Can Windows Phone 8.1 Save Microsoft's Mobile OS?

Sifting through the data contained in the Kantar Worldpanel for Smartphone OS market share, things aren't looking great at all for Windows Phone. Windows Phone saw steady increases in market share, holding at the number 3 spot behind Android and iOS, until March of this year in several of the larger markets.

Here's the breakdown…

U.S.

China

Germany

UK

But, don't jump into step with the industry's death march just yet. There's hope (maybe). It should be understood that many customers could be waiting for devices that have Windows Phone 8.1 preinstalled. Windows Phone 8.1 has received high accolades from those who took part in the Developer Preview, and Microsoft's Siri competitor, Cortana, has proven to be a fantastic technology and personal servant.

With Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft has done something magical. Windows Phone 8.1 is fluid and responsive and feature complete. And, by decoupling some of the once-integrated features and apps, customers get to create unique experiences. I've mentioned before that I've used iOS, and used Android for a few years, but since moving to Windows Phone, I'll never go back. My wife recently took the plunge, also moving from Android, and the handset she chose has completely improved her life – literally. Of course, I spent the first couple hours when the new smartphone arrived installing Windows Phone 8.1 to ensure her first experience with Microsoft's mobile device OS was a good one.

There is a lot of recent doom-and-gloom proliferating about Windows Phone's future, particularly after rumors that Microsoft will release an Android-based Lumia soon. Does this mean that Android is the future for Microsoft mobile devices? Not a chance. The Windows ecosystem can't survive without a Microsoft designed mobile OS.

I'll be watching the market share numbers as Windows Phone 8.1 devices are more easily available.

Of course, Cortana, who has been stellar at predicting the World Cup (hasn't missed a single prediction), has something to say. I asked her if she knew which smartphone OS was the best. She had this to say…

If things end up not improving for Windows Phone, I'm ready to start selling "Save Cortana" T-shirts.