{"id":38,"date":"2012-09-25T03:43:43","date_gmt":"2012-09-25T10:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/?p=38"},"modified":"2012-09-25T03:43:43","modified_gmt":"2012-09-25T10:43:43","slug":"retail-stores-might-be-microsofts-saving-grace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/retail-stores-might-be-microsofts-saving-grace\/","title":{"rendered":"Retail Stores Might be Microsoft’s Saving Grace"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the launch of Windows 8 bearing down on us, Microsoft may have to brace for impact.\u00a0 The reviews have been anything but pleasant, scaring many consumers out of the early upgrade options.\u00a0 So what can Microsoft do to prove to consumers that these new Windows 8 devices aren\u2019t all that bad?\u00a0 The answer might just be retail.\u00a0 Microsoft is opening 32 storefronts in malls all around the United States and even a few in Canada to get these devices in the hands of users, and it may be just what the need.<\/p>\n

Recent reviews<\/a> of Windows 8 have been a little rough, but that doesn\u2019t mean that every device that uses it is a bad one.\u00a0 In fact, one of the top end smartphones this year may be a Windows 8 device.\u00a0 The Nokia Lumia 920 is a breathtaking Windows 8 phone that looks incredible and has some innovative features like wireless charging.\u00a0 The worry for Microsoft?\u00a0 How many people will completely pass it up when they hear what operating system it is running?<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8Q8tlSDpVDI&feature=player_embedded<\/p>\n

Having retail stores gives Microsoft an opportunity they desperately need, a chance to prove the naysayers wrong.\u00a0 Having expert employees give detailed instruction on the devices to consumers will help them shake off the stigma that has been placed over them.\u00a0 As Microsoft dips more into the mobile device game, their stores will play a crucial role.\u00a0 Being able to place my hands on a Surface<\/a> tablet would increase my chances of buying one, especially if it performed well.\u00a0 Knowing there were experts nearby to ask about it, much like Apple provides with their Geniuses, would make me more comfortable with the purchase.<\/p>\n