Even before the release of the Windows 8 beta, speculations have been raised on the low adoption rate among PC users for the upcoming OS offering of Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). IDC has indicated that only a small number of Windows 7 users will upgrade their PCs to the Windows 8 OS even as it also revealed that the upcoming Windows 8 tablets will not be making waves when they will be released into the market.
These predictions were reportedly included on the "Worldwide System Infrastructure Software 2012 Top 10 Predictions" report. The report has indicated that the upcoming Windows 8 OS will not be relevant to traditional PC users. The company also anticipates that the upgrade activity from the existing Windows 7 users will reportedly be minimal.
It was also indicated on the report that the reason for this situation is quite clear since the developer preview of the Windows 8 OS shows that there may not be anything new for desktop and laptop users if the preview will be the same thing that the finished product will have.
The upcoming Metro user interface is reportedly intended for use on tablets and touch screen devices. The desktop on the Windows 8 OS also has similar functions as the Windows 7, which does not give much incentive for users to upgrade.
Possible compatibility concerns will also prevent business users from upgrading since it may have an effect on their main business and may entail additional training and support for the upcoming Windows 8 OS.
However new PC buyers will be receiving the Windows 8 OS although upgrades will be minimal. IDC is not impressed with the upcoming sales of the Windows 8 tablet devices even if the OS is designed for use on tablets.
It appears that IDC shares the same view as other industry watchers since the Windows 8 tablet will be a late entry into the tablet market which is currently dominated by a number of devices including the iPad, Android tablets, and the Amazon Kindle.
