Free Windows 10 Not Expected to “Stimulate PC Replacement”

[RoadWarrior]

Microsoft is now working on Windows 10 and development advances at a really fast pace, so it's no surprise that many people expect the new operating system to be a really successful product.

Hardware manufacturers, on the other hand, aren't really optimistic about the way Windows 10 will boost PC sales, and it appears that some of Microsoft's plans make them believe that the new product could actually do more harm than good.

In an article posted by Digitimes, “sources with Taiwan-based supply chain makers” reveal that manufacturers aren't very excited about Microsoft's plan to offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade to Windows 8.1 users because such a strategy could actually have an impact on new PC sales.

“Taiwan-based PC vendors doubt whether it can stimulate PC replacement demand because consumers will be able to make free online update to the new operating system,” the aforementioned report reads, citing its sources.

At the same time, Microsoft lost another important advantage when it decided to offer some of its products aimed at other platforms, including iOS and Android, for free, and the best example is the Office productivity suite, which can now be used at absolutely no cost by users of these two mobile OSes.
Windows 10 expected to launch next year

Microsoft has already launched a Technical Preview version of Windows 10, so all members of the Windows Insider Program can give it a shot right now, and the company makes the final adjustments to release a testing build of the operating system for consumers as well.

An early look at Windows 10 Consumer Preview is expected to be provided next month, during a January 21 event in Redmond, when Microsoft could also present a new series of features, including Continuum, which allows users to switch from the desktop to the Modern UI almost instantly and without interrupting their work.

As far as the launch of Windows 10 is concerned, Microsoft's Chief Operating Office Kevin Turner has recently said that the new operating system is projected to hit the market in late summer or early fall 2015, so several other preview builds are very likely to see daylight until that point.

For instance, a Windows 10 Developer Preview could be launched in April at the BUILD 2015 developer conference, while RTM is most likely scheduled to be reached in the summer.

More details on the Windows 10 release schedule will be provided next month, during the Windows 10 consumer event.