that advice, but I hear that Microsoft will offer free upgrades to 10 somewhere around April.

Seems that their strategy for big successes is to turn out something that nobody wants, or that doesn't work for beans, every other time and then replace it with an improved version of the last good one.

I don't know what 9 would have been like, but 8.1 works good if only it weren't for all the touchscreen emphasis and all the instant connects to places to shop being so readily available. Also gives different versions of Internet Explorer depending on where you start it from. Using the apps link from the "normal" looking screen simplifies things and I imagine a little time would allow one to clean up the unwanted stuff and familiarize enough to become semi-comfortable with 8.1 until the free upgrade to 10 is available.

I'm currently on 7 and will keep it until it dies. I keep considering a move to LINUX but there's still a few issues with some areas of user friendliness lacking and i don't want to study up to become smart enough to handle them.

[Enlightened1]

“From what I've noticed, it's Google and Apple that are years behind Microsoft in OSes. In fact, it's going to be years before Apple catches up with what Windows 8/8.1 can do, and Google isn't even in the game. “

Not so fast... Apple is almost double the size in Capital than Microsoft. It's#1 in the World. As for Google they are neck and neck with Microsoft. However, Google is way more innovative than Microsoft.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_public_corporations_by_market_capitalization

Sorry but Microsoft has lost it's innovation. All they do is copy and then try to resale it.

Just think Microsoft calls it Windows. Gee where did they get the “Windows” idea???

I know a lot of people that have Windows 8 and do not like it.

Microsoft is now making Tablets and Smart phones. Gee where did they get that idea too???

[adorno]

Actually, you have everything upside down.

Microsoft is actually a lot more profitable than Google, and Google has had to go back to the drawing board to figure out where it has gone wrong. When it comes to market cap, MS is currently at about 401 billion, while Google is around 366 billion. That’s a huge gap, if you ask me.

But market cap is not how a company should be judged. Irrational exuberance can be very misleading and there are companies out there that aren’t worth the money that investors have put down on them. Google isn’t really worth more than, perhaps, $150 billion, and perhaps a lot less. Productivity is a better indication, and Google is not so productive lately. Google is stagnant, and there might not be much more growth for the company in search, which is really their only profit center.

Apple is much more profitable than Microsoft, but, when it comes to products and services, Apple is way behind. Apple is only relevant in the smartphone arena, while Microsoft is very relevant in all sectors of technology. Apple is a one trick pony, and when that pony tires, it’s going to be a dead horse. On the other hand, Microsoft is much more diversified than Apple, and has built a huge portfolio of products and services, where, if any one of them fails to produce, the others will take up the slack. That’s something that Apple can’t count on.

When it comes to Google, their R&D consists of throwing up anything at the wall, to see what sticks. Microsoft has a much bigger set of products and services, and continues to conduct a lot more R&D than Google and Apple combined.

Microsoft is still the biggest software company around, by far. It’s also bigger than Apple and Google when it comes to business applications and services. And lately, they’re becoming a lot more relevant with their hardware, especially with their Surface devices which are business-grade equipment.

Microsoft might not be as profitable as Apple, but, for long-term investments, I’d bet on Microsoft over Google or Apple.

[adorno]

BTW, Microsoft was making tablets and smartphones before Apple and Google got into the game.

Look it up. If helps to be informed before commenting.

[Enlightened1]

Google and Microsoft Market Cap keeps changing every quarter on 3rd largest company in the World. Just look at the last 3 quarters in 2014.

Microsoft is stagnant? What is Microsoft introducing this Christmas holidays? Only the promise that Windows 10 will be here next year. Wow that's a winner.... (sarcasm off).

Again Apple and Google have innovation and Microsoft only has Windows..... which will not be out for another year. By then Apple and Google will be way ahead of them financially speaking.

[adorno]

Still pretty blind to the facts, aren’t you?

Fact is that, Microsoft has outperformed Google in revenue and earnings, since forever, and last quarter, they had profits which were close to double that of Google. And, like I said, Google isn’t doing anything when it comes to R&D, and all they still have is search to complement advertising: IOW, a one-trick pony.

Apple too is a one-trick pony, and that is the iPhone. A one-trick pony is proof that the company isn’t investing in R&D or in actual innovation. Google and Apple are companies dependent on their current one-tricks, with hardly any innovation, if any at all.

ON the other hand, it’s Microsoft that is investing heavily in R&D, and is the only one that has come out with actual innovations, on all fronts, including new devices and with software and on the cloud. In fact, even Apple depends on Microsoft for its iCloud and iTunes services.

Fact remains that, it’s MS that is coming out with most of the innovations in cloud services, and in actual productivity applications for all platforms, and they’re also the ones developing new devices which can be used for businesses and developers and regular consumers.

Apple is profitable, but only because it’s hard to dislodge their current loyal base, who are the ones making most of the “new” purchases. Google can’t improve on search, and they’re stagnant and actually going backwards. There is nothing that Google can point to that will bring them new revenue any time soon. The only thing keeping Google alive is their investors, who continue hoping for Google to actually start producing instead of just hyping products that don’t earn them anything. Android is just an OS which is earning more money for Microsoft than for Google. In a way, Google is a development division for Microsoft. Apple and Google also provide platforms for Microsoft’s huge and varied applications. MS will end up making more money from iOS and Android, than their parent companies.

[Enlightened1]

Please name one thing Microsoft have innovated in the last 20 years?

LOL at the following statement.

“And, like I said, Google isn’t doing anything when it comes to R&D, and all they still have is search to complement advertising: IOW, a one-trick pony.”

Have you ever heard of a “Samsung Galaxy phone or a Google Nexus Android phone” phone? LOL!

Have you ever head of Google Maps or Google Earth???

What about Youtube??? Yeah that's Google too.

What about Chrome? It's considered by many to be the top browser. Others say it's Firefox. The real question is where is Internet Explorer???

Google has their own store full of movies, music, Aps, books, anytype of shoping, etc....

Oh and have you heard of “Wearables”???

They already have watches, shoes, clothing, etc... that is connected online.

Have you heard of Google Glass?

Have you seen their Robots?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2829213/The-robo-karate-kid-Terrifying-two-legged-giant-robot-developed-Google-learns-stand-one-leg-recreates-scene-cult-film.html

What about Google Wallet?

Have you seen the Google Tablets?

Here is a link for you. So you can get a good over view of some of their items.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/about/products/

So what was that you were saying about R&D and a one trick pony???

Microsoft all they do is copy. They have introduced nothing new in a very long time.

Apple has both the hardware and the software. Their product keeps getting better over time. That's why have way more money than Microsoft.

Microsoft is just an old Giant that is trying to stay relevant. If anything Microsoft is the no tricks pony. They lack originality and seem to always be a day late and dollar short on everything.

The Cloud on the other hand is having A LOT of issues? You heard about the Hollywood celebs that had their accounts hacked? Most people are not putting important data there, but it can hacked. Moreover, what happens if a Virus gets in the Cloud? When DARPA first developed the Internet.

One of the initial debates was if it should be centralized or not. It's was decided not to in order to survive a nuclear attack from the Soviets. That way it would not go down. It's kind of like keeping your troops separated vs. of all in 1 spot.

The Cloud can be useful for Movies, Music, Books... things that do not matter. However, I know there is a big push for it. I just do not see it succeeding because all it's going to take is a virus in the Cloud. That will be it.

Amazon's Cloud is kind of nice, but that's about it. Most people just do not trust it. Enlight of all the spying coming out.... It's making people not want to use it for important things. The Cloud is useful for things that do not matter.

I think it's safe to say I don't see it the way you do.

[Enlightened1]

This is one of the websites I look at from time to time that give out pretty good information on what’s hot to the public and what is not. It covers all the companies.

http://www.cnet.com/

[adorno]

I actually do more browsing and reading and posting at CNet and TechRepublic, than I do at FR.

So, like you, I’m quite aware of what’s going on in the tech and software industries.

[adorno]

Samsung Galaxy phones? Nexus phones?

So, what the heck did Google have to do with those? Those are brands made by other makers, and Google is just the developer of the Android OS. So, Google had NOTHING to do with those. LOL!

Those phones could just as easily have been developed for Windows Phone, and then, even Microsoft would have had nothing to do with them.

[adorno]

Google is still not doing anything of value when it comes to R&D, and the link you provided just shows pieces of software, of which there are hundreds of similar products out there, developed by many other companies.

Google is “search” and advertising based on that search. Plain and simple.

[adorno]

Apple has the hardware and software, but, in reality, there is nothing within their hardware that was developed by Apple, since, the ARM architecture is developed by the ARM people, and the software is just iOS, which is just an OS, and that OS is nothing when it comes to real innovation. WP is much more innovative than the 20 year old UI that Apple seems to be stuck with. The rest of the hardware in Apple devices, are all developed by other manufacturers.

The only thing about Apple, is their creativity when putting together a nice piece of hardware, but, none of it is really spectacular or even innovative.

[adorno]

Microsoft is an old giant trying to stay relevant?

Fact is that, Microsoft is the most prolific software and hardware company on the planet right now, and Apple and Google combined, can’t even begin to compare.

Boggle your mind:

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-US/app/microsoft-products-portfolio/174e62f2-5fa3-454e-b87b-ef09cb8a1ac8

[Crusher138]

In fact, it's going to be years before Apple catches up with what Windows 8/8.1 can do

What can Windows 8/8.1 do that the latest version of OSX cannot?

[adorno]

Microsoft Profile (from Forbes):

Profile

Microsoft Corp. develops and markets software, services and hardware that deliver new opportunities, greater convenience and enhanced value to people’s lives. The company’s products include operating systems for personal computers, servers, phones and other intelligent devices; server applications for distributed computing environments; productivity applications; business solution applications; desktop and server management tools; software development tools; video games and online advertising. It also designs and sells hardware, including the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console, Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox 360 accessories and Microsoft PC hardware products. The company operates its business through five segments: Windows & Windows Live, Server & Tools, Online Services, Microsoft Business, and Entertainment & Devices. The Windows & Windows Live segment develops and markets PC operating systems, related software and online services and PC hardware products. The Server & Tools segment develops and markets server software, software developer tools, services and solutions that are designed to make information technology professionals and developers and their systems more productive and efficient. The Server & Tools segment’s product and service offerings include Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Azure, Visual Studio, System Center products, Windows Embedded device platforms and Enterprise Services. The Online Services segment develops and markets information and content designed to help people simplify tasks and make more informed decisions online and that help advertisers connect with audiences. This segment’s offerings include Bing, MSN, adCenter and advertiser tools. The Microsoft Business segment develops and markets software and online services designed to increase personal, team and organization productivity. The Microsoft Business segment offers Microsoft Office system, comprising mainly Office, SharePoint, Exchange, Lync and Office 365 and Microsoft Dynamics business solutions. The Entertainment & Devices segment develops and markets products and services designed to entertain and connect people. This segment’s offers Xbox 360 entertainment platform, which includes the Xbox 360 gaming and entertainment console, Kinect for Xbox 360, Xbox 360 video games, Xbox LIVE and Xbox 360 accessories. Microsoft was founded by William Henry Gates III in 1975 and is headquartered in Redmond, WA.

[adorno]

How about this biggie?

Touch-screen Mac unlikely, says Apple’s Federighi

http://www.cnet.com/news/touch-screen-mac-unlikely-says-apples-federighi/

[Crusher138]

I thought it was going to be a feature someone actually wanted...

I have no interest in touching either my desktop nor my laptop screen. That’s reserved for extremely portable devices where a keyboard/mouse is just impractical.

And now, with the latest OSX, all of my docs, photos, music, etc., are accessible on any of my devices, so I can easily work on something at my desktop, go home and pick up where I left off on my laptop or access it on my iPad or iPhone. No syncing, no copying, no reformatting, no muss, no fuss. Seamless. Very easy and very cool.

[adorno]

Google Maps? Google Earth?

What’s so innovative about those?

There are other alternatives, and many say that those are better than the Google options.