any interesting fact or explanation for this obser...

Yes, this is an interesting observation and there are a few reasons and theories behind why some tech companies skip the number 9:

1. Marketing and Branding:
Companies like Apple and Microsoft often skip version 9 to create a more significant jump or a sense of a big leap forward. For instance, jumping from iPhone 8 to iPhone X (10) suggests a major innovation rather than just an incremental update. The number 10 or "X" can feel more futuristic or special.

2. Avoiding Confusion with Legacy Systems:
Microsoft reportedly skipped "Windows 9" partly to avoid compatibility and legacy issues. Some older software and applications might detect Windows 95 or Windows 98 by looking for "Windows 9*" in the version string. Naming the new OS Windows 9 could cause confusion in software checking for compatibility, where "Windows 9" might be misread as these much older versions.

3. Superstition and Cultural Significance:
While the number 9 is not as widely avoided as, say, 13 or 4 in some cultures, companies may want to avoid any number that can potentially be unlucky or cause hesitation. Skipping can sometimes be a precautionary marketing choice.

4. Differentiation:
Skipping a number can help a company differentiate their product clearly from previous versions, especially for major redesigns or fundamental changes.

Examples:

- Apple: Went from iPhone 8 to iPhone X (10) to signify the 10th anniversary of the iPhone with a major redesign. There was never an iPhone 9.
- Microsoft: Named the OS after Windows 8 as Windows 10, skipping 9. One reported reason is legacy software detecting "Windows 9*" as Windows 95/98, which could cause bugs.

In summary, skipping the number 9 is often a deliberate choice to emphasize innovation, avoid technical issues, or create a clean break from earlier versions.

There are different explanations for each company, and they're quite fascinating:

## Apple's iPhone 9
Apple skipped iPhone 9 likely for marketing reasons. The iPhone X launched alongside the iPhone 8 in 2017 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone. Apple wanted the "X" (Roman numeral for 10) to feel special and premium. Having an iPhone 9 would have made the iPhone X seem like just the next incremental update rather than a milestone device.

## Microsoft's Windows 9
This one has a more technical explanation. There's a widely-reported theory that Microsoft skipped Windows 9 because of legacy code compatibility issues. Many older programs checked for Windows versions by looking for operating systems that started with "Windows 9" - which would match both "Windows 95" and "Windows 98."

If Microsoft had released "Windows 9," these programs might have mistakenly thought they were running on the much older Windows 95/98 systems and behaved incorrectly.

## The "9" Superstition Theory
Some also point to cultural factors - in some East Asian cultures, the number 9 can be considered unlucky (though this varies by country and context). However, this is likely less influential than the practical reasons above.

## Pattern Recognition
Interestingly, this isn't universal - Samsung has Galaxy S9, Google had Android 9, and many other tech companies use 9 just fine. It seems to be more about specific strategic decisions than an industry-wide superstition.

The "skipping the number 9" phenomenon in tech is a fascinating observation, and while there's no single definitive, universally agreed-upon answer, there are a few compelling and widely accepted theories that explain why it might happen. It's less about a rule they follow and more about strategic decisions, marketing considerations, and sometimes, just plain circumstance.

Here's a breakdown of the most common and plausible explanations:

1. Avoiding Conflicts with Existing Software or Code:

* Windows 9: The biggest theory here. This is the most widely cited reason for skipping Windows 9. Some older software, especially those programmed in older versions of C++, were written to check for "Windows 9x" (meaning Windows 95 or Windows 98). To avoid confusing the operating system with these legacy systems, Microsoft decided to jump straight to Windows 10. It was a pragmatic decision to minimize compatibility issues and potentially save on costly support calls and debugging. The thinking was, better to avoid the problem entirely than to deal with the potential fallout. Imagine your new OS being mistaken for something 20 years older!

2. A Clean Break and a Fresh Start: Rebranding and Marketing:

* Signaling a Major Leap: Skipping a number can be a deliberate marketing strategy to create the impression of a significantly larger update or innovation. Going directly from 8 to 10 (or X) implies a fundamental change, a complete overhaul, and something dramatically different. It's a more compelling narrative than simply saying "version 9."
* The Roman Numeral Factor (iPhone X): Apple's use of "X" (the Roman numeral for 10) was also a marketing move. It coincided with the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, and it positioned the new model as a special, landmark edition. Roman numerals often lend a sense of luxury and significance.

3. Simplifying Naming Conventions:

* Streamlining Future Versions: While less likely to be the primary driver, sometimes skipping a number avoids potential awkwardness or confusion down the line. Imagine having to name subsequent versions of the software after Windows 9 – it might lead to issues or make the numbering less intuitive.

4. Purely Arbitrary or Circumstantial:

* No Specific Reason (or a Reason They Don't Want to Publicly Admit): Sometimes, there's simply no deep, strategic reason. A company might decide to skip a number because it feels right from a marketing perspective, because they're planning a bigger change later on, or even due to internal politics or a change in leadership. They might not want to publicly disclose the real reason if it's not flattering or strategic.

In summary:

* It's usually a combination of factors, not just one single reason.
* Compatibility with legacy software is a strong contender, especially for Windows.
* Marketing and the desire to signal a significant upgrade are often major considerations.
* Don't underestimate the role of arbitrary decisions or undisclosed reasons.

It's a fascinating example of how seemingly technical decisions are often influenced by marketing, business strategy, and the need to avoid potential problems. The skipping of "9" has become a memorable quirk in the tech world, fueling speculation and adding a layer of intrigue to product naming.