It’s pretty obvious Microsoft didn’t expect WP7 to set the world alight right away. We mean, it doesn’t even have one single solitary memorable device and when you think Windows Phone 7 device you still pretty much think Android device with an OS makeover. But apparently, the things aren’t even moving as fast as Microsoft expected.
At least according to AT&T Mobility CEO and presumed Zorro alter-ego descendant Ralph De La Vega, who says sales of Windows Phone 7 devices haven’t exactly been brisk and goes on to deduce that customers probably want a richer app store and more features before they can commit.
The Struggle for Market Share
For our money, we’d say consumers want a phone that can do something they haven’t seen before instead of basically Android with a slightly nicer UI, a tenth of the apps, and no Flash. The competition in the smartphone market is fierce, with giants like Apple and Google dominating the space. Windows Phone 7 entered a saturated market where consumers had already developed strong preferences for iOS and Android. The lack of a unique selling proposition made it difficult for WP7 to carve out a significant market share.
Moreover, the app ecosystem plays a crucial role in a smartphone’s success. At the time, the Windows Phone Store lagged far behind the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in terms of the number and quality of apps available. This limitation was a significant deterrent for potential buyers who were already accustomed to a rich app experience on other platforms.
Consumer Expectations and Technological Gaps
Consumers also expect their smartphones to be versatile and feature-rich. The absence of Flash support was a notable drawback for WP7, especially when Flash was still widely used across the web. Additionally, the hardware options available for WP7 were not particularly groundbreaking. Most devices were seen as rehashed versions of existing Android phones, offering nothing new in terms of design or functionality.
Another factor to consider is the integration with other services and ecosystems. Apple has a seamless ecosystem that connects iPhones with iPads, Macs, and other Apple products. Google offers a similar experience with its suite of services like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Microsoft’s ecosystem, while robust in the enterprise sector, did not offer the same level of integration for everyday consumers.
For instance, the Xbox integration was a unique feature, but it wasn’t enough to sway the average consumer who was more interested in everyday usability and app availability. The lack of compelling features that set WP7 apart from its competitors made it a tough sell.
But then again, what do we know, the only thing we’re CEOs of is our couch. Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
In conclusion, while Windows Phone 7 had potential, it was hampered by a lack of unique features, a limited app ecosystem, and stiff competition from established players. Microsoft would need to address these issues to make a significant impact in the smartphone market. The journey of WP7 serves as a lesson in the importance of innovation, ecosystem integration, and understanding consumer needs in the highly competitive tech industry.
Source AllThingsD
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