Market share has been a sore subject for Windows Phone 7 since its inception in 2010. Through out 2011 it has hovered around the 1% mark. While it’s better than nothing, it’s also no match for Android and iOS who have market shares above 20%. Because of this minute share, Windows Phone is yet to pose any serious threat to other eco systems. However that may change somewhat in 2012.
A new report from technology research firm Strategy Analytics suggests that Microsoft, helped by handset partners Samsung, HTC and Nokia, will see increased sales of smartphones running its Windows Phone software in Western Europe in 2012, account for a 12.3% share of the market. This is certainly a massive increase from the current 1%.
Over 114 million phones are predicted to be sold in 2012 with Windows Phone accounting for nearly 14 million. This will be done through OEM partners of Microsoft such as Finnish mobile giant Nokia and Eastern manufacturers Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE. HTC and Samsung are also big players in the European markets. Important to note is the presence of Nokia who have yet to announce their first Windows Phone.
The rumored announcement is said to occur on the 26th of October. Even though this will be Nokia’s first Windows Phone, a lot is banking on its success. If Microsoft wants that 12% share then it needs Nokia Windows Phone to sell through the roof. This 12% will also turn Nokia into a profitable company which it once used to be. With the recent Mango update and the announcement of new phones by HTC and Samsung, Microsoft hopes to gain further traction before the end of 2011 especially in the American market.
Fujitsu and Acer have also announced their Mango updated phones which will sell through out Europe. Microsoft will also have to price their phones much less than what they currently sell for to cater the lower end demographic which makes up the most percentage of the market share. For this Microsoft will again have to rely on the expertise of Nokia who have a firm grip on the lower end of the market.
