From CNET: Windows 10 continued to grab a larger audience in September, though it seems to have lost some steam.
The latest version of Windows snagged a 6.6 percent cut of all Web traffic generated by desktop operating systems last month, according to NetMarketShare, less than 1.5 points higher than the 5.21 percent seen in August. Windows 10 had been available as a technical preview since October 2014, barely registering in NetMarketShare's sights until it became available as a free upgrade starting July 29.
Windows 10 success is critical to Microsoft. The company dropped the ball three years ago with Windows 8, which failed to win the hearts and minds of many desktop users. To bring back interest, Microsoft revamped its new OS by reviving the Start menu, making the interface more keyboard and mouse friendly and adding its Cortana voice assistant. But the major lure has been to make Windows 10 a free upgrade for the first year to anyone running Windows 7 or 8.1. After that, Windows 10 jumps to its full price of $119 for the Home edition and $199 for the Pro version. So Microsoft needs to see strong growth in adoption during these first 12 months.
The data from NetMarketShare for August appeared to show that people were taking advantage of the free upgrade offer in droves. But the number for September showed growth in demand rising only slightly. It's hard to say if the small gain is the start of a trend following a quick start out of the gate or simply a blip for the month of September.
View: Article @ Source Site
