Apple Mirrors Windows 8 Phone?

It looks to me that Apple has moved closer to Microsoft’s design with it's just announed iO7. Apple's upcoming new operating system looks in many ways to have duplicated some of the design elements of Microsoft's Windows phone. Microsoft is working hard to become a serious player in the mobile market. And recent market data suggest that, Windows Phone has grown from about 3% to about 6% in market share. This may seem small, however in a world where Android and Apple dominate and considering where Microsoft was only a year ago there is reason to hope that we won't be forced to live in a mobile world controlled by only two mobile operating systems.

Even if Microsoft could take some weird pride in the fact that Apple may have actually copied elements of their design there can be no resting on their laurels. Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system in many ways is superior to Apple and Android, and Apple's new iO7 demonstrates that clearly.

However Microsoft must continue improving it's App store if there is any hope of hitting double digits in market share. The shame of it is that many of the Windows 8 Phone apps when compared directly to Android or Apple really shine and stand-out. However I hope that Microsoft can grow it's App store.... and soon.

Microsoft is also obviously aware of this "app problem' because it has been rumored that they (Microsoft) have been offering $100,000 or more to companies that will build Windows Phone apps. All told, Microsoft has 145,000 apps and games today. That includes 48 of the top 50 most downloaded, though it still lacks versions of some very popular services such as Sirius Radio, Tivo, LogmeIn, Pinterest and Instagram. If Microsoft is truly offering financial compenstation to software vendors it demonstrates that they (Microsoft) are indeed serious about remaining in the mobile game for a long time.... which is good news for everyone. Yes even for those still attached to their Apple or Android. This is because the result of Microsoft remaining in the game will force competition and that in turn inspires innovation.