Although the brand new Nokia Lumia 900 is selling like hot cupcakes at Amazon, it’s a fact that Windows Phone is still far, far behind iOS and Android. And while we’ve no doubts Microsoft will keep pushing its mobile platform, it’s still not clear that many users will jump on board. In fact, according to recent ABI Research’s survey, Windows Phone will grab meager 2% of app downloads this year with iOS and Android getting a lion’s share of the rest. So what’s the problem with Microsoft’s strategy?
Windows Phone has a Ford Puma problem
If you remember Ford Puma, you know what I’m talking about. It was (and still is) a beautiful car that everyone (or at least many) like but not many decided to buy. Windows Phone is very similar in that fashion – it’s a solid OS and it’s getting better with the day, but it’s a hard sell. The problem is that Google and Apple aren’t sleeping and are trying to make their respective mobile platforms better, as well. Add a number of apps and use cases and you see why folks are not that eager to go for Windows Phone over Android or iPhone. Most people have only one phone and if they had to choose, most will pick some HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG or Apple-made product.
So how can Microsoft solve this?
It’s tricky. Ford never prepared a successor to Puma (as far as I know) because its sales were symbolic to say the least. Mobile phones are, of course, a different market but similarities are there nevertheless.
The question Microsoft needs to ask users is – what would it take for you to take Windows Phone device over some powered by iOS or Android? I’m not sure I have the answer, but I’m hoping Windows 8 will at least give us some clues… What do you think?