And still, in terms of competition for the "smartphone" customer, it was essentially only competing with the iPhone, and losing on everything but price. It took a couple of years to be comparable in "attractiveness" (features+look+easy of use .. the mix that customers want). The W7 mobile phones are losing on everything including price to both iPhone and Android. That's a much harder fight.
Microsoft might still be a contender in this game -- they spent some $5B and managed to attain that position in gaming despite a very late start (compared to Sony and Nintendo). Though you should remember Sony were resting on their PS2 laurels, and Nintendo were licking their wounds at the time. Both Apple and Google are still with a cut-throat we-have-to-win-this attitude, and they are strong opponents.
Microsoft might still be a contender in this game -- they spent some $5B and managed to attain that position in gaming despite a very late start (compared to Sony and Nintendo). Though you should remember Sony were resting on their PS2 laurels, and Nintendo were licking their wounds at the time. Both Apple and Google are still with a cut-throat we-have-to-win-this attitude, and they are strong opponents.