6 replies to this topic

[James (Jim) Hillier]

I’ve been reading a lot of hype concerning Microsoft’s evolving new operating system and I must say I am not liking what I am hearing. Of course, there is no way of knowing if the reports are indeed 100% accurate, but there is enough coincidental information to make some early assumptions:

• Windows 8 will be very much a hybrid operating system with the traditional desktop environment relegated to a secondary position and the primary interface resembling that of mobile devices – such as the iPad.
  
• The emphasis will accordingly shift away from traditional desktop programs in favor of lightweight web style apps.
  
• With a more touch screen orientated interface across the board, touch screen technology will play a much bigger role.

I’m not sure Microsoft have got that first one the right way round, I’d  much prefer if the desktop remained primary and the Metro (phone style) interface were made secondary. After all, this is supposed to be a desktop operating system is'nt it! I suppose that’s a pretty selfish attitude but, from my point of view, there are already more than enough devices running mobile style interfaces to satisfy demand and I like my desktop the way it is. Some are saying ‘it’s the best of both worlds’ but I don’t see it that way. Mobile Operating Systems are designed specifically for hand held devices and, in my opinion, that’s exactly where they belong… not on desktops!!

One can understand why Microsoft would be adopting this approach though, their primary consideration always has been and always will be all about profits and they are obviously feeling threatened by the burgeoning popularity of mobile devices in general, and Apple in particular. Plus, failure to take advantage of the younger generation’s predilection for mobile computing could be viewed as financial folly.

Microsoft is also insisting that touch screen technology is an absolute must, and while that may well be true for mobile devices, how is that going to enhance my desktop experience? It’s fine for hand held devices with a relatively small viewing area but with my 24” monitor sitting almost 2 feet from where I work??

Yes, one can still choose to utilize the good old keyboard and mouse but am I then paying for something which I am never going to use and never even wanted in the first place? Plus is Microsoft going to subsidize the purchase of my new touch screen enabled monitor? I don’t think so!!

And that my friends is my biggest gripe – the cost. Windows 8 is reportedly scheduled for official release some time in 2012, barely 3 years after Windows 7 hit the shelves. It feels like I only just forked out for Windows 7 and now the new operating system is just around the corner. And new versions of Windows have not tended to get cheaper each time! I am all for progress but I sincerely hope Microsoft is not going to continue with its recent release policy:

• Windows Vista – January 2007
  
• Windows 7 – October 2009
  
• Windows 8 – Some time in 2012
  
• Windows 9 – ????

Microsoft representatives have been quick to refute that Windows 8 is the initial step in a strategy which will see their traditional desktop operating system phased out to extinction; “There is no new conspiracy here”, said Steven Sinofsky.

Well, I’m not so sure!

[marko]

The next thing we know, MS will have a shiny new mobile device on the market, ohhhh, never saw that coming!

[PCRacer]

The reason for the inclusion of the touch-screen technology, is because they plan to run Windows 8 on desktops and smartphones. It is to be dual system based.  

One operating system to rule them all.  

[John T]

Sounds a bit like Soylent Green to me!

[James (Jim) Hillier]

Quote

The reason for the inclusion of the touch-screen technology, is because they plan to run Windows 8 on desktops and smartphones. It is to be dual system based.
One operating system to rule them all.

Windows has always been a desktop operating system, Windows 8 is also supposed to primarily be a desktop operating system. That's where the majority of users want their Windows operating system to perform optimally...on the desktop. But Microsoft has shifted the emphasis to mobile devices.

Many of the technologies (including touchscreen) included in Windows 8 are eminently suitable for portable hand held devices but not for the desktop environment.

Did Apple produce a hybrid system suitable for all their devices? NO!! They have maintained a separate operating system for desktop and another for iPad, etc. That's because Apple recognize that the two are inherently different, thus requiring a completely different approach involving different technologies.

By attempting to combine the two, Microsoft way well have seriously detracted from Windows original and primary objective, that is; to provide a superior desktop environment.

Cheers....Jim

[bolgwrad]

Good old Microsoft! It's as though they read my mind - more and more, I find myself carrying my desk around with me so I can sit down and do a bit of paperwork, or when I feel the need to dash off a letter and my smartphone battery is flat. Now if they could manage to incorporate a vinyl-playing turntable and a VHS player, they'd have the mobile desktop cracked!

[marko]

bolgwrad, on 18 October 2011 - 12:57 PM, said:

Now if they could manage to incorporate a vinyl-playing turntable and a VHS player, they'd have the mobile desktop cracked!

Ooooh yeh, now that would be worth upgrading for !!