IOS won't be going anywhere, anytime soon, nor will Android. I can see WP going away as we know it though, especially if Microsoft doesn't start make some fundamental changes in the os.
I know that doesn't sit well with you or any other hater of the other platforms, but minute increases of market share is not enough to sustain the platform.
Apple has realized this fact, and has started changing the way it does things allowing the user choice while keeping the os secure. Microsoft doesn't have a choice but to follow a suitable path if it wants to see it's sales grow exponentially.
I know that you and others will argue that this isn't necessary, but 85% of the world says that it is.
It won't matter how many apps that the store has, if the functionality of the most wanted apps aren't there so a good user experience isn't there.
I truly like WP and want to see it flourish but forcing developers to utilize the IE and Xbox engine, as well as keeping the rest locked down is not going to convince people to invest in it as much as the other platforms.
When small things bug people enough over time, they start looking for a replacement phone. Companies have to go outside of their normal control groups to see what people think and want. Apple did this, and also listened to its customers.. and the changes are coming. Watch how many units are sold as a result of this.
Microsoft did a great thing getting this phone onto the platform, but it alone is not enough to make a great difference.
I fully understand that many people hate to see Microsoft change and become more Android or Apple like, but the sad reality of this is that is exactly what the vast majority of people want.....
Ask yourself this.... How hard would it be for Microsoft to allow different browser and music and video player engines extentions to function properly and still keep it sandboxed and the same for the ui.... A simple little bit of freedom of choice for the customer can pay back huge dividends.
Purest will hate it of course, that is to be expected, but as long as it allows you to choose and still keep it as you like it, to criticize the changes and do something childish like leaving the platform is counter productive to the platform as I have seen some here post.
I look forward to seeing some changes take place as long as they at least have the forethought to leave the descion to the customer on utilizing it.
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I am not leaving the Platform because I don't get my way. If I leave, it's because Apple commits to what I want. I want a Company who actually believes in their product and has the balls to push forward and go on and try something new even if it is not the popular idea and mentality. Several times Microsoft has had some good ideas(and not just WP related but Windows 8 related, Xbox related) and instead of being confident and properly marketing and explaining, they instead let bad press drown any potential positives and then it becomes universally panned.
(Windows 8 could've been handled MUCH better if Microsoft themselves actually presented the OS and the new UI much better than just throwing it out there like they did and expecting people to adapt as well as bring 8.1 features into 8 to begin with.)
I don't mind a Different Browser. I am used to IE but I am open to other Browsers. I don't mind a new Music/Video player engine.
What I do mind is the fact that those of u s who came tot his platform for what it offered in 7 and 8 are now slowly losing that in 8.1 because they are trying to be like someone else instead of just being unique.
I am a Purist yes. I am against Android apps coming to WP. I want dedicated apps, even if they are ports, i don't want to be running dual OS and I don't want anything related to google on my phone.
It's why I prefer Unique designs or at least lesser known designs, instead of getting the M8 months later(when it feels like an afterthought).
I am open to a Microsoft with Apple Mentality, I am against a Microsoft with a Google Mentality.
For the average consumer, it is not the fact they have more "Freedom" on Android. Most of my android friends that left IOS for Android left because
1. The iPhone's design is boring
2. They wanted a bigger screen
Not the lack of freedom(considering those who really want said freedom, usually jailbreak anyway lol) but because they simple got bored with the iPhone and these are the same people who will be going BACK to iPhone due to its larger size. Everyday users don't care about the OS being open/free like Android.
- I don't hate other platforms. I'm actually moving to Android by the end of this year, so I'm most definitely not one of those "WP only". I do hate iOS but I hate Apple in general, I know my opinions about them are completely biased and I am the first one to admit that. =P
But believe me, here at WPCentral, you directed your speech at the LAST person which would be within that depiction of WP-fan. lol
I've been harshly criticizing Microsoft's shortcomings for years when it comes to Windows Phone (to the dismay of a couple of people around here who hate to read criticism towards Microsoft) and for one I'm among those who WANTS Windows Phone be more like Android.
I would like Microsoft to remember what they have with Windows. Android is nothing more than Windows on a phone. The philosophy is the same, the freedom is the same. The fact that Microsoft locked everything up is one of the reasons I was so disappointed with WP. And I'm not at all happy, for example, with their latest decision of trying to shove Bing down the throats of everyone they can by making it the only search engine on IE.
I am among those who actually agree with everything you wrote =P
I don't hate other platforms either, I just dislike Google....I love IOS's ideology. I am trying to adjust to a life without tiles but i am so used to my tiles that it feels weird to consider using Static Icons on IOS(or if i was dumb enough to go back, Android).
I do not want Windows Phone to be like Android. Android is a mess that google is trying to reign control back into.
I am not here for the M8. I am not here for the Ativ or any of those WP OEM as I deem them to be lessers and irrelevant.
However, what I love about Windows Phone is simple. It doesn't matter what Phone I get, I get the same features and OS. No unnecessary customization. No Oem butchering and bloatware BS(I dont want to DISABLE like on android, i want to uninstall completely like WP/IOS).
People say they want the hardware and be able to choose the OS.
I've chosen my OS(Windows Phone).
I want to choose between an Exceptional Camera or a Great Camera and Phablet(1020 or 1520 or Icon/930).
OR
If i want Music Centric and SD card support but a Subpar Camera(M8)
Or
An All Around Device...Jack of All trades(I just realized that is what Samsung's are): Ativ.
Give me a better OS with Industry leading Features instead of playing catch up with half-baked features(Notification Center).
As i said before, take an Apple Approach with the OS
While doing the Android thing and whoring yourself out with tons of devices, even if it means we get 2nd hand rehashes like M8 and other devices, and be WINDOWS PHONE. Remember who you were in 7 and 8(and even to a much lesser extent, Kin). As i said in another thread, it's strange how Microsoft had some game changing features with Microsoft Kin(the Kin studio and the Spot) and some creative aspects to the OS like Hubs only to butcher them and become a copycat basically and then on top of that didn't even copy it properly, just threw it on the OS just to say "We have it too."