Microsoft, however, is said to be considering installing the Windows Phone version of the Windows smartphone version at significantly lower prices for phone manufacturers.
The same is true for Windows 8.1, at least on low-cost computers and laptops (less than 250 dollars), where Google already has a suggestion (ChromeOS on Chromebooks).
On the other hand, Apple has already thrown down the gauntlet to Microsoft. On October 22, 2013, on the occasion of the release of OS X Mavericks for Mac, Tim Cook explained to Redmond that "the time has come to open a new chapter in the history of software, to move into a new era in which upgrading operating systems it will be free." Apple has since established that the upgrade will be available free of charge directly from OS X Snow Leopard, Lion or Mountain lion.
However, such a decision, the first major decision of the new CEO, Satia Nandela, will be very difficult to take. The cloud market is clearly fragmented, with users having two or three accounts in each cloud service.
Gmail users are urged to keep their files in Google Drive in sync and flock to Google+ by ditching Facebook while using the automatic μεταφορά αρχείων από το Android smartphone τους. App, μουσική και ταινίες αγοράζουν από το Play Store.
Windows 8.1 users have mail in Outlook.com and keep files synchronized in OneDrive while their photos are automatically uploaded with Camera Upload from Windows smartphone. App, music, and movies are referred to the Windows Store.
Finally, users productof Apple have everything gathered in the company's cloud services, unless they deviate and dare to place the latest Samsung Galaxy S model next to the mac mini or macbook.
Frequently, however, is the dispersion of photos and contacts and / or friends into different services from different devices, which no longer guarantees that a free operating system could guarantee a similar increase in subscribers and users.