Why did Microsoft Make the Windows 8 Developer Preview Free?

September 24, 2011
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does have his doubts about how well this tactic will work, “It’s not a sure thing–early adopters and technophiles are also pretty savvy about technology shortcomings and potential flaws in software. If Windows 8 fails to impress, it will reflect negatively on Windows Phone 7. This is why, I suspect, Microsoft is not emphasizing the Metro connection between the two platforms. If Windows 8 gets panned, there’s a chance (however small) to salvage Windows Phone’s reputation.” I think that if this was really what Microsoft was doing, this would be one of the greatest marketing tactics out there. Introduce a current smartphone’s user interface to an operating system that holds 90% of the worldwide desktop share. Once people start using the new interface, they will get used to it and will be more inclined to use it when they see it on a Windows Phone. The reason this hasn’t worked with previous versions of Windows and Windows Mobile is because none of those operating systems were touch optimized. Windows 8 with Metro is. Source Do you think giving away Windows 8 developer preview was a smart marketing tactic for Windows Phone 7? I’m interested to hear what you have to say…    ]]>

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Microsoft

Mike Johnson is a writer for The Redmond Cloud - the most comprehensive source of news and information about Microsoft Azure and the Microsoft Cloud. He enjoys writing about Azure Security, IOT and the Blockchain.

All Comments

  • Well I think the reason why MS released it for free is because they want to have as many apps out there as possible. No one will buy the ARM version for it if there aren’t any apps, and also because they love us.

    Penta2100 September 24, 2011 11:45 am Reply
    • That is the reason and if the author watched the BUILD conference, he would know this and wouldn’t have to ask this stupid question.
      Did you write this Onuora? i taught you were up to date with all new Microsoft products.

      Harrysarce September 25, 2011 1:38 am Reply
  • If only i could install it on my galaxy tab…

    kevin zhang September 24, 2011 12:42 pm Reply
  • the main reason for them releasing it to everyone is to get as many developers developing apps for it as possible because limiting it just to BUILD attendees would have been a bad idea and alienated 10s of thousands more developers out there.  this is good because im a developer and it means i can create apps for it before its even released and that means i can have my apps in the windows store from day 1 when it hits the shops and that is the most important time for me as a developer because when people use their tablets or install W8 on their PC for the first time one of the first things they will want to do is add more apps and customize it to their own tastes so on release the windows store will be booming and developers will earn a huge amount of revenue at launch. 

    Amy Green September 24, 2011 3:35 pm Reply
  • yes i like it  very fast and easy install

    Fbarrell September 26, 2011 5:26 am Reply
  • MS is using same idea as iPhone, make cheap or free apps for Windows phone.  Then you have a shell on your desktop, laptop, and tablet all using the same interface.  No need to learn other OS.  Other good plus you can easy share files between all your devices.  This is same idea of OSx Lion.
    Make the job of IT easy when all the device share same basic OS.

    JeReese November 11, 2011 2:07 pm Reply
  • I think Microsoft wants to increase their consumer n users . In making win8 free , no doubt more people will download it and give a try. Apart from that they will give their suggestions only when they use it.

    Sourabhshrestha May 2, 2012 2:15 am Reply

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