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Digitimes Research: Microsoft facing difficulties in 3 major segments

Danny Kuo, DIGITIMES Research, Taipei 0

Microsoft's operating system business has been seeing internal conflicts and external threats in areas such as technology development, partner relations and operating model. Without a clear long-term strategy, the software giant will need to gradually improve these issues soon, according to Digitimes Research.

In terms of technology development, demand for the new desktop Windows operating system has been weak since Microsoft has placed its focus on strengthening Windows 8's touchscreen control, causing an inconvenience for users who are used to mice and keyboards. Windows RT 8.1 is currently having issues over weak performance and lack of applications, while Windows Phone is seeing problems in application compatibility.

As for the partner relations, PC brand vendors are gradually accepting Google's Chrome OS and even trying to provide dual-OS solutions. Microsoft's Surface tablets also created a conflict of interest with its tablet vendor partners. With Windows-based smartphones continuing to fall behind Android-based models, most smartphone vendors have placed less attention on Windows Phone and started dropping support after the software giant's acquisition of Nokia.

In terms of operating model, Android has always been free, while Apple also started offering OS X for free with the release of 10.9, but Microsoft continues to charge licensing fees which its putting pressure on its operations.

To gain competitiveness, Microsoft announced in April free licensing for smart devices with a 9-inch and below display. Such a strategy is expected to help Microsoft regain some momentum in the smart device competition, Digitimes Research analyzed.

Content from this article was part of a complete Digitimes Research Chinese-language report that has not yet been translated into English. If you are interested in an English version of the report or wish to receive more information about the report, click here to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Digitimes Research also provides quarterly tracking services for market sectors such as China Smartphone, China Smartphone AP, Taiwan ICT and Taiwan FPD. Click here for more information about Digitimes Research Tracking services.