Paul Thurrott, a technology blogger and Microsoft insider, has said that Windows 8 PC sales have fallen 'well below' Microsoft's expectations.
"Sales of Windows 8 PCs are well below Microsoft's internal projections and have been described inside the company as disappointing," he claimed. The reason he suggested is "Lackluster PC maker designs and availability."
He also refers to Windows 8 being "confusing" due to its mix of touch and a Windows 7 desktop. The simultaneous release of Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT also caused issues, apparently. While Windows 8 Pro can run older Windows software, Windows RT is unable to do so, which "doesn't make a lick of sense."
Roger Kay, principal analyst at EndPoint Technologies, agreed with Thurrott. "The split between the Windows 8 Pro and RT versions makes the positioning of Windows 8 difficult. The new touch interface is really fantastic for the high-mobility market, like tablets. But turn the whole world upside down for a few tablets?" he told CNET.
Another palpable reason pertaining to lackluster Windows 8 sales is that consumers simply aren't interested in Microsoft's latest operating system, with PC component suppliers suggesting that it'll pick up steam during 2013. Elsewhere, according to a survey, more than half of consumers haven't heard of Windows 8.
Despite the apparent lack of buzz surrounding the OS, as well as a $1.5 billion investment in advertising and marketing, four million units were sold in its first three days of availability.