14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8’s launch was one of the most important moments for the IT world in 2012, as the new operating system was expected to help the PC market slow down its collapse and support increasing sales in early 2013.
But according to Canalys analyst Tom Evans that’s not going to happen, as Windows 8 will continue to have a negative impact on the PC industry in 2013 as well.
“The launch of Windows 8 did not reinvigorate the market in 2012, and is expected to have a negative effect as we move into 2013,” he said according to BGR.
Wondering how that is possible? Pretty simple: the same over-discussed interface is keeping users away from Windows 8, the analyst explained.
”Windows 8 is so different to previous versions that most consumers will be put off by the thought of having to learn a new OS. An additional barrier is the potential increase in cost that Windows 8 brings, as it is perceived that a PC with a touch-screen is needed to get the best user experience. In the current economic climate, this will be enough to make people delay purchases as they wait for prices to fall.”
If we are to look into this problem by judging Microsoft’s own statements, Windows 8 is actually a very good product whose sales are in line with those of Windows 7, the operating system that’s still regarded as one of the most successful products in the company's history.
More than 60 million copies of Windows 8 have been sold so far, even though nobody knows for sure whether these figures are actually meeting internal sales projections or not.
According to Microsoft, everything goes according to plan, and with so many Windows 8 computers unveiled at this year’s CES, the future looks bright.