Microsoft’s Mobile Strategy
I’ve just returned home from Microsoft’s annual Build conference, which they held at Microsoft HQ in Redmond, WA. Before I attended the conference, I have to admit, I didn’t think Microsoft really “got it” when it came to mobile. I must also admit that I am a bit of an Apple fan boy, having switched to a Mac 5 years ago and have been rocking an iPhone since the introduction of the 3G. With the launch of Windows 8, it seemed to me that to Microsoft, tablets are simply smaller PCs, and that a mobile touch-friendly interface could easily be mashed into one experience for all. Some of the reviews for Windows 8 tended to confirm this, scathing Microsoft for lacking usable touch areas in some cases, and confusing desktop users with a redesigned home screen. I found, as the conference went on, my thoughts around Microsoft changed. (Disclosure: the free Surface tablet and Nokia 920 did help). Free-loader bias aside, Microsoft’s mobile strategy revolves around three key elements: Windows Phone 8, Windows 8 tablets and finally mobile services in the cloud. read more- http://www.xtremelabs.com/2012/11/microsofts-mobile-strategy/