Microsoft spending over $1.5 billion on Windows 8 launch
Lydia Sung - Friday, October 12, 2012 3:50pm (PST)
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Biggest product launch in industry's history
Windows 8 is an expensive gamble for Microsoft, with the company pouring between $1.5 to $1.8 billion into the new OS' launch. Yeah, that's a lot of money, and between Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Phone 8, and the new Surface tablet, we're not all that surprised.
Microsoft is certainly sparing no expense, making Windows 8 the biggest product launch in the history of the industry. Years ago, Windows 95 only cost Microsoft $200 million in marketing.
This isn't just about the OS either, but whether Microsoft can effectively compete against Apple and Google in the mobile market. As analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group notes, this is one "big risk" for the Redmond company.
Enderle also remarks that "the marketing effort is on a scale you don't see outside presidential elections."
Source: Forbes
Sections: OS & Software, PC Games
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Microsoft will sell the operating system only to device manufacturers directly, and not as a stand-alone product to consumers.
It is also made to just run on tablet like computers too.
But, wow, 1.5 billion in advertising. From what little I've heard about windows 8, I'm not even sure I want it.
The should've pushed out Windows 7 more and give reasons to upgrade for those stuck on XP, because they aren't gonna go to W8, and those already running W7 have no real need to.
Hell, you can get that flashy Metro theme on a Win7 computer using Rainmeter
Didn't MS also add a few interesting desktop features to W8? I recall being excited about the fact they finally support multi monitor startbars natively in the OS.
I haven't followed the OS closely, but I feel like if Metro were completely optional and the Start button was still around, Windows 8 would actually be quite well received. Still, I'm interested to see whether their full on touch support will open up a new class of tablet computer like they hope it will.
Would've like it to have more install options at the start such as default places to store user profiles, etc... I know some stuff has to be on the C:\ drive, but I'm limited in space on my SSD.
still not going to make the switch myself. windows 7 is a damn good OS. even then, i only switched because XP was starting to die out with support from games.
So far their mobile penetration with Phone 7 is more or less 2% so expenditure on marketing of this magnitude is somewhat justified (still risky) to try to raise awareness of their refurbished product lines amongst consumers and enterprises.
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