2012: Microsoft to Make an Entrance in the Tablet Market

Gearing up...

The software leader will start public testing a new version of Windows by the end of this year. Microsoft is now updating its Windows 7 operating system to match with features like touch screen, size and battery life of tablet computers to win a place in the surging market for the devices. The longer it takes Microsoft to release its operating system, the more time Apple and Google have to strengthen their hold on the market.

New Jersey based analyst, Michael Gartenberg from research firm Gartner Inc. fears this late move of Microsoft. According to him, by the time Microsoft makes an appearance in the tablet market, Apple and Google would have cemented their respective positions in the market, which in turn would make the going get tougher for Microsoft. “It’s not a good position to be in”, he added, gravely.

More from News Analysis

Tablet market

With every known brand doling out tablets, the market for the same is mounting. Over 100 new designs are expected to make an entry this year, and with this trend continuing, the market for tablets will grow to 118 million units by 2015 (courtesy: a report by the Scottsdale, Arizona-based consulting firm). Apple introduced its second iPad version this week, less than a year after the original went on sale. Apple sold 14.8 million units of the first iPad through December.

Windows, however, has been finding difficulties in keeping up with its schedules. Windows Vista came out more than two years late, while the current version, Windows 7, was a few months early.