windows phone 7 sales

Microsoft announced that despite a slow start, Windows 7 Phone sales have reached over 1.5 million in 6 weeks. It is important to note, however, that these figures reflect phones sold to retail outlets as well as consumers. There are no figures yet for phones sold and in the hands of consumers. According Bonnie Cha, CNET, Microsoft was a little soft on the details of the sales expectations.

After Slow Start, Windows 7 Phone Sales Take Off

When asked if the sales numbers met company expectations, Achim Berg, vice president of business and marketing for Windows Phone, said that sales are ramping well and that the numbers are in line with company expectations. We introduced a new platform with Windows Phone 7, and when you do that it takes time to educate partners and consumers on what youre delivering, and drive awareness and interest in your new offering. Were comfortable with where we are, and we are here for the long run; Windows Phone 7 is just the beginning, Berg said.



Microsoft released the first Windows 7 devices in October in Europe. The release in the US was followed shortly on November 8th. Reportedly, they plan to release the first of several (many?) updates shortly, and will also be adding carrier partners this year, including Sprint and Verizon. Microsoft also plans to introduce a broader selection of devices at various pricing. Currently there are 4 Smartphones available in the US. At present, we can choose from the HTC Surround and Samsung Focus at AT&T, and the HTC HD7 and Dell Venue Pro at T-Mobile. There are reportedly half a dozen other models available elsewhere in the world. And of course, if you believe the rumors, Nokia is supposed to be in open talks with Microsoft to manufacture a Windows 7 device. As I have said before, that may be a pie-in-the-sky dream.

Windows 7 Phone sales are still way behind Google and Apple phones. There are currently about 300,000 Android devices and over 3 million iPhones have been sold, but the numbers for Windows 7 Phone sales are better than some were projecting. According to Adam Ostrow, Mashable, Microsoft Corporate VP for Windows Phone Joe Belfiore acknowledged it would likely be years before Windows Phone 7 comes close to rivaling the market share of its competitors. (If ever)

I would like to see a Windows Phone that is compatible with Google. Our office uses Google Docs to share information. While we also use the Microsoft Office Suite for our productivity, we dont usually share those documents. So though the Windows 7 Phones conveniently use the Microsoft Office Suite, without Google, it isnt much use to us. Of course for that same reason, plus connection issues here in rural Northern California, none of us have iPhones either. We all have Droids of one sort or another in our company. What about you? Are you a Google user or an iPhone fan?