So, why the push to get Windows out early? There could be multiple reasons, but the most likely is that Microsoft could be realizing that the “launch” of Surface was ill timed. They are now seeing the direct impact of launching a product and having it ready for purchase on the same day as Google’s Nexus 7 Tablet is enjoying some very good sales numbers right now. This is not like the hype you can build around a phone. With mobile phones you can show them off in a “paper” launch and leave the sales to the carriers who will offer pre-orders and more. Microsoft also missed out by not having samples for the media. This means that all of the “reviews” done on Surface are little more than the hand-on experience during the launch show.

This means that all of the information out about how well the Surface (ARM version) run is pretty much canned. There were no benchmarks run or other items to determine true performance or explain the user experience (although we wish there was). When this happens, consumer interest can drop quickly. There is also more news about the number of manufacturers that are not planning to launch a Windows RT tablet. So right now to some consumers and investors the outlook for Windows RT is confusing. To gain back excitement Microsoft has added in a cut rate deal on the Windows 8 (for x86) upgrade and also is pushing up the launch window for new products that will ship with the OS.

There could also be another reason behind this. As most manufacturers already have units ready for launch the move could be to help them get these out onto the market so they can start making money on their investments while giving time for companies that are not launch partners to release their products before the big holiday rush. Microsoft really is betting the farm on Windows 8 and it needs to be a major hit with consumers and the enterprise right out of the gate. However, it also seems that Microsoft has some blinders on in their attempt to bolster sales of other devices with this new OS. It is a gamble that we are not sure will pay off for them in the long run. It is one that we see more and more partners bowing out of as well. Microsoft could come to regret their decision to compete with their partners directly with Surface and end up with only mobile device manufacturers buying into Windows RT. This will put Windows RT in the hands of the same carriers that cannot sell their Windows Phones right now which makes us wonder how much effort they will put into in.

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