Microsoft is reportedly considering allowing Android apps to function on their Windows Phone OS in a serious departure from their usual business model.
In the past, Microsoft has been steadfastly isolationist when it comes to their software and third party app permissions. A fact that has led to a pretty big problem when it comes to their sales. No one wants a phone that is so limited in their apps, and Windows Phone really doesn’t have enough to bring users away from the more extensive iPhone or Android devices.
But as Google continues to expand their reach through the many compatible brands that use Android’s OS, they might be available on future Windows devices after all.
Not only would it be mobile apps, but it could run on their desktop software, as well. Integrating Google Play would be drastic move to their overall business model, which has been uncooperative with other software companies for some time.
This could be the first major decision by new CEO select Satya Nadella. It is bold, and potentially risky. Microsoft has always struggled a bit to understand consumer demands and desires when it comes to app support. Just looking at their rather paltry offerings between devices, such as Windows Phone versus Zune HD, shows that. They would have to do better with expanding that support to a wide range of programs rather than just a few they think would be useful.
What all of this really shows is that Microsoft is struggling in mobile sales, and it is worst than might have been previously thought. Ballmer seemed to have a “just keep moving and break through the walls by force” method of operation. Nadella appears to favor a more balanced approach.
By leveraging the success of Android applications, which have jumped leaps and bounds to become a real contender for iTunes in the past few years, they may be able to get past the barriers they have encountered before.
Though an OS redesign might also be helpful. Does anyone really like that cluster of boxes on their home screen? What is wrong with icons, as in what everyone else uses? It isn’t positive innovation if your attempt to be a special snowflake just annoys your consumers.
Source: The Verge
