Despite the hype for Windows 8, Microsoft could have a tough road ahead.
The latest data from IDC shows how things have changed: PC shipments down 14% year-over-year, despite the launch of Windows 8.
Despite numerous and repeated efforts of manufacturers (Nokia, but also Samsung and HTC) and operators to develop an alternative to Android and Apple based on Windows, and despite the launch of numerous phones based on Windows with strong features, reviews and marketing support, the operating system remains cornered to less than 5% market share in smartphones.
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That's likely due to Xbox Music being exclusive to Windows 8 devices (which includes the Xbox 360, despite its age, and Windows Phone 8) -- Microsoft promises a continued focus on Xbox Music going forward, while Zune support drops out.
Despite its defection to Windows, the folks at Palm say the company is still committed to the Palm OS and will continue to release new devices running both Windows and Palm software.
That Nokia is taking market share away from rivals must be reassuring for the company, which has steadfastly remained committed to the Windows Phone platform despite calls to diversify its portfolio with Android phones.
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According to IRIS, the pen should be able to translate paragraphs or whole documents copied to the Windows clipboard -- but despite exhaustive testing and a call to tech support, I couldn't get it to translate even a paragraph of text.
Despite the introduction of improved locks and shatter-proof windows, a car is broken into every 20 seconds in Britain.
While most stores have darkened windows and locked doors, some opened despite the warnings not to.
Despite the influx of worker-owned devices, BlackBerry and Windows Mobile remain surprisingly strong, at least they did in Q1 when this survey was conducted.
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Microsoft has reported a fall in profits despite a boost in sales from the technology giant's new Windows 8 operating system.
RT, however, is incompatible with any software produced for the x86 (read: full Windows) edition, despite there being a traditional desktop mode.
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Yet despite their failures, the concept of network computing resonated and validated the Windows terminal, which has the advantages of a network computer and runs Windows applications.
The Blue Screen of Death still casts a negative halo around Windows despite basically disappearing from PCs a decade ago, after Windows XP arrived.
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Not least, Microsoft's share price is unchanged over the last decade (despite impressive revenue growth), thanks to concerns that Windows and Office are threatened by mobile devices and Internet-based applications.
Despite the fact that you'll almost exclusively be using apps purchased in the Windows Store, we'd add that the traditional Windows desktop on a tablet-type device can be enormously useful.
Despite the setback Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer appeared satisfied with the various Windows 8 launches when he appeared at a developers conference in Redmond, Washington, on Tuesday.
The report also shows why Nokia has steadfastly shown its commitment to Windows Phone despite repeated calls to hedge its bets by developing Android phones as well.
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However, with the launch of new budget devices powered by Windows Phone Tango, we expect it to gain more market share in the coming years despite Microsoft being late to the smartphone party.
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So is the problem for Nokia that Windows Phone hasn't achieved the sort of sales that might have been hoped for it, despite the generally positive reception it has had?
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