14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8.1 Preview will come out in about a week, so all eyes are now on Microsoft and on its next steps for the Windows platform.
The Softies have big hopes for Windows 8.1, as it comes not only to fix some of the problems reported in Windows 8, but also to make the operating system a bit more familiar and bring back several important features, such as the Start button.
Marie-Christine Pygott, senior analyst at Context, doesn’t think that Windows 8.1 will have what it takes to save Windows 8, explaining that poor PC sales are mostly caused by the declining economy across the world, and not necessarily by a “confusing” operating system.
“We've not seen the desired effect from Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 might provide a lift [in sales] but it is no miracle cure to overall problems because the sales downturn is due to the economy,” Pygott was quoted as saying by The Channel.
Microsoft has promised that together with Windows 8.1, an entirely new wave of devices will also hit the market, including tablets, laptops, and hybrids capable of bringing its main features in the spotlight. Touch will continue to play a key role, so expect lots of new tablets to be made available later this year.
Pygott explains that price will be an important factor for the overall success of Windows 8.1 devices, so unless Microsoft makes them very affordable, they could have the same fate as those running Windows 8.
"Price is one of the reasons sales have been low - there weren't many [touch] systems available at the launch of Windows and the ones that were out there were quite expensive," she said.
Windows 8.1 Preview will officially go live next week during the BUILD developer conference, while the stable version is expected to be unveiled later this year, most likely in August or September.