Microsoft Corp on Friday said it would take longer than initially expected for Windows 10 to reach a billion devices due to the lack of traction in its smartphone business.
The company had set an ambitious goal of having a billion gadgets running on Windows 10 monthly when the latest generation of the operating software was released nearly a year ago.
The US technology giant said Windows 10 is already running on more than 350 million devices monthly in what it described as “the hottest start in history.”
“We’re pleased with our progress to date, but due to the focusing of our phone hardware business, it will take longer than FY18 [fiscal 2018] for us to reach our goal of 1 billion monthly active devices,” a Microsoft statement read.
The spread of Windows 10 in the year ahead was expected to be driven by use in businesses and in new devices.
Microsoft has aggressively promoted upgrades from older versions of Windows and has made Windows 10 available as a free upgrade until the operating system turns one year old on July 29.
After that, it will be available pre-installed on new devices or for purchase separately, with a home computer version priced at US$119, according to the Redmond, Washington-based company.
Microsoft is to mark the one-year anniversary of Windows 10 with a major update to the software.
The Windows 10 update, set for release on Aug. 2, promised improved security and enhanced capabilities for the Microsoft Edge browser. It also adds Microsoft Ink, which supports the use of digital pens for tasks such as writing, drawing or working on math problems.
The new Windows 10 lets virtual assistant Cortana handle more commands and opens the door to sync with Xbox One consoles to play video games.
Stephen Garrett, a 27-year-old graduate student, always thought he would study in China, but first the country’s restrictive COVID-19 policies made it nearly impossible and now he has other concerns. The cost is one deterrent, but Garrett is more worried about restrictions on academic freedom and the personal risk of being stranded in China. He is not alone. Only about 700 American students are studying at Chinese universities, down from a peak of nearly 25,000 a decade ago, while there are nearly 300,000 Chinese students at US schools. Some young Americans are discouraged from investing their time in China by what they see
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