One hundred days is not a long time for an operating system, yet any business leader worth their salt has a ‘first 100 days’ plan when they take over, or launch a project.
Similarly, Microsoft will have had goals, targets and ambitions for Windows 10 for that timescale, but is probably keeping them to itself.
On the cusp of the first major update, how has Windows 10 done and what is left to achieve? We take a quick look at the numbers and goals.
The latest figures suggest over 120 million installs, which is just a stepping stone toward the company’s aim of having the OS on 1 billion devices.
However, unlike previous versions, Windows 10 has an upcoming roll out to Xbox One (with over 15 million shipped) and the launch of Windows 10 Mobile, plus the rapid approach of the fall update that should all help move the OS toward its goal.
Other positive statistics show over 25% of Steam gamers, highly engaged PC users are now using Windows 10, suggesting upgrades are thriving.
Is Windows 10 Helping Hardware?
In terms of hardware, Microsoft and its partners have dazzled with a blistering array of new notebooks, two-in-one devices and tablets all on sale or hitting the market for the key selling season.
Next quarter we will find out if those devices are helping boost PC makers and vendors bottom lines. Any positive sign will be taken as news that Windows 10 is helping improve the PC ecosystem.
Windows 10 is also being supported by a large number of micro and stick PCs, these will help move Windows in front of the living room TV screen.
Looking into 2016
After the seasonal consumer-focused hullabaloo has cleared, the fall update will be in place encouraging many businesses to upgrade their machines to Windows 10, or refresh their office hardware.
2016 will be a hard yards year for Windows 10 as Microsoft hurries to retire its predecessors and new mobile users start to come online.
For Microsoft to reach its goal in any decent time frame, Windows 10 Mobile will need to start strong and keep momentum into 2016 to drive growth for the ecosystem. Otherwise, the Windows Phone (or Surface Phone) hardware project could be threatened.
Is 500 million Windows 10 installs achievable in 2016? That really depends on the strength of mobile and business PC updates.
source:windows10update
