Do you think MS is on the way to adopting the Apple model as much as it can? Selling software and the hardware to run it in one unit? Maybe open some genius bars?
It’s possible!
I read a post that said this.
Microsoft has almost exclusively been a software company (Zunes, mice, and keyboards aside). They've been almost entirely dependent on other manufacturers to make the hardware that provides the market platform for Microsoft products.
This has been both a strength and a weakness -- strength because hardware became a commodity with low margin, and weakness because Microsoft couldn't control their environment as much as they'd like.
Apple has always made SYSTEMS -- well-integrated hardware, software, and support. They've controlled their environment and been heavy-handed with the "our way or the highway" walled garden approach. But they've also been able to reap huge profits and be extremely successful because they provided only high-end products. The drawback has been their marketshare is restricted to the high-end.
Microsoft is, as you say, adopting PART of the Apple model -- they're starting to make SYSTEMS. And they're (so far) mostly working at the high end of the spectrum, where there's respect for quality and people willing to pay for it.
So yes, I think you're right.
I dunno about the "Genius Bars" though. Microsoft would have to overcome a lot of sarcasm, should they try that. But they could do it if they put their minds to it. Apple has a great reputation for smart employees and great service. There's no reason Microsoft couldn't accomplish the same if they want to.
They had “genius bars” when hey first opened up stores ... which looked almost identical to Apple stores.
I never saw one, but I heard the stores weren’t particularly successful and they closed.
I don't see this as an attempt to take over a hardware market as much as setting a benchmark for other HW manufacturers that are building for W10.