IDC Says Windows 8.1 Will Not Revive Windows 8

With Microsoft’s BUILD developer conference in San Francisco just around the corner we can expect the public preview of Windows 8.1 to be released soon, on June 26th to be precise. Microsoft is hoping that Windows 8.1, it’s free upgrade OS for Windows 8 users that will also be available as a standalone, will revive interest in the Windows 8 operating system.

On the other hand analysts seem to think this just won’t happen. The huge market research firm IDC believes that Windows 8.1 won’t make much of a difference when it hits the market. They believe that if Microsoft really wants to make some more inroads with Windows 8.1 then it needs to start bringing prices down.

In an interview with ITProPortal IDC’s Ryan Reith was quoted as saying:

“Recent rumours have circulated about the possibility of smaller screen Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets hitting the market. However, the notion that this will be the saving grace is flawed. Clearly the market is moving toward smart 7-8 inch devices, but Microsoft’s larger challenges centre around consumer messaging and lower cost competition”

Do you agree with IDC’s predictions? Will Windows 8.1 revive Windows 8 or will it make very little difference at all?

Image courtesy of Microsoft