Microsoft has today unveiled that it has sold more than 40 million Windows 8 licenses since its launch just a month ago, and that Windows 8 upgrades are currently beating the previous post-launch performance of Windows 7 when it launched.
Microsoft explained that 4 million Windows 8 licenses were sold in the first three days after its October 28th launch, and the total of 40 million is expected to include OEM, Surface units, and individual consumer sales.
Windows 8 Sales Performance
The impressive sales figures for Windows 8 highlight the strong demand and interest in Microsoft’s latest operating system. The company has managed to surpass the initial sales performance of Windows 7, which was previously considered a significant success. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape of operating systems and the increasing popularity of alternative platforms such as macOS and various Linux distributions.
Microsoft’s strategy to include a wide range of devices in its sales figures, including OEM and Surface units, has likely contributed to the robust numbers. The Surface tablet, in particular, represents Microsoft’s foray into the hardware market, aiming to provide a seamless integration of software and hardware. The inclusion of Surface units in the sales figures underscores the company’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the tablet market.
Developer Incentives and Application Revenue
Microsoft has also announced that a number of Windows 8 applications have now passed the $25,000 revenue mark, enabling their developers to benefit from paying just 20 percent rather than the standard rate of 30 percent of application sales. This incentive is designed to encourage developers to create high-quality applications for the Windows 8 platform, thereby enriching the ecosystem and providing users with a diverse range of apps.
The reduction in the revenue share percentage for successful developers is a strategic move by Microsoft to foster innovation and attract top talent to its platform. By offering a more favorable revenue split, Microsoft aims to compete with other app stores, such as Apple’s App Store and Google Play, which also have their own developer incentives and revenue-sharing models.
It will be interesting to see how many Surface tablets Microsoft has sold since its launch. Numbers for which have still yet to be revealed by Microsoft, but as always, we will keep you updated. The Surface tablet’s performance in the market will be a key indicator of Microsoft’s success in the hardware space and its ability to compete with established players like Apple and Samsung.
In addition to the Surface tablets, the overall adoption of Windows 8 across various device categories will be crucial for Microsoft. The operating system’s ability to provide a consistent and seamless user experience across desktops, laptops, and tablets is one of its key selling points. As more consumers and businesses upgrade to Windows 8, the ecosystem will continue to grow, further solidifying Microsoft’s position in the market.
The success of Windows 8 also has implications for the broader tech industry. As more users adopt the new operating system, developers and hardware manufacturers will need to ensure compatibility and optimize their products for Windows 8. This, in turn, could drive innovation and lead to the development of new technologies and solutions that leverage the unique features of Windows 8.
Source: TNW
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