New
#100
You only make money once when you sell something - you constantly make money when you have Subscribers
You only make money once when you sell something - you constantly make money when you have Subscribers
Microsoft is going to make plenty of money from Windows 10 sales without having to go the subscription route. Build a new desktop PC, want windows on it, your paying Microsoft for it. Want to upgrade to Windows 10 from XP or Vista, your paying Microsoft for it. Do the free upgrade, that PC reaches end of life and dies. Buy a new PC to replace it, want Windows on it, your paying Microsoft for it.
Microsoft is making money from app purchases from the Windows store. With a standard industry cut of 30% of sales going to Microsoft from each Windows Store purchase, long-term revenue from Windows Store is going to be higher than revenue from people purchasing Windows 10.
I still don't see MS doing free upgrades for Windows 10 until the day your computer goes up in smoke. Free upgrades to Windows 10 for one year is definite. Sooner or later MS is going to want to make a profit from the upgrades. I can see free updates. What would be the incentive to continue doing upgrades if they're not going to charge for it. It's been said that MS will make their profits from people buying or building new computers. While I do believe this to be true the same people will be buying or building new computers no matter if MS charges for upgrades or not.
It's a disposable society for a lot of people. If you have the income to support it, I don't, but some do. Especially on the cell phone side. Tablets too. Especially if the battery is non replaceable like on a Surface. Kids break things etc. I personally don't expect any hidden charges or fees after the free one year period expires. If they are going to go subscription, on the free upgrade, now or in the future, it would be in their best interest to be up front about it now, not after the one year expires. Don't you think? Waiting to the day or month before the one year expires to announce it would be a very bad move, publicity wise, and customer wise.
I don't see Windows 10 going subscription although who really knows what MS is going to do. What I do see is MS charging for optional upgrades. It's no different than paying to go from a older OS to a newer OS. It will be your choice to upgrade or not.
Keep in Mind, there is always Linux and it is improving. Ubuntu I call the most novice friendly and works on most hardware. Once, you get everything setup like you want, you don't have to use the command line or sudo that much unless your tinker like me.