In Microsoft’s defense regarding the drop of support for Windows XP:
Microsoft typically supports so many OS versions of their software. Does that mean that the ones they don’t support will break? Absolutely not. In fact, we are installing Windows NT for a client whose system only supports NT!
XP is about 14 years old; the Methuselahan (The oldest person to ever live according to the Hebrew Bible) of today’s rapidly changing PC environment! What other technology do you have that is that old that you depend on? Your TV probably not if it’s a flat screen, your microwave? Doubt it. How about something as simple as your blow dryer? It’s probably younger than XP an the old one probably still works.
On the other hand —
The strong armed method by which they have made the change is an indication of how far a company will go to market their products. The main (and perhaps only) reason Microsoft has given up on XP is because those used to this warm, comfortable slipper are not going to be purchasing Windows Phones / Windows Tablets / Windows Watches because they look and feel different from what’s on their feet. As a result, they buy iPhones and Androids, and suck up the learning curve. By forcing Windows 8 on the public in every form, from Phones to Servers, Microsoft hopes to predoctrinate (a word made up just now, but appropriate!) so your next visit to your favourite wireless store will be like:
“Oh, the new Windows Phone looks just like my desktop at home!”