I&#x27;m surprised I have to make the argument to someone on Hacker news about the fundamentalness of software, applications, and choice.  You have a limited view of the smartphone world.<p>Every one has different and unique needs.  I sell software to personal trainers who run their entire business on the phones.  Perhaps your needs are small are boring and that&#x27;s fine.  But most people have more needs and wants than what just comes built in.<p>I don&#x27;t have many apps on my phone but the ones I end up using are surprising.  My transit app ensures I don&#x27;t miss my bus to work in the morning (vital).  My health insurances phone app is much better than their website.  I have a Pebble smartwatch so installed software actually makes that possible.  Not to mention time wasters like games, reddit, etc.  So many applications are available for every possible need it&#x27;s fantastic.<p>Too many other people actually use their tiny pocket computers to the fullest -- they are the majority.  Microsoft has not made en ecosystem that appeals to this majority.