http://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/12/11/15-billion-microsoft-spend-fails-do-trick-windows-8-and-surface

Cliff notes

- msft spent 1.5 billion on its advertising budget for windows 8

- Year over year sales are down more than 20% for windows devices

- Balmer jakks off in his office, needs to get to work and fix this

but they still made profit right?

What are they thinking anyway? Windows 7 came out only 3 years ago.

I could understand Windows 7 coming out only 2 years after Vista because Vista was bad but there's no reason for me to change to Windows 8 so soon since I'm satisfied with Windows 7 right now.

Yeah, like I've said previously, Microsoft has built up an enormous moat from its past successes, but you can't just do that anymore.  Companies need growth and innovation.  You're either growing or stagnating over time, and it looks like this company is doing the latter.

It's Cliffsnotes, not cliff notes btw.
Windows 8 is great for tablets and crap for anyone who likes multitasking. Every other windows still holds true.

I agree windows 7 is perfect for my needs. Too early and now they want to make yearly updates... like Apple's OS.

"Year over year sales are down more than 20% for windows devices"

Lolwut?

I can't say I'm shocked. It looks great on tablets but why would you pick this cluster f+++ over W7 on a laptop/desktop?

Are there phones seeing growth?

The article cites NPD for that.. Probably due to windows 7 falling off over time and slow adoption of windows 8

They are trying to push forth a new business model. With the success of touch screens and tablets they wanted to make a Windows that could serve both markets. They also are trying to close up their OS so they can control their service offerings. The whole living room push is involved in this too. They want to get a piece of that pie and create a uniform system that would work in all markets. It is kind of a money grab I guess, it definetly isn't Microsofts normal MO.

I am interested in W8 because of the improvements but since I abhor metro and the way they integrated it I am going to go with Windows 7.

Oh and they are probably trying to use Windows 8 as a way to increase their game offerings...and in turn their subscription services. Like how they tried with Games for Windows Live. Except them to bark up that tree again.