2012 Tech Predictions: A Look Back

Windows Tablets Fail

Prediction:

Apple and Amazon so far are the only two companies that have been able to get the tablet computing space correct. Microsoft made significant strides in 2011 when it announced that its newest version of Windows, Windows 8, would run on ARM-based chips, and thus be tablet friendly.

But with companies like Hewlett Packard (HPQ), Acer and Lenovo potentially leaving the tablet market because demand hasn't materialized, Windows-based tablets will be a commercial flop, despite getting good reviews.

Review:

Though I was unaware of the Microsoft Surface at the time, I've gotten this one pretty spot on. Other companies have not been able to replicate the success of the iPad, and to a lesser extent the Kindle Fire, save for the Nexus 7, by Google.

The Microsoft Surface, which launched in October, has had limited success, and there are no popular Windows-based tablets. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer called the debut of the Surface "modest," though perhaps sales will pick up when the full Windows tablets are available for sale. I wouldn't bet on it though.

Grade: A

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