Strategy Analytics is, at least to our knowledge, the first market research firm that believes that Windows Phone 8 will not be enough to help Microsoft capture a greater market share in the smartphone arena.
In an updated market forecast, the company said that that "future versions of Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 platform will need to dramatically improve support for advanced technologies like multi-core chipsets, enhance the Marketplace app store, [and] expand the number of phone models available from major partners like Nokia or Samsung." Strategy Analytics also noted that Microsoft should consider lowering the license fees per unit.
For now, it appears that the market share of Windows Phoen devices, is growing, albeit not at the pace Microsoft would want. For 2012, Strategy Analytics estimates shipments of about 5 million Windows Phones, up from 3.5 million in 2011. The impact of praised phones such as Nokia's Lumia 900 is not as strong as anticipated. The increase in sales will give Microsoft about 4.1 percent market share, up from 3.5 percent in 2011, if Strategy Analytics is correct.
"Despite ongoing economic volatility, we forecast 123 million smartphones to be sold in the United States in 2012, growing 21 percent from 102 million units in 2011," said Strategy Analytics analyst Scott Bicheno. "Microsoft captured 3 percent share of all smartphones sold in the United States during 2011, rising steadily to a forecast 4 percent share in 2012. Nokia, HTC and Samsung have some of the biggest Microsoft smartphone portfolios at present and they will be three main hardware vendors driving growth this year."
My main issue with WP7 is that app arena is so limited. I always see all these advertisements for bank account management, car starters, OBD-II functions, etc. and they always say "For iOS and Android." It's so rare that these apps are developed for WP7 and it frustrates me.
As for myself, I'm just not looking to buy a new phone when all the decent models are overpriced without the two year contract...
The correct spelling is "Pwned"
As for myself, I'm just not looking to buy a new phone when all the decent models are overpriced without the two year contract...
My main issue with WP7 is that app arena is so limited. I always see all these advertisements for bank account management, car starters, OBD-II functions, etc. and they always say "For iOS and Android." It's so rare that these apps are developed for WP7 and it frustrates me.
Not to mention there are currently no Windows Phone devices on the market now that will even support WP8. They basically shot themselves in the foot, only an idiot would buy a lumia right now and get locked to a contract.
Never owned and Android, but judging by roommates phone and my gf phone, they are pretty lame. My pops has an OneX, that's pretty sweet, but only because of the custom ROM...but while he tinkers all the time...I just use my phone...no tinkering needed.
1) Lack of apps found on iOS and Android ( i.e. Crackle, Firefox, Online banking apps like Capital One, ABC TV viewer, Time Warner Cable viewer ... the list goes on)
and 2) No Flash support.
The OS itself is very alluring (I'd rather have a windows phone in my pocket than an apple or android device based on its sheer coolness factor) but without 1 and 2 above. I remain with "the other 96%".
The 3.5 > 4.1 market share is for ALL Microsoft Mobile devices. WP7 is still at or under 2%.
LOL, the WP Launcher for my Android is more advanced than WP8 in some ways.
http://www.techatron.net/
I'm aware of this. At the time of upgrade to a Lumia, my Focus was fading fast. There were issues with the lock button that caused the phone to power down randomly and with no warning. I had the choice of paying my $70 insurance deductible for a refurbished Focus or $99 for a Lumia. I chose the latter. While I'm sure WP8 will be great, I figure the launch phones will be succeeded by even better ones right about the time when I'm ready to upgrade.
Actually you are quite wrong. Apps are currently, and will continue to be developed. Example is that we will be getting Zenga Apps in the fall. Not only that, but developers who develope for WP8 and W8 can easily develope for WP7 with little changes unless its native coding. And no developer is going to drop their guaranteed marketshare of WP7 app developement to start developing for WP8 thats not even out yet. Yes they are working on WP8 apps, but that doesn't mean they dropped support for their WP7 apps...i get updates all the time.
Please if you have a gripe with WP7 thats fine, but know what you are talking about please. Yeah...they may not have 500,000 apps. but out of the 100,000 that they have, I've found 40-50 to hold me over just as well as anyones android or iphone. My life is prefectly fullfilled without a few thousand fart apps. I got BoA, Angry Birds, Youtube downloader, Wordament, FB, Twitter, Lin, 4sqr, Kindle, Ebay, Netflix, etc...even an app with all 150+ Tom and Jerry Episodes...I'm sure there are other cool games etc that will come over from the Android and iPhone market. Plus if I waited around for a couple years with my iPhone for good apps...I can do the same for 6 months for WP8. its about the total experience. WP is better experience and a better springboard.
Actually Metro is the reason for WP7 and WP8. Its not being forced to Desktops...it was the plan all along...one integrated system. And the dismay of the power users is nothing more than childish. Read their comments. The blatant 'this sucks" attitude is never backed by any reasoning or facts. Its purely preference. But those who await W8 can list off all the reasons why it should be adopted. Given the choice of who to follow(if I was to follow), I'd rather follow the educated and level minded than those who have nothing better to do than to troll on forums about a new start screen and missing start button.
W7P does have some decently cool features. The Live tile thing, if an app is written to take advantage of is pretty innovative. But the comparative lack of applications, limited functionality compared to ICS, and Metro's lock on everything made me very happy to return in in my 30 day window and get a SGIII. Very glad to be back with Android.