Windows Mobile's Lost Generation of UsersWindows Mobile's Lost Generation of Users

Steve Ballmer apologized to its partners during Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference saying that the mobile platform missed out on a "whole generation of users." It is evident Microsoft recognizes its mistakes with the mobile market. The question is, will they learn from them?What's ironic is the lesson that Microsoft has learned is a lesson they taught a competitor just a few years ago. Palm reigned supreme in the now defunct PDA market with the Palm Pilot and its successors. PalmOS enjoyed 90% or higher share in some markets. However, Palm rode its success with PalmOS into the ground. Then they began digging. With a Caterpillar 385C Ultra High Demolition Hydraulic Excavator.

The benefactor of Palm's reliance on its past success was Microsoft. Microsoft never gained 90% share - it is doubtful anyone will in any mobile market again - but they did come to dominate the PDA market and began to flip that into the mobile phone market. Suffice it to say, Microsoft borrowed the keys to Palm's excavation equipment as Apple took an all new approach to mobile phones.

Ballmer has said before that its mobile plans and gone awry but was getting back on track with Windows Phone 7. The recent Kin debacle doesn't inspire confidence. Many, including yours truly, has wondered whether the Kin story would repeat itself with Windows Phone as the main character. The truth is, I think Microsoft has more resolve with Windows Phone than it needed to have with the Kin.

Its partners though have to be through with apologies. It's go time.

[via The Register]