[Tue Apr 28 15:53:02 CDT 2015]

A bit over a month ago, we read on Computer World that Microsoft was taking an "extraordinary step" to "still give pirates free Windows 10 upgrade". And then, yesterday, we read in the same media outlet that Microsoft posts second straight double-digit downturn in Windows OEM revenue:

Microsoft last week acknowledged that Windows revenue took a beating in the first quarter, with sales of licenses to computer and device makers falling $698 million, or 22%, compared to the same stretch in 2014.

The quarter's downturn was the second straight double-digit decline, following a 13% drop in revenue during the last three months of 2014 that represented a $455 million weakening.

So far this fiscal year -- which ends June 30 -- Microsoft has booked $1.2 billion less in Windows OEM (original equipment manufacturers) revenue than during the first three quarters of the year before.

First quarter revenue from computer and device makers was down 26% for what Microsoft calls the "non-Pro" category and off 19% for the "Pro" class. The terms refer to the kind of Windows license, with non-Pro indicating the OS for consumer PCs and tablets, and Pro for devices targeting businesses. In Windows 8.1, for instance, the former is simply Windows 8.1 while the latter is Windows 8.1 Pro.

Microsoft blamed the consumer licensing downturn on a packed sales channel left over from the holidays, and to a lesser extent the move to very low prices on PCs and the company's corresponding licensing subsidies for those devices.

It's starting to look a bit gloomy for the old giant. That's for sure. On the other hand, they have plenty of cash in hand to try rescue operations. And yet, one's impression is that their heyday is long gone. Important as they still are, the fact is that Microsoft doesn't generate the excitement that they generated 20 years ago. On the contrary, they look stagnant and boring when compared to the competition. {link to this entry}

[Tue Apr 28 15:42:17 CDT 2015]

Well, I've written several times on these pages already that I just couldn't see how anyone could care about the newfangled Apple Watch. I just don't see what functionality it provides that is not already available on some other device that is just as small and/or as convenient. However, it looks as if I seriously underestimated the gullibility of the average consumer, especially when it comes to hip products by Apple. According to Fortune magazine, about 2 million units of the Apple Watch were sold the second weekend of April and, according to Computer World, first day pre-orders topped 1.2 million units in the USA only. After all this, I'd say that Apple could perfectly come up with a new fanciful empty box with a cool design, and sell millions. It seems clear that the functionality of the product doesn't matter anymore. It's all image by now. {link to this entry}