Microsoft Previews Windows 8 for Tablets and PCs

[brdeveloper]

Please, cite some sources?

Windows runs and has run on more different architectures than any system other than *nix. x86, x64, IA64, PPC, MIPS, Alpha, SPARC, ARM...

Conditional coding means that supporting ARM doesn't affect the x64 code paths, and vice versa. Performance-critical parts of the system can be completely optimized for each target. (Opaque data types help with this optimization.)

Note that Microsoft doesn't add bloat by building fat binaries - each binary contains only the code and data needed by the target architecture. Zero run-time and disk overhead for multi-platform support.

Your statement simply does not recognize the current state-of-the-art in multi-platform programming.

Also multiplatform programming tends to generate robust software. Inserting architecture (low level) hooks can easily ruin software portability. Also, this can lead to more robust drivers because peripheral manufacturers can't presume x86 architecture anymore on device hosts.

 

[MacinDoc]

Well, like I said, I think more than half of Apple's success can be attributed to Jony Ive making aluminum and glass look nice.

As for the customers satisfaction. People can be easily deceived. When you spend a lot of money on a product you'll do mental gymnastics to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Especially when there are alternatives out there with better specs with an open source OS.

Better specs do not necessarily translate into better performance, let alone better user experience. This is what many iPad rivals do not get. Tight integration of hardware and software produce the most seamless, elegant, user-friendly experience.

As for customer satisfaction, I always expect more of a product the more I spend on it, and my satisfaction with that product is determined by its ability to meet that expectation. I can't imagine why anyone else would think differently.

And as for "open source OS", that actually more closely describes the Darwin kernel of OS X than it does Windows. Exactly which aspect of Windows is "open source"?

 

[Eidorian]

I have a 15 Mb/s connection and it estimated a 9 hour download. I've decided to wait until tonight and then I'll run it overnight (when the servers should have fewer users on them).

Another option is that it hasn't yet been pushed out to all of the CDN nodes.

Well I am getting maximum speed for my allotted connection here in the US Midwest. To be honest, I was expecting it to be completely swamped. It is somewhat refreshing to be able to play with it in another hour or two. I will accomplish some other tasks in the mean time.

 

[Claefer]

Better specs do not necessarily translate into better performance, let alone better user experience. This is what many iPad rivals do not get. Tight integration of hardware and software produce the most seamless, elegant, user-friendly experience.

As for customer satisfaction, I always expect more of a product the more I spend on it, and my satisfaction with that product is determined by its ability to meet that expectation. I can't imagine why anyone else would think differently.

And as for "open source OS", that actually more closely describes the Darwin kernel of OS X than it does Windows. Exactly which aspect of Windows is "open source"?

Saying better specs don't lead to better performance is like saying having more money doesn't lead to better standards of living.

Synergy is important, I agree, but so is function. Apple prefers form over function. Microsoft prefers function over form, which is why Microsoft generally innovates more than Apple.

 

[AidenShaw]

On the other hand, I don't want to imagine if everyone could just go and download iOS 5 (the OS really is a beta and was no where near ready until beta 6 a few weeks ago). Pluses and minuses to both methods. (Apple needs to stop the developer NDA nonsense, though.)

Microsoft's open ecosystem puts a lot of pressure on them to have things together for a public (pre-)beta.

Apple's NDA approach means there's little need for quality, since the developers are gagged.

I have a 15 Mb/s connection and it estimated a 9 hour download. I've decided to wait until tonight and then I'll run it overnight (when the servers should have fewer users on them).

Another option is that it hasn't yet been pushed out to all of the CDN nodes.

On the other hand, I don't want to imagine if everyone could just go and download iOS 5 (the OS really is a beta and was no where near ready until beta 6 a few weeks ago). Pluses and minuses to both methods. (Apple needs to stop the developer NDA nonsense, though.)

I have 25MB connection, anyone getting faster than 180-210kb dl speeds?

You on DSL or Cable?

I have a 12MB VDSL2 connection and getting 1.32MB/Sec down

UVerse is part of their Fiber program.
If they don't have fiber to the curb in your neighborhood (still copper to your house), chances are pretty high that you're running on a VDSL2 connection (they currently top out at 80MB).
Either way, you "should" be rocking a much faster download from MS.

It's very possible AT&T is throttling your connection.

I have been getting my 310 kB/s maximum near constantly. 39% done.

It's fiber to the curb, correct. The fastest they can get me is up to 34MB so they said.
Either way, I am testing the throttling right now, with Glasnost test.
Back on topic.
Can't wait to get this installed

Thanks for the tips rjohnstone.

It's probably downloading slow because all of the Apple execs and programmers are downloading it because they are afraid they have real competition around the corner.

It's not slow... I downloaded at 1.5MB/s

Nope, not limited. Just must be jammed...
Until then, then...
View attachment 302361

LOL that a MacRumours thread is "hijacked" by people worrying about how fast they can download Windows!!

 

[435713]

Honestly I hope MS google and company beat the sh** out of Apple and Apple again finds itself in trouble and this time the horse it taken out back and shot for good. Free OSX and thats all I want from them.

Repeat history MS, go get em!!! Just like you did in the 90's. I'm pulling for ya. As well as the majority of the vote would. Just not the vote here of course

MS partners need to step it up though, stop with the bloatware, better QC on their machines etc..

the top part is sarcasm I didnt make that really clear, my bad. I do hope Apple take a good beating for a while though. Like a b*** you gotta slap around to make her act right.

 

[linux2mac]

Better specs do not necessarily translate into better performance, let alone better user experience. This is what many iPad rivals do not get. Tight integration of hardware and software produce the most seamless, elegant, user-friendly experience.

As for customer satisfaction, I always expect more of a product the more I spend on it, and my satisfaction with that product is determined by its ability to meet that expectation. I can't imagine why anyone else would think differently.

And as for "open source OS", that actually more closely describes the Darwin kernel of OS X than it does Windows. Exactly which aspect of Windows is "open source"?

My C2D 27" iMac and 13" MBP have been solid. Can't say the same for any of my past VAIOs, HPs, Compaqs, and Dells running Windows. There is a reason why people choose Macs.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Honestly I hope MS google and company beat the sh** out of Apple and Apple again finds itself in trouble and this time the horse it taken out back and shot for good. Free OSX and thats all I want from them.

Repeat history MS, go get em!!! Just like you did in the 90's. I'm pulling for ya. As well as the majority of the vote would. Just not the vote here of course

MS partners need to step it up though, stop with the bloatware, better QC on their machines etc..

Oh boy. You better put on your flamesuit! The Appleonians will not take kindly to this.

My C2D 27" iMac and 13" MBP have been solid. Can't say the same for any of my past VAIOs, HPs, Compaqs, and Dells running Windows. There is a reason why people choose Macs.

What's the reason they chose Windows 10-1 over Macs? I forgot.

 

[jca666us]

Depends what you mean by better whe describing specs.

Microsoft innovates? If that's the case, why was it apple that produced the iPhone and the iPad.

Microsoft's innovative answers to the two apple product have been windows phone 7 to date and a beta of windows 8.

Yawn

Saying better specs don't lead to better performance is like saying having more money doesn't lead to better standards of living.

Synergy is important, I agree, but so is function. Apple prefers form over function. Microsoft prefers function over form, which is why Microsoft generally innovates more than Apple.

 

[tigres]

LOL that a MacRumours thread is "hijacked" by people worrying about how fast they can download Windows!!

Well it's more exciting tonight than other announcements- cough cough, or lack thereof.

 

[KillerTree]

Windows 8 looks amazing.

 

[jca666us]

What open source os? Android's not open source, neither is windows 7.

If half of apples success is jony ive making aluminum and glass look nice, why have the Samsung and HTC copycats have not sold as well?

Better specs don't sell, synergy sells, good design of hardware and software sells.

There's an iPad market not necessarily a tablet or talent pc market.

Well, like I said, I think more than half of Apple's success can be attributed to Jony Ive making aluminum and glass look nice.

As for the customers satisfaction. People can be easily deceived. When you spend a lot of money on a product you'll do mental gymnastics to convince yourself that you made a good choice. Especially when there are alternatives out there with better specs with an open source OS.

----------

Unfortunately for ms, looks are no substitute for functionality.

Windows 8 looks amazing.

 

[KillerTree]

Depends what you mean by better whe describing specs.

Microsoft innovates? If that's the case, why was it apple that produced the iPhone and the iPad.

Microsoft's innovative answers to the two apple product have been windows phone 7 to date and a beta of windows 8.

Yawn

Windows 8 looks excellent on a tablet. I don't get how you can yawn at Windows 8 while you just use iOS

 

[435713]

Oh boy. You better put on your flamesuit! The Appleonians will not take kindly to this.



What's the reason they chose Windows 10-1 over Macs? I forgot.

Flamesuit on. I think Apple is fine to have around, they make good stuff. If they ever got in trouble again though I wouldnt miss them. And OSX would be available on whatever we wanted without BS hackintoshing. So win win. It would get rid of the absolute worst disgusting fans ever which would also be a +.

1 mac = 20 PC's apparently. Steve had a vision remember. Also a beard. A beard .....does things to a man.

Oh and checks in the mail for my infringement on your quote : )

 

[jca666us]

Because I can use iOS today on a tablet.

1. Windows 8 is beta - eta 2012
2. Windows 8 performance on arm - unknown
3. Cost of windows 8 tablets - unknown

1 + 2 + 3 = yawn

Wake me up when this is released, there are compelling tablet devices for sale, there are a decent number of applications available for it, and the performance/cost is comparable to an iPad.

Windows 8 looks excellent on a tablet. I don't get how you can yawn at Windows 8 while you just use iOS

 

[brdeveloper]

Depends what you mean by better whe describing specs.

Microsoft innovates? If that's the case, why was it apple that produced the iPhone and the iPad.

Microsoft's innovative answers to the two apple product have been windows phone 7 to date and a beta of windows 8.

Yawn

Converging laptop, smartphone, tablet and a desktop computer into a single device (looking further this is what W8 means) doesn't look innovative?

Comparing Apple and Microsoft is like comparing apples and oranges. Although Apple produces OS and apps, it's a totally different approach. I can't imagine Apple allowing users to run everything they want - from toy apps to productivity - with an iPad. They can't merge (almost) their entire portfolio into a single iEverything device.

 

[Timeraner]

I just downloaded the beta (w/o signing into anything) in about 20 minutes total...

 

[Surfheart]

I think Windows 8 looks very promising. I like Metro, but it seemed kind of fiddly in the demonstration. But, it's early days yet.

I would not like to use a touch UI in a desktop laptop computer, but it could be comfortable with a trackpad like device.

What I do like is the idea of a tablet that is two devices in one. Undocked you would use Metro, which looks like an awesome tablet UI BTW, then take it home dock it and use keyboard/mouse/bigscreen monitor.

I like how there is a full blown desktop OS behind it that you can get access to for more serious work. Obviously that takes more hardware, but technology marches forever onwards and I can see a time where current entry level desktop power could be in a device as slim and efficient as an iPad 2.

Another thing I noticed is that MS ripped off the look and feel of iOS/Lion scrollbars

 

[DoubleU]

Big Battery

But you do need some features. The iPad lacks critical features that are demanded by users: Flash, SD slot, USB ports, HDMI, and an ethernet port.

The iPad is a big battery attached to an iOS device. All those ports and slots will mean less space for that battery.

Windows 8 looks very impressive but the tablets we've seen are at the proof of concept stage so far (the 'Courier' looked good). I'd like to see ARM processors and pricing before I made any comment on the long term success of Windows 8 tablets.

 

[lilo777]

My C2D 27" iMac and 13" MBP have been solid. Can't say the same for any of my past VAIOs, HPs, Compaqs, and Dells running Windows. There is a reason why people choose Macs.

There is also a reason why most people choose PCs.

 

[linux2mac]

What's the reason they chose Windows 10-1 over Macs? I forgot.

So why is Apple the King of the $1000 plus PC market? I forgot.

http://www.cultofmac.com/28713/report-apple-owns-1000-computer-market

 

[435713]

There is also a reason why most people choose PCs.

ILM and Weta and even pixar use Windows and Linux machines for the heavy lifting. I think macs are in the art departments and thats about it. They choose Windows/Linux because it just works

+ excellent graphic support. Its a fact I can give links if anyone really needs them. Should be obvious.

 

[Bernard SG]

I'll quote John Gruber who accurately sums up what Microsoft's gesticulating inspires me:

It’s all in the future. All potential, nothing actual. Think about how different Apple’s and Microsoft’s approaches are. Apple unveiled the iPad to the public only when it was a completely finished product, two months before it hit stores. The demo units we in the press had access to that day were exactly like the mass-produced iPads that shipped to customers two months later. Can you imagine Apple doing with the iPad what Microsoft is doing with Windows 8? Say, showing a prototype iPad at WWDC in June 2009, running on MacBook Pro-caliber Intel hardware? Letting the public and the press play with the OS in half-finished alpha state on prototype hardware? Impossible even to imagine. (There were no hands-on demos, let alone take-home prototypes or developer downloads, when Apple showed a “sneak preview” of Mac OS X Lion at last year’s “Back to the Mac” event.)

I’m not passing judgment here — at least not yet — regarding which strategy is superior. I simply wish to direct your attention at how utterly different the two companies are.

Let's talk again one year from now: then we'll see what kind of traction Windows 8 tablets are getting on the market; most probably as iOS6 is being prepared to launch and iPad 3 hits more than 50 million units sales (and that's a conservative prediction).

 

[Claefer]

Depends what you mean by better whe describing specs.

Microsoft innovates? If that's the case, why was it apple that produced the iPhone and the iPad.

Microsoft's innovative answers to the two apple product have been windows phone 7 to date and a beta of windows 8.

Yawn

Microsoft spends more money on research and development than Apple and it shows. Look at the Windows 8 UI. Steve Jobs has been weeping since Windows unveiled Metro. It's a brilliant solution and it makes iOS looks like a Fisher Price toy. Here's why:

Icons suck. I personally believe that icons are yesterday's way of representing apps. Icons never change and that makes user experience harder. Tiles are a better solution. It's easier to navigate through different shaped tiles than fixed, proportional icons.

Color is also important. Metro uses clean, flat colors, while iOS uses eye candy to create artificial texture. That makes it difficult for the user to distinguish between the different areas of the UI.

iOS relies heavily on visual cues, Metro relies on typography. People react quicker to text than visual cues. Metro makes use of large font and in addition to tiles it's less distracting than iOS's home screen.

So which is superior? Exactly.

Every once in a while a product comes along that changes our perception of how we use technology and how natural it can feel. That product is Windows 8.

 

[Vegasman]

Microsoft innovates? If that's the case, why was it apple that produced the iPhone and the iPad.



Yawn

Two words: Justice Department.

Can you imagine what would have happened if Microsoft also dominated the phone landcape?

But now that the DOJ is no longer crawling up their ass, I suggest you grab some popcorn! And maybe sell a few AAPL