It’s been a month since the launch of Windows 8 on October 26. The reaction has been mixed, some users praising the new UI, while others think it’s the worst thing to ever happen to personal computing. Despite all of that, Windows 8 seems to be doing pretty well for itself.
Beyond that, the company said that the Windows Store has seen some success thus far. Without citing specific numbers, the company reported that a number of apps have earned more than $25,000 in revenue since launching on the Windows Store. In a bid to get more developers on board, Microsoft also reminded everybody that developers get to keep 80 percent of all app revenue over its lifetime.
Windows 8 is doing pretty well, but Microsoft is remaining mum on other Windows 8 devices like the Surface and Windows Phone 8. A recent report says that the Nokia Lumia 920 is doing well, but there’s been no word on how well HTC or Samsung’s Windows Phone 8 devices are performing. The Surface, however, is where the worry starts to seep in. Despite selling out of pre-orders for the base model, Microsoft has remained silent on just how well it’s doing beyond Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer saying sales were “modest.”
Microsoft’s newest OS may be off to a decent start, but it’s the future that most are worried about. The recent departure of Windows boss Steven Sinofsky did not look good despite MIcrosoft’s attempts at making it seem like an amicable split.
It’s looking pretty good for now, but Microsoft shouldn’t slow down. It needs to continue building out the Windows Store and attracting developers to the platform. The shared kernel between Windows 8 devices, including PCs, phones and tablets, is the best thing Microsoft has going for it at the moment.
