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Stuart · 02-07-2010, 13:37

It seems to me that Micrrosoft are slightly bothered that (apart from the xbox range) they haven't done well in terms of consumer gadgets.

Certainly not as well as Apple.

They seem to think the best way to deal with this is launch plenty of different types of gadgets all with funky names (xbox, zune, kin) in the hope that at least one will succeed.

This is their problem. Apart from the xbox, these devices have largely failed. Why?

I don't know, but I suspect the different branding is causing confusion amongst the buying public. The fact that MS appear unwilling to expand unsuccessful brands (or even advertise them in the case of Zune) is also not helping.

I think I need to explain that.

In the area that Microsoft were hoping the Kin would have competed in, they already have Windows Phone 7 and Windows Mobile. That's effectively three product ranges that perform similar functions. This is going to leave the average member of the public confused as to what they need to buy. They may have a vague idea that they want a Microsoft based phone because it'll work well with their PC (whether it does or not is another matter), but they won't know which one.

Apple have the advantage here. They have three product lines competing here. Each of which has one feature that seperates it from the others. The iPad is large, and is easy to recognise as a tablet. The iPhone makes calls, and the iPod Touch doesn't.

And they can be fairly certain that software (with some exceptions) and hardware bought for one will work on the others.

Customers also know that the i range is not going to go away soon. They can be fairly certain that Apple will support their device for at least two years after they get it, and there is a large developer community that supports it even longer than that.

My own opinion? Assuming they wish to stay in the mobile phone hardware market, they need to launch TWO ranges. One (probably Windows Mobile based) for business, and one (probably based on Windows Phone 7 and Xbox branded) for home use.

02-07-2010, 13:37	#13
Stuart - Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Somewhere Services: Virgin for TV and Internet, BT for phone Posts: 26,546	Re: Microsoft launches a new phone: 'KIN' It seems to me that Micrrosoft are slightly bothered that (apart from the xbox range) they haven't done well in terms of consumer gadgets. Certainly not as well as Apple. They seem to think the best way to deal with this is launch plenty of different types of gadgets all with funky names (xbox, zune, kin) in the hope that at least one will succeed. This is their problem. Apart from the xbox, these devices have largely failed. Why? I don't know, but I suspect the different branding is causing confusion amongst the buying public. The fact that MS appear unwilling to expand unsuccessful brands (or even advertise them in the case of Zune) is also not helping. I think I need to explain that. In the area that Microsoft were hoping the Kin would have competed in, they already have Windows Phone 7 and Windows Mobile. That's effectively three product ranges that perform similar functions. This is going to leave the average member of the public confused as to what they need to buy. They may have a vague idea that they want a Microsoft based phone because it'll work well with their PC (whether it does or not is another matter), but they won't know which one. Apple have the advantage here. They have three product lines competing here. Each of which has one feature that seperates it from the others. The iPad is large, and is easy to recognise as a tablet. The iPhone makes calls, and the iPod Touch doesn't. And they can be fairly certain that software (with some exceptions) and hardware bought for one will work on the others. Customers also know that the i range is not going to go away soon. They can be fairly certain that Apple will support their device for at least two years after they get it, and there is a large developer community that supports it even longer than that. My own opinion? Assuming they wish to stay in the mobile phone hardware market, they need to launch TWO ranges. One (probably Windows Mobile based) for business, and one (probably based on Windows Phone 7 and Xbox branded) for home use.