The man at Microsoft’s helm, Steve Ballmer, is an optimistic guy. So optimistic, in fact, that he plans for a significant proportion of the world’s population to be using Windows 8 by the end of 2013.
Speaking at the Seoul Digital Forum, he estimated that 500 million users will have Windows 8 by the end of 2013, reports AFP. While it’s undeniable that Microsoft’s OS reach is incredible, that’s a lot of people in a very short period of time — especially when you think that some people still run XP. XP.
In fact, he has his eyes on over 7 per cent of the world’s population. Is it something Microsoft can achieve? Maybe. We already know that it’s planning to encourage upgrading, because new computers will get an upgrade to Windows 8 for just $US15. Also, let’s not forget that it’s actually an incredibly impressive OS.
Ballmer explained at the same event that Windows 8 is “a dawning of the rebirth of MS Windows… It’s certainly the most important piece of work we’ve done.” If he’s to meet his own targets, let’s hope he’s right. [AFP via NeoWin]