Microsoft Makes Bold Predictions
Microsoft expects its newest operating system, Windows 10, to be running on 1 billion computers within two to three years.
The figure, which includes desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones, was repeatedly touted Wednesday at Microsoft’s annual conference for application developers. Microsoft has struggled to get companies to make apps for Windows mobile devices, part of a self-perpetuating cycle that makes Windows smartphones less attractive to consumers. Microsoft announced several developer tools that could bring thousands of new apps its way when Windows 10 launches this summer. The chance to reach 1 billion potential customers is the incentive for app makers to try out those tools. There are more than 1 billion mobile devices running Google’s Android software, but only half of them have the latest version, Microsoft said.
