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(image source: Microsoft)
BY EVAN THOMAS
In with the new and out with the old — but not too far out. Microsoft saw a subtle but
nonetheless significant shift in its operating system market share last month.
Net Applications has the latest numbers: Windows overall still holds a whopping 90.66 percent
of the OS market. The lion's share of that lion's share is still Windows 7, and more
than 30 percent of the computers tracked are still running the comparatively ancient Windows
XP.
Last month Windows 8 marked its first loss ever, as users upgrade to 8.1. Microsoft's
latest OS notched 1.72 percent of the market, despite only being available for part of October.
TechCrunch attributes 8.1's speedy gains to the ease of acquisition — it's a free download
for anyone using Windows 8.
"We can compare the launch of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 loosely, though unfairly, as Windows
8 had to sell a unit to grow its market share, while Windows 8.1 had to only enact downloads."
The numbers come as Microsoft prepares to capitalize on the holiday season — it wants
to sell 16 million of its surface tablets and bring its touch control systems into the
PC mainstream. (Via WinSuperSite)
It's a blitz that's expected to cost about $405 million, according to The Verge — a
huge boost from the $245 million budget Microsoft devoted to marketing Windows 8.
The move will compete with buzz surrounding hot new tablets from Apple and Samsung's industry-leading
marketing budget — and The Inquirer wonders if it will be enough.
"We can't imagine that pumping more money into marketing will solve all of Microsoft's
Windows 8 woes."