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Microsoft Unveils Windows Mobile 7 to Reclaim Lost Market Share

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft is planning to unveil its new mobile phone operating system, Windows Mobile 7, next month, in an effort to reverse market share losses to Google and Apple. The company may demonstrate the software at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Microsoft's market share has declined to 7.9% in the third quarter, compared to 11% in the same period last year, according to Gartner.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft plans to unveil its new mobile phone operating system, Windows Mobile 7, next month to regain lost market share.
  • The company may demonstrate the software at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
  • Windows Mobile's market share has declined to 7.9% in the third quarter, compared to 11% in the same period last year, according to Gartner.
  • Google's Android operating system has gained significant traction, with a 3.5% market share in the third quarter, up from none a year earlier.
  • Apple's iPhone and Research In Motion's BlackBerry have also gained market share, with Apple increasing to 17% from 13% and RIM rising to 21% from 16%.
  • Microsoft's next mobile operating system, "Windows Mobile 7", is expected to "move the bar forward" with a new design and features.
  • Robbie Bach, a Microsoft president who oversees the mobile business, described the new operating system as "completely different" from its predecessors.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft's market share of the smartphone operating system market shrank to 7.9% in the third quarter, compared with 11% in the year-earlier period (Gartner).
  • Research In Motion's share rose to 21% from 16% in the third quarter (Gartner).
  • Apple increased its share to 17% from 13% in the quarter (Gartner).
  • Android had 3.5% of the market in the third quarter, up from none a year earlier (Gartner).

Sources:

  • A person familiar with the matter.
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Gartner Inc. (Gartner: Stamford, Conn.-based market research company that tracks the smartphone operating system market).
  • Google Inc.
  • Apple Inc.
  • Research In Motion Ltd.
  • Motorola Inc.
  • HTC Corp.
  • Robbie Bach, Microsoft president who oversees the mobile business.

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