Microsoft’s Windows 10 is coming soon. This summer, Microsoft will be offering free upgrades to their latest Windows edition. All Microsoft users will be eligible, even if they’re software copies aren’t genuine. But what’s behind such a generous offer?
Many say it’s a strategy to combat piracy in nations like China. They want to get the real Windows 10 to the hundreds of millions of Chinese Microsoft users before the piracy people beat them to it. They’re studies showing 75% of all computer software in China isn’t even properly licensed. The other goal is to ‘re-engage’ with Windows customers in China, before the illegal computer markets do, if they haven’t already done so. Interesting because it was speculated Windows 10 would be out in Autumn 2015; now they’re saying Summer 2015. No specific date has been released. But as early as January 2015, Microsoft announced free upgrade to Windows 10 for any Windows 7 users. Was this to save face with longtime Microsoft consumers? They’re partnering with mega Chinese PC maker Lenovo Group to help promote Windows 10 in China, especially to current users. They’re also partnering with other Chinese conglomerates like social media company Tencent Holdings and security company Qihoo 360 Technology to spread the good news of latest Windows upgrade. In fact, starting later this year, Lenovo said they want to start making and selling phones using Windows software.
It seems Microsoft really is in a mad dash to beat the pirates in getting Windows 10 to consumers. Can you blame them? China is the piracy capital of the world. China also has the fastest growing economy and has the biggest population in the world. It almost sounds like they’re putting more focused on Chinese customers than they are on American customers. But China’s population is several times that of the US. And with more buying power in that nation, you can bet Microsoft is in a race against the clock and piracy to get Windows 10 out. Wouldn’t you be?