For consumers, the choice of mobile computing devices used to be a duel between Apple's i-products and Google's Android. It's no longer the case.

We've been seeing so many powerful contenders very quickly assemble onto the scene. Microsoft is the one with the most potential, I think. However, I'm not sure how many consumers will be capable to appreciate the alleged excellent values of Windows 8 and Windows Phone operating systems, and perhaps more critically, how many developers will be willing to follow the leading of Microsoft platforms. And that's the most difficult problem for MS, as well as the factor of how well Google will perform with its formidable arrays of deep products and services. Besides, Apple's fanboys will always be there and be highly influential.