Microsoft's iPad battle plan for partners
by Mary Jo Foley | January 24, 2011 10:56am PST | Image 1 of 10
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Microsoft has come under a constant barrage of criticism for its failure to launch a real competitor to Apple's iPad. When the iPad initially seemed like a consumer-only-focused device, that was one thing. But now that Apple's slate is gaining real, measurable traction with enterprises, Microsoft -- and its partners -- have a real challenger on their hands. Microsoft and its OEMs are not expected to field the first credible iPad competitors until 2012, however, when Windows 8 machines hit the market. Until then, Microsoft and its partners will need to find a way to beat the "commercial slate PC" drum and look for ways to slip through cracks not being addressed by Apple. The following slides are from a PowerPoint deck Microsoft is making available to its partners as part of its strategy to help them try to sell Windows 7 slates against the iPad in 2011.
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only one mention of handwriting? maybe I *am* the only tablet PC user!
You might be. LOL. The end of an era! This is only 10 of the slides, however... Maybe there was another mention in there... 
MJ
MJ 
@Mary Jo Foley Seriously, handwriting is the single most important feature that distinguishes Windows form those phone operating systems.
Not for long, however. As soon as N-Trig's pen/touch solution for Android is ready, Windows will be all but dead.
Microsoft's only option is scaling Windows down, before tablet operating systems can scale up.
Right now, it doesn't look like this will happen. Windows on ARM was an important first step, but 2013 is too late.
If they can't launch Windows 8 before the end of 2011, I won't care anymore. I know Android tablet manufacturers won't be that slow to deliver what is needed.
I might even ditch Windows for Linux entirely in 2012, because if Microsoft fails to deliver a tablet version of Windows, then it will be only a matter of time until Android derivates take over the desktop PC market, too.
Not for long, however. As soon as N-Trig's pen/touch solution for Android is ready, Windows will be all but dead.
Microsoft's only option is scaling Windows down, before tablet operating systems can scale up.
Right now, it doesn't look like this will happen. Windows on ARM was an important first step, but 2013 is too late.
If they can't launch Windows 8 before the end of 2011, I won't care anymore. I know Android tablet manufacturers won't be that slow to deliver what is needed.
I might even ditch Windows for Linux entirely in 2012, because if Microsoft fails to deliver a tablet version of Windows, then it will be only a matter of time until Android derivates take over the desktop PC market, too.
@mary.branscombe
Nope. I am too! I still think handwriting recognition is an important tablet feature. The finger isn't everything.
Nope. I am too! I still think handwriting recognition is an important tablet feature. The finger isn't everything.
@Cylon Centurion 0005
Not just writing. I like using the tablet pen to sketch and share quick diagrams during meetings. And of course you can use it for signature capture in some apps.
Not just writing. I like using the tablet pen to sketch and share quick diagrams during meetings. And of course you can use it for signature capture in some apps.
@Cylon Centurion 0005 : guess you are just one of the few who didn't gave up when they those babies lasted two to three hours tops, had styluses that were too easy to loose and just plainly gave up when you ran a VB6 app which resisted itself from recognizing things written with the pen. Ahh... and may I not forget the "pain-de-resistance", the resistive touch screens...
@cosuna
I've actually never had a tablet before I bought my ASUS T101MT. I bought it to try out the touch features on Windows 7 to see what all the hubbub was about. Truth be told, it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, and to be honest, I can get a full 5 hours out of the battery per charge.
Having a full OS on a tablet has it's benefits. For those (like me) who hate swimming in a sea of apps, Windows gets the job done.
I've actually never had a tablet before I bought my ASUS T101MT. I bought it to try out the touch features on Windows 7 to see what all the hubbub was about. Truth be told, it's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, and to be honest, I can get a full 5 hours out of the battery per charge.
Having a full OS on a tablet has it's benefits. For those (like me) who hate swimming in a sea of apps, Windows gets the job done.
"guess you are just one of the few who didn't gave up when they those babies lasted two to three hours tops, had styluses that were too easy to loose and just plainly gave up when you ran a VB6 app which resisted itself from recognizing things written with the pen."
Well, those can be fixed. Battery life is improving with newer devices, pens can be attached to the case with a wire if you really want to (and to be honest, I never lost mine anyways), and - well, I just never really ran a VB6 app, although I imagine support is possible if a coder wants to implement it.
. . . although I actually used a tablet with a keyboard, so if the pen didn't work, I could just go back to the keyboard anyways.
IMO it was a very promising technology, and if I were to to back to college someday and could afford it, I'd gladly buy another one.
With the latest version of OneNote having equation support, it could certainly completely replace all of my old paper notebooks.
Tablet PC + OneNote 2010 = complete replacement of paper notebooks for college students.
Well, those can be fixed. Battery life is improving with newer devices, pens can be attached to the case with a wire if you really want to (and to be honest, I never lost mine anyways), and - well, I just never really ran a VB6 app, although I imagine support is possible if a coder wants to implement it.
. . . although I actually used a tablet with a keyboard, so if the pen didn't work, I could just go back to the keyboard anyways.
IMO it was a very promising technology, and if I were to to back to college someday and could afford it, I'd gladly buy another one.
With the latest version of OneNote having equation support, it could certainly completely replace all of my old paper notebooks.
Tablet PC + OneNote 2010 = complete replacement of paper notebooks for college students.
@Cylon Centurion 0005 ...
There are numerous iPad/iPod/iPhone styluses out there, and more than a few notepad-like apps to take advantage of it.
[edit]
But you're right, there's no official handwriting recognition to the extent that you can use it in any application you want.
There are numerous iPad/iPod/iPhone styluses out there, and more than a few notepad-like apps to take advantage of it.
[edit]
But you're right, there's no official handwriting recognition to the extent that you can use it in any application you want.
@mary.branscombe I'm with you! I have a HP tm2 touch convertible laptop and I think the handwriting recognition is fantastic. I volunteer for a NSO and have to take notes and write documents as head of the coach development committee and have used the tm2's pen as much as the touch.
@mary.branscombe
I used to be one - and yes handwriting was a major use, but the challenge of interpreting handwriting as bad as mine was too much of a challenge for it!
I used to be one - and yes handwriting was a major use, but the challenge of interpreting handwriting as bad as mine was too much of a challenge for it!
@John Forbes
I am a happy user of a HP 2710p tablet since Jul 2008.
Why do you need interpreted handwriting ?
When you have to write to somebody, you use the keyboard: it's faster than any handwriting, and it is clearer.
But when you have to take notes for yourself, handwriting is much more rich of information: colors, underline, sketches, arrows, and so on. It's like having an electronic piece of paper.
Since I started to use OneNote I stopped using paper. And OneNote allows you to search your handwritings with a 70-80% of success (my handwriting is very bad).
I am a happy user of a HP 2710p tablet since Jul 2008.
Why do you need interpreted handwriting ?
When you have to write to somebody, you use the keyboard: it's faster than any handwriting, and it is clearer.
But when you have to take notes for yourself, handwriting is much more rich of information: colors, underline, sketches, arrows, and so on. It's like having an electronic piece of paper.
Since I started to use OneNote I stopped using paper. And OneNote allows you to search your handwritings with a 70-80% of success (my handwriting is very bad).
Are you saying it's time to give the iPad the finger?
Well though out presentation.
Again the different form factors might cause fragmentation a-la-android.
Again the different form factors might cause fragmentation a-la-android.
@anay3000
Different form factors are a benefit that most users appreciate, and Windows and Linux can cater for very well. But Apple insists you enjoy the form factor that Steve Jobs likes.
Can you even get a ruggedised iPad for industrial use?
Different form factors are a benefit that most users appreciate, and Windows and Linux can cater for very well. But Apple insists you enjoy the form factor that Steve Jobs likes.
Can you even get a ruggedised iPad for industrial use?
@A.Sinic Yes. It's called Otterbox Defender series.
An enterprise executive sees an iPad and what it can do. He or she can hold, touch and use this product now .. in their hands. And, they find it easy to use and it can accomplish their required tasks.
The MS sales or marketing rep shows the executive a PowerPoint presentation and pieces of paper that tell this executive why his firm should not use the iPad.
The executive says to the sales or marketing rep, "I don't care about PowerPoint slides. Look, I want this. Can you give me a Microsoft supported product that can do "this or that" just like I can do now on this iPad."
All I can say is, that sales or marketing rep had better have a Windows product in hand to demonstrate to this executive the features that he wishes. PowerPoint slides just won't "cut it" anymore.
Personally, I looked at those ten slides and they mentioned important points, to be sure, but there was one elephant missing from those slides.
The elephant was the Apple App Store ecosystem. With easy,low cost and available apps, most of those PowerPoint bullets could be addressed. (For example, network printing.)
And, quite frankly, I suspect that this set of PowerPoint slides have already been used when the iPhone first became a commodity that enterprise customers wanted. With very little editing of those slides, MS could have used those same slides to advise customers against adopting the iPhone in an enterprise environment. No one needs to be told how "that debate" turned out.
The MS sales or marketing rep shows the executive a PowerPoint presentation and pieces of paper that tell this executive why his firm should not use the iPad.
The executive says to the sales or marketing rep, "I don't care about PowerPoint slides. Look, I want this. Can you give me a Microsoft supported product that can do "this or that" just like I can do now on this iPad."
All I can say is, that sales or marketing rep had better have a Windows product in hand to demonstrate to this executive the features that he wishes. PowerPoint slides just won't "cut it" anymore.
Personally, I looked at those ten slides and they mentioned important points, to be sure, but there was one elephant missing from those slides.
The elephant was the Apple App Store ecosystem. With easy,low cost and available apps, most of those PowerPoint bullets could be addressed. (For example, network printing.)
And, quite frankly, I suspect that this set of PowerPoint slides have already been used when the iPhone first became a commodity that enterprise customers wanted. With very little editing of those slides, MS could have used those same slides to advise customers against adopting the iPhone in an enterprise environment. No one needs to be told how "that debate" turned out.
When CEOs, Managers and VPs get their own iPads for personal use, that doesn't mean they are willing to push enterprise wide adoption of the thingy. They are really testing grounds.
That's the reason the OEM's are betting on Honeycomb. They see a waterfall effect, specially on the enterprises.
Upper management wants an iPad, but can't afford one. IT wants Windows [easier development, more platform options, more peripheral selection] but can't justify the investment nor the inherit limitations of a non touch optimized platform. So both make a compromise and go Android. Almost as hip, none as limited (in ITs mindset), easily extended using pseudo Java.
Long story short: Microsoft should target Android not iPad, 'cause in the end enterprises as a whole won't adopt iPads (just upper management) just Honeycombs.
That's the reason the OEM's are betting on Honeycomb. They see a waterfall effect, specially on the enterprises.
Upper management wants an iPad, but can't afford one. IT wants Windows [easier development, more platform options, more peripheral selection] but can't justify the investment nor the inherit limitations of a non touch optimized platform. So both make a compromise and go Android. Almost as hip, none as limited (in ITs mindset), easily extended using pseudo Java.
Long story short: Microsoft should target Android not iPad, 'cause in the end enterprises as a whole won't adopt iPads (just upper management) just Honeycombs.
@cosuna
You're scenario for Android's success is more of a bit of wishful thinking. Yes, Android makes for a better solution than what Microsoft is currently offering. Then again, that's not saying much. Android is a bit behind the curve here as well. Current pre-Honeycomb offerings are a joke compared to the iPad. However, Android based tablets are actually less suited for the enterprise due to their security / application installation model. Apple's "walled garden" plays in their favor here.
Further, so far, due to Apple's supply chain power, they've been able to compete on price while keeping margins high. This is something no Android OEM has been able to match.
Finally, Android based devices have only competed well in markets where Apple is not present. Where are the Android based iPod touch competitors? Clearly the market is big enough. How well has Android faired against the iPhone on AT&T? That's a rhetorical question of course, because we all know the answer. Android based vendors are about to get a similar beat down on Verizon as well (gradually over the next few quarters).
You're scenario for Android's success is more of a bit of wishful thinking. Yes, Android makes for a better solution than what Microsoft is currently offering. Then again, that's not saying much. Android is a bit behind the curve here as well. Current pre-Honeycomb offerings are a joke compared to the iPad. However, Android based tablets are actually less suited for the enterprise due to their security / application installation model. Apple's "walled garden" plays in their favor here.
Further, so far, due to Apple's supply chain power, they've been able to compete on price while keeping margins high. This is something no Android OEM has been able to match.
Finally, Android based devices have only competed well in markets where Apple is not present. Where are the Android based iPod touch competitors? Clearly the market is big enough. How well has Android faired against the iPhone on AT&T? That's a rhetorical question of course, because we all know the answer. Android based vendors are about to get a similar beat down on Verizon as well (gradually over the next few quarters).
No one seems to be catching the "minor" point that all of MS's iPad-negatives are stood up against the supposed Windows-positives THAT DON'T YET EXIST. They say "iPad doesn't do this", but the Windows tablet -will-. Um, huh? Does no one think that in the timeframe it'll take MS to deliver a real, V1.0 product (late, no doubt) that possible Apple would have implemented those features into its already mature platform?
MS is trying to sell their vaporware, to be delivered at some undetermined time in the future against the iPad snapshot they take today without allowing that the iPad platform will also grow during that time.
Just remember MS's greatest and most abundant product: FUD. Fear, uncertainty and doubt. Delivered via PowerPoint presentations!
MS is trying to sell their vaporware, to be delivered at some undetermined time in the future against the iPad snapshot they take today without allowing that the iPad platform will also grow during that time.
Just remember MS's greatest and most abundant product: FUD. Fear, uncertainty and doubt. Delivered via PowerPoint presentations!
@mhartboca@...
I guess the HP Slate I'm holding running Windows 7 that has all the functionality doesn't actually exist?
We're buying three more, for our admins to be able to run diagnostic tools and maintain systems.
At least you didn't make yourself sound stupid.
I guess the HP Slate I'm holding running Windows 7 that has all the functionality doesn't actually exist?
We're buying three more, for our admins to be able to run diagnostic tools and maintain systems.
At least you didn't make yourself sound stupid.
So, Microsoft says avoid the iPad because on size does not fit all, whilst shoehorning one Windows onto a variety of devices... Hmmm...
Microsoft needs to realise that the OS and the device are commodities. Data and apps are important - and if my iOS apps can share data with my Windows ones I don't even care about the apps... I can use an iPad (or something else) when mobile, a PC at work, my phone when out with friends, etc.
Microsoft needs to realise that the OS and the device are commodities. Data and apps are important - and if my iOS apps can share data with my Windows ones I don't even care about the apps... I can use an iPad (or something else) when mobile, a PC at work, my phone when out with friends, etc.
Talk about analysis-paralysis...and looking in the rear view mirror at what has already been done. Microsoft is over-emphasizing the enterprise requirements. Sure, make it secure, but beyond that make it simple, affordable and easy to load new apps. Apple is out there executing with a product that is soon to be updated and Microsoft is still showing PowerPoints analyzing the market. This doesnt need to be a Swiss Army knife tool - you can save that for laptops. A tablet needs to be lean, efficient, easy to use with some accommodations made to work in an enterprise environment. Build something that's almost an iPad clone, has some enterprise security and control features and get it out in to the market. In case Microsoft hasn't noticed lots of enterprise IT is being driven by consumer products that are brought into the workplace. IT has to figure out how to respond to the demands of workers who want their workplace to function with tools they are familiar with in their personal lives...iPhones and iPads at work are what they want. The enterprise-heavy/enterprise-centric view that Microsoft has is old school. Move, move, move! Innovate, take some risks, take some big risks, do something cause you are quickly turning into a dinosaur.
@tedz98 My dino LE1600 still gets the job done far more efficientcy than your ipad ever could... And it only cost my less than $500 last year.
I like the simplicity of the iOS. I am an ex windows turned mac user and I'm currently writing this on my iPad. I always had huge problems with windows os. Much to my own disgust I have it installed on my mac because of work. My CPU and hardware usage goes through the roof when I use windows. I'm just thinking of a complex os on a portable device that has limited user input no matter who it's from. I can't imagine searching through windows folders on a tablet computer with a pen. I think windows will have to come up with a iOS like os to be practible. What do you think?
@losjunk Clearly you were using a tank to do a compact's work. There are tons of things the touch only UI of the iPad just can't handle.
If you're not doing those, then sure - it's a good choice.
But if you ARE, then the iPad quickly becomes an overpowered ebook reader/email client/web browser.
Besides, I can always dock my Tablet PC and voila - large screen monitor, full sized keyboard, mouse.. any kind of user input device I want...
And when I'm done, I pull the tablet PC from the dock and I'm on the road.
THAT'S the difference. It's the best of all worlds, not just the one dumbed down world of Steve Jobs.
If you're not doing those, then sure - it's a good choice.
But if you ARE, then the iPad quickly becomes an overpowered ebook reader/email client/web browser.
Besides, I can always dock my Tablet PC and voila - large screen monitor, full sized keyboard, mouse.. any kind of user input device I want...
And when I'm done, I pull the tablet PC from the dock and I'm on the road.
THAT'S the difference. It's the best of all worlds, not just the one dumbed down world of Steve Jobs.
@losjunk
You are correct, sir. Microsoft's new phone OS might be extensible enough, but it's not at the moment touch-enough. But while it works on a better mobile OS, Microsoft is right to push whatever PR tools it has, even if it has to resort to a Powerpoint piece of verbiage. One does what one can, and Microsoft is behind now. I hope they are pushing hard to catch up. Apple need more competition than its getting from Android-based phones and tablets. They are not that good. Not yet, anyway.
You are correct, sir. Microsoft's new phone OS might be extensible enough, but it's not at the moment touch-enough. But while it works on a better mobile OS, Microsoft is right to push whatever PR tools it has, even if it has to resort to a Powerpoint piece of verbiage. One does what one can, and Microsoft is behind now. I hope they are pushing hard to catch up. Apple need more competition than its getting from Android-based phones and tablets. They are not that good. Not yet, anyway.
@losjunk
I don't think the documents posed by Microsoft differ from your opinion. Unfortunately, many people haven't taken the time to read what that 'roadmap' says. To me, it looks like an assessment of current-to-future analysis to guide them to a well received product by both enterprise and consumer.
I don't think the documents posed by Microsoft differ from your opinion. Unfortunately, many people haven't taken the time to read what that 'roadmap' says. To me, it looks like an assessment of current-to-future analysis to guide them to a well received product by both enterprise and consumer.
@losjunk What pen? I have a capacitive multitouch screen Windows tablet and only use a pen when doing a detailed design diagram in Visio - otherwise, everything is touch-based.
People who dismiss Windows touch devices don't have a clue what they're talking about.
People who dismiss Windows touch devices don't have a clue what they're talking about.
The only way to be productive is to use Microsoft Office. The only way to run Office is with a full-blast Windows OS. Obviously, the iPad is a media-consuming, unproductive, unsecure toy.
Question for Microsoft: Doesn't the iPad make an ideal client for cloud applications? Why is Windows/Office required on each and every tablet when a browser would do the job?
Question for Microsoft: Doesn't the iPad make an ideal client for cloud applications? Why is Windows/Office required on each and every tablet when a browser would do the job?
Ok I will admit I have been out of the windows game for a while. But there is one thing I don't understand, if this wonder tablet exists, then why didn't Ballmer go into their office and show it to them? What was the purpose of the slide and what are we waiting for in 2012? Maybe there's a reason he always sweats on stage!
@losjunk
Problem is that MS just can't focus on getting the little details right before moving onto the next shiny object. They had the better part of a decade, uncontested, to refine and optimize their tablet version of Windows. But, instead of figuring out how to make the Windows tablet editions work better, they veered off into the woods with experimental niche projects like Surface and Courier.
Courier might have looked interesting, but it's obviously a lot easier to put together a bunch of conceptual animations in a presentation than to sweat the details (and manage the tradeoffs) in an actual shipping product.
Problem is that MS just can't focus on getting the little details right before moving onto the next shiny object. They had the better part of a decade, uncontested, to refine and optimize their tablet version of Windows. But, instead of figuring out how to make the Windows tablet editions work better, they veered off into the woods with experimental niche projects like Surface and Courier.
Courier might have looked interesting, but it's obviously a lot easier to put together a bunch of conceptual animations in a presentation than to sweat the details (and manage the tradeoffs) in an actual shipping product.
@losjunk
Windows slates have been around for years. They've also been expensive, and the UI is still more stylus-centric, because most normal Win32 apps are designed for a mouse and keyboard. The battery life is also poorer, in part because they use x64 instead of Arm.
The iPad is a simpler, cheaper device than Windows tablets, and has much better battery life. The low price and the better battery life are important, and an iPad gets the simple tasks done more effectively than existing Windows tablets (at least the ones that I'm familiar with). It can't do the more complex tasks, but most people don't care because they also have a PC (but corporate IT departments may).
To be competitive, Microsoft and Intel have to match or at least get closer to the low-price and low-power characteristics of the iPad with Windows 7 on Atom (or Microsoft can wait for Windows 8 on Arm). They also need to get developers to write touch-centric apps (starting with Microsoft's own developers).
Windows slates have been around for years. They've also been expensive, and the UI is still more stylus-centric, because most normal Win32 apps are designed for a mouse and keyboard. The battery life is also poorer, in part because they use x64 instead of Arm.
The iPad is a simpler, cheaper device than Windows tablets, and has much better battery life. The low price and the better battery life are important, and an iPad gets the simple tasks done more effectively than existing Windows tablets (at least the ones that I'm familiar with). It can't do the more complex tasks, but most people don't care because they also have a PC (but corporate IT departments may).
To be competitive, Microsoft and Intel have to match or at least get closer to the low-price and low-power characteristics of the iPad with Windows 7 on Atom (or Microsoft can wait for Windows 8 on Arm). They also need to get developers to write touch-centric apps (starting with Microsoft's own developers).
Microsoft's first problem is that, in principle, it's dangerous to talk about a competitive product's shortcomings when the next version of the competitor's product is about to come out. The interval is short enough that people will be able to determine which of these shortcomings are real, which of them are contrived, and which of them Apple has overcome in iPad 2. In a few months, this presentation will make Microsoft look dumb and have the effect of an ad for Apple.
Microsoft's second problem is that they don't manufacture the entire product. Maintaining the integration of the hardware with the software is akin to measuring the distance between two rowboats in a lake during a storm. It's doable,but hard, and there will be mistakes, making the quality of their product appear lower, even if it isn't.
Microsoft's third problem is that the Microsoft-pad won't come out until iPad is at version 3. Given Apple's aversion to giving competitors information about future products, keeping up is going to be a serious problem.
Microsoft's fourth problem is that they can't possibly build a Microsoft-pad ecosystem that is as large as Apple's in 2012. They have to steal developers from iOS, which is already lucrative, to work on a device that is only hypothetically lucrative.
Microsoft's fifth problem is that Apple will have an even more immense installed base by 2012, meaning that Microsoft has to sell to people who already have iPads and are happy with them. How do you sell a me-too product to a contented saturated market?
Microsoft's sixth problem is that when they copy Apple, they are effectively endorsing Apple the leader. Many people will wonder why they should buy a Microsoft product when they could cut to the chase and buy the one that Microsoft tacitly recommends.
Microsoft's seventh problem is that they don't know the difference between consumer choice and consumer confusion, and that having many places to buy a thing doesn't constitute consumer choice.
I see a corporate pratfall coming. Microsoft should try to imitate Apple in a different way: create a compelling product and create its market at the same time. Selling Microsoft-pads to an iPad world is harder than selling devices for which there is yet no competition.
Microsoft's second problem is that they don't manufacture the entire product. Maintaining the integration of the hardware with the software is akin to measuring the distance between two rowboats in a lake during a storm. It's doable,but hard, and there will be mistakes, making the quality of their product appear lower, even if it isn't.
Microsoft's third problem is that the Microsoft-pad won't come out until iPad is at version 3. Given Apple's aversion to giving competitors information about future products, keeping up is going to be a serious problem.
Microsoft's fourth problem is that they can't possibly build a Microsoft-pad ecosystem that is as large as Apple's in 2012. They have to steal developers from iOS, which is already lucrative, to work on a device that is only hypothetically lucrative.
Microsoft's fifth problem is that Apple will have an even more immense installed base by 2012, meaning that Microsoft has to sell to people who already have iPads and are happy with them. How do you sell a me-too product to a contented saturated market?
Microsoft's sixth problem is that when they copy Apple, they are effectively endorsing Apple the leader. Many people will wonder why they should buy a Microsoft product when they could cut to the chase and buy the one that Microsoft tacitly recommends.
Microsoft's seventh problem is that they don't know the difference between consumer choice and consumer confusion, and that having many places to buy a thing doesn't constitute consumer choice.
I see a corporate pratfall coming. Microsoft should try to imitate Apple in a different way: create a compelling product and create its market at the same time. Selling Microsoft-pads to an iPad world is harder than selling devices for which there is yet no competition.
@Harvey the Rabbit
This is the exact issue they ran into with the Zune. In order to supplant an entrenched market leader, MS needed to come out with something undeniably better than the iPod. Instead, they introduced a series of "me too" media players that sold for about the same price as competing iPod models, and did not plug into Apple's ecosystem (aside from the iTunes store, there's also a huge number of audio and home theater components that plug directly into Apple's 30-pin connector).
By all accounts, the current Zune models are well designed and very good options in their own right. But, that's not good enough if it merely matches the hardware specs, while still lacking a broad ecosystem of content, apps, 3rd party hardware support and accessories.
This is the exact issue they ran into with the Zune. In order to supplant an entrenched market leader, MS needed to come out with something undeniably better than the iPod. Instead, they introduced a series of "me too" media players that sold for about the same price as competing iPod models, and did not plug into Apple's ecosystem (aside from the iTunes store, there's also a huge number of audio and home theater components that plug directly into Apple's 30-pin connector).
By all accounts, the current Zune models are well designed and very good options in their own right. But, that's not good enough if it merely matches the hardware specs, while still lacking a broad ecosystem of content, apps, 3rd party hardware support and accessories.
No "one size fits all solution" yet MS is pushing yet another "Windows fits all solution." This presentation illustrates exactly why so many techies don't get it. MS throws a bunch of features and checklists and techie acronyms onto a PowerPoint slide, and expects the tech press to swoon as usual. Problem is that MS has no focus and doesn't know when to say no. Apple's success with the iOS platform has a lot to do with what they choose to leave OUT, if those features detract from the user experience, battery life, etc.
Sure, the iPad has many shortcomings, but it also has first mover advantage and Apple is not a stationary target. By the time this strategy actually bears fruit, Apple will have already introduced the iPad 3 and brought multiple iOS updates to the previous iPad models. MS has no first mover advantage, so they don't have the luxury of merely matching today's iPad. They will have to match or exceed Apple's third generation iPad, and get it right on the first try, something that MS does not do well. And that's the best case scenario, because it does not account for whatever Android and WebOS will have out by that time.
Sure, the iPad has many shortcomings, but it also has first mover advantage and Apple is not a stationary target. By the time this strategy actually bears fruit, Apple will have already introduced the iPad 3 and brought multiple iOS updates to the previous iPad models. MS has no first mover advantage, so they don't have the luxury of merely matching today's iPad. They will have to match or exceed Apple's third generation iPad, and get it right on the first try, something that MS does not do well. And that's the best case scenario, because it does not account for whatever Android and WebOS will have out by that time.
I was an early adopter of TablePC. I had a HP TC1000 and TC1100. I currently have an iPhone and iPad. I wish is had an iPad with a true stylist. Or a TC1100 (with more, battery, memory and speed) using Windows 7.
I loved the TC form-factor with the detachable keyboard turning into a slate. I held onto the TC1100 for 4 years before it gave up the ghost.
iOS vs Win7? For home entertainment iOS. As a road warrior, Win7. I guess what I really want is the best of both worlds but that IS just to much to ask for.
I loved the TC form-factor with the detachable keyboard turning into a slate. I held onto the TC1100 for 4 years before it gave up the ghost.
iOS vs Win7? For home entertainment iOS. As a road warrior, Win7. I guess what I really want is the best of both worlds but that IS just to much to ask for.
What a crock. Looking at the slides, I cringed - it's all corporate-speak and FUD. It's classic "freeze the market!" by Ballmer et al. There's just one problem: Microsoft is the distant third place late entrant. Not only will Microsoft have to fight Apple, but the Android OS as well. So far, I have seen nothing from Microsoft that remotely reflects a coherent strategy on how to be competitive with either the iPhone, iPad or Android devices. The best that Microsoft can do is hope to avoid an embarrassing loss.
Steve Jobs realized that Microsoft had dominant market share in PCs. So he decided to compete by changing the game entirely. What I see in the slides above is a frantic and desperate attempt to hold off an onslaught. If this is the best Microsoft can do, there will be many chairs thrown in Redmond.
Steve Jobs realized that Microsoft had dominant market share in PCs. So he decided to compete by changing the game entirely. What I see in the slides above is a frantic and desperate attempt to hold off an onslaught. If this is the best Microsoft can do, there will be many chairs thrown in Redmond.
It seems Microsoft forgets the performance issues, when comparing with the same CPU clock, Microsoft OS performance is sluggish ...
What Microsoft can't accept is that the Enterprise has changed. Consumerization is driving IT in business. End-users are circumventing IT and let's be honest, that horse is out of the barn. Look to the future, let go of the past---that's the only hope for Microsoft. If innovation was about writing checks, Microsoft would be winning the race. Game over, fellas.
this "battle plan" proves once again that M$ lacks innovations. let it stands its ground, protect its turf and go the dinosaur way. it's the way of nature.
I want someone to write a windows 7 or 8 for and ipad + iphone. Seriously, they are stylish flat, very nice hardware. I personallly think anything with a proper file system runs rings around android and apple. Apple is so limited and once a windows app stor with developers making apps it will rock apple to its core.. Do I own anything apple? yes iPhone 4 and I love it but would love it more with a decent operating system onboard and no I am not just a "Windows" person.. I am proficient in all things linux and run a popular search engine. I go with whatever works. Apple and android.. I think they're on notice.
The reason these slides, while making some undoubtedly true observations about enterprise compliance and the like, are so desperate is in their wilfulness to ignore reality. Which is that iPad adoption is driven not by people in business trying to find a use for an Apple product but ordinary people who are no longer scared of IT hardware (when it's cute, approachable and not be-laden with a confusing bloated OS like Win 9x and on). I work with some of them. Men in the mid 40s who like being able to email, look stuff up, show a few presentations and get on a plane and do a few bits of work on a sexy flat device. iPads, for all that this is hardly a core goal of Apple's, have made business people excited about IT. And that's the reason a reasoned PowerPoint about security shortcomings is absolutely pointless. This is about computing as Apple always envisioned it, and people coming out from the murky conflicted experience of dealing with the Wintel combo - they've got an Android or iPhone more powerful than the windows box they had in 1999 sitting in their inside pocket and the don't see why a cute similar tablet from Apple wouldn't be just as nice.
As someone said further up the comments, for all it's shortcomings as a "business device" (whatever that is) - this is about the consumerisation of IT above all. And right now MS doesn't have a sexy consumer OS or Tablet to sell...
As someone said further up the comments, for all it's shortcomings as a "business device" (whatever that is) - this is about the consumerisation of IT above all. And right now MS doesn't have a sexy consumer OS or Tablet to sell...
MS is perpetuating its historic corporate mantra and self-delusion that the massive monolith that is Windows is the answer to every information task. They are so entrenched in this mindset that they can't believe that their approach is wrong; rather, there is something wrong with the world for not thinking their way. They already have The Answer, so there is no need for them to innovate. And if that approach fails, their standard backup plan is to copy from their competitors - after firing a sacrificial sub-executive as their excuse for segment failure; but keep that vision-less CEO around.
So many good thoughts. If MS hasn't learned anything from Zune, then it's hopeless.
I would have also liked to see some mention of Kinect and Lync as there are different apps that can play in this ecosystem.
Lastly, I suspect the AppleLabs folks have some even more exciting products on the way and so as one viewer wrote, don't play Apple's, Cisco's or anyone else's, create a new game for others to follow you.
Am I asking or expecting too much?
I would have also liked to see some mention of Kinect and Lync as there are different apps that can play in this ecosystem.
Lastly, I suspect the AppleLabs folks have some even more exciting products on the way and so as one viewer wrote, don't play Apple's, Cisco's or anyone else's, create a new game for others to follow you.
Am I asking or expecting too much?
Nothing beats what Microsoft have already got planned. iPads got NOTHING on this beauty. I certainly hope this will go to production: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/microsofts-courier-digital-journal-exclusive-pictures-and-de/
@Henripple
MS pulled the plug on the Courier last April, less than a month after the iPad went on sale. It was never a real working device, and never got beyond the concept stage. It's easy to produce conceptual animations and mockup photos. Much harder to get the details right for an actual shipping product.
MS pulled the plug on the Courier last April, less than a month after the iPad went on sale. It was never a real working device, and never got beyond the concept stage. It's easy to produce conceptual animations and mockup photos. Much harder to get the details right for an actual shipping product.
Hey @Mary Jo Foley, Seriously, not actually existing is the single most important feature that distinguishes Windows from those phone operating systems.
Right now I think that Ipad and Android Tablet sales are based on gadget crazieness. It will take the next year to trully realize wether or not consumers and corporations really want/like tablets and what they will do with them. Tablets will have to replace laptops to be successful in the long term (they will because tablet + BT keyboard makes super flexible laptop). this means that nobody wants to ask "does your tablet do X?". imagine a laptop that will not run full photoshop. I have a windows tablet and it does all of the Xs there are like my laptop did. we do not need to accept reduced functionality or tightly controled ecosystems (telcos/apple) in order to get mobility anymore. Someone installed Android on the tablet I use and found it no faster nor longer battery life than windows.
Microsoft does not need to "get it" it only needs to wait and see people migrate back for functionality. (there is a windows app for that and there always has been)
Microsoft does not need to "get it" it only needs to wait and see people migrate back for functionality. (there is a windows app for that and there always has been)
For real productivity and also avoid learning a new app every time you need to get some thing done, an exiting OS is still the best bet -Win or Linux or any other.
I would not put in money for a form factor and lose the benefits of a real OS. VVB
I would not put in money for a form factor and lose the benefits of a real OS. VVB
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