Tech giant Microsoft finally must admit that the highly touted Windows 8 operating system has failed to catch on with users. The adoption rate for the Windows update has been so slow that it is "barely gaining" on Windows 7, which was released four and a half years ago, Forbes reported.
The ambitious new operating system, which features a "tile" desktop layout that confused users, has taken just half of the market share that its predecessor did in the first year, according to Forbes.
Microsoft seems to be hastily ushering in the next OS in the wake of the Windows 8 issues. The company will reportedly announce Windows 9 at Build, a yearly developer event that will be held in April, Forbes reported.
Analysts have called Windows 8 a flop. Even though Windows 8.1 features improvements, it's still being used on fewer than 25 million PCs, according to ZDNet. Microsoft is reportedly calling the new Threshold a solution to users' problems.
If Windows 9 is going to be that solution, it will have to mend certain issues that have made the OS difficult for users, Forbes contributor Gordon Kelly wrote.
A huge difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 was the lack of a "start" button. Windows 8 works on a "tile" platform that was intended to be touchscreen friendly but has backfired with users. According to Kelly, the traditional desktop and the new touchscreen interface need to be integrated better.
Digital Trends called Windows 8 a good idea that wasn't executed well; the OS shipped with a "forced focus on touch" that users without a touchscreen didn't need.
"Windows 9's release, which is rumored to occur in April 2015, can't come soon enough," the outlet said. "Microsoft needed to fix the problems of Windows 8 the moment it was released, and waiting several years before introducing another revamp has already damaged the company."
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