For as long as I can remember, Microsoft has had an unbreakable monopoly on the Computer market. Just about every home desktop computer and laptop have had Windows installed on them. Apple, Microsoft’s only real rival hasn’t really been able to make any kind of noteworthy headway until now.
The Apple iPad has been a worldwide success. It has become the choice of many people for their home computing needs, replacing the desktop and laptop in many instances. The iPad of course doesn’t run Windows, which means Microsoft are starting to lose their tight grip on the home computer operating system market. This has resulted in a drop in share price.
It will be interesting to see if Microsoft start pushing their own version of an iPad in the near future but for now at least, their focus lies elsewhere.
This month sees the release of the Xbox Kinect. This add-on for the Xbox 360 is set to rival the Wii and change the way video games are played forever. If Kinect is a runaway success as is expected, it could see Microsoft begin to shift their focus more onto the video games sector.
Fortunately Microsoft have one thing in their favor at the moment and that’s that iPad can’t use Adobe Flash. A huge part of the Internet relies on Flash and until Adobe and Apple can come to an agreement, many people will stay away from the iPad.
Whatever happens, the next year or so could see lots of things changing in the world of home computing and home video gaming. Whatever happens, it should be good news for the consumer as more competition usually brings lower prices and higher quality products. If everything goes to plan for Microsoft, Kinect alone will rewrite the book on how video games are played. There are certainly interesting times ahead.