Microsoft Previews Windows 8 for Tablets and PCs

[ct2k7]

Is that actual copies sold or does that also include computers that came with Windows 7?

It would be actual copies sold, because the metric would be significantly higher as per 6 licenses per minute

 

[APlotdevice]

I think most Windows 7 users + millions of others are going to love the new "immersive UI". People were dissing the iPhone back in 2007 and look at where we are now. Windows 8 represents a revolution in OS user experience. 2012 will be remembered as when it call changed!

The UI isn't exactly new. It was introduced a year ago with Windows Phone. That platform wasn't quite a runaway success.

 

[wovel]

The UI isn't exactly new. It was introduced a year ago with Windows Phone. The platform wasn't quite a runaway success.

Yet

 

[APlotdevice]

Metro is used in Microsoft Encarta 95 first, later evolved into products such as Windows Media Center and Zune. Recently, Metro are being applied to Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8. A specially made version of Microsoft's Segoe font family, Segoe WP, is used as the main font family for all typographical elements. Microsoft also plans to add Metro to other products and services, like the Xbox 360 and Windows Live, in order to create a unified and distinctive look across its consumer products and services.

Image
Microsoft's basic description of Metro.​

Interesting. Though it just furthers the point that this is not a new UI. And that it hasn't been enough to break Apple's market strength.

Yet

It is rumored that Samsung intends to drop support for Windows Phone after their contract with Microsoft runs out.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Interesting. Though it just furthers the point that this is not a new UI. And that it hasn't been enough to break Apple's market strength.



It is rumored that Samsung intends to drop support for Windows Phone after their contract with Microsoft runs out.

But that doesn't mean that they won't offer Windows 8 on their tablets and computers. While Windows Phone 7 was a flop, Windows 8 might be a home run. Time will tell.

 

[APlotdevice]

But that doesn't mean that they won't offer Windows 8 on their tablets and computers. While Windows Phone 7 was a flop, Windows 8 might be a home run. Time will tell.

To clarify, I was talking about Windows Phone when I said "the platform".

You're right, time will tell.

 

[DeathChill]

But that doesn't mean that they won't offer Windows 8 on their tablets and computers. While Windows Phone 7 was a flop, Windows 8 might be a home run. Time will tell.

I really have a hard time imagining a situation where Windows 8 isn't a home run in terms of units sold. PC manufacturers have no real choice but to ship Windows 8 so by default Microsoft gets licenses for millions and millions of computers every quarter.

 

[APlotdevice]

I really have a hard time imagining a situation where Windows 8 isn't a home run in terms of units sold. PC manufacturers have no real choice but to ship Windows 8 so by default Microsoft gets licenses for millions and millions of computers every quarter.

Oh there is no question that it will be extremely successful as a desktop/laptop OS. I myself plan on upgrading my HTPC to Windows 8.

What we are really talking about is Windows 8 tablets. Especially ARM-based ones, since those would most directly compete with the iPad.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I really have a hard time imagining a situation where Windows 8 isn't a home run in terms of units sold. PC manufacturers have no real choice but to ship Windows 8 so by default Microsoft gets licenses for millions and millions of computers every quarter.

I see what you're saying. No doubt Windows 8 will sell a few hundred million copies, even if it isn't an outstanding product. I was thinking more about it on tablets and phones. If it works well on tablets, maybe more manufacturers will use it on their tablets instead of Android since no Android tablet has sold well. The market may be more open to a Windows based tablet than they were to Android tablets. It is probably the only os that has a chance against iOS in the near future since most people are quite familiar with Windows and would be more comfortable with Windows than Android.

 

[DeathChill]

I see what you're saying. No doubt Windows 8 will sell a few hundred million copies, even if it isn't an outstanding product. I was thinking more about it on tablets and phones. If it works well on tablets, maybe more manufacturers will use it on their tablets instead of Android since no Android tablet has sold well. The market may be more open to a Windows based tablet than they were to Android tablets. It is probably the only os that has a chance against iOS in the near future since most people are quite familiar with Windows and would be more comfortable with Windows than Android.

I would agree with this possibility, though I am doubtful that it will happen (Windows taking off as a tablet OS, but I am not psychic!). However, I guarantee we're going to see Windows tablets popping up as soon as Windows 8 is ready as it's obvious that Android is failing in the tablet arena and OEM's are desperate to compete with Apple.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

[Big Yawn!!!]

 

[AppleScruff1]

I would agree with this possibility, though I am doubtful that it will happen (Windows taking off as a tablet OS, but I am not psychic!). However, I guarantee we're going to see Windows tablets popping up as soon as Windows 8 is ready as it's obvious that Android is failing in the tablet arena and OEM's are desperate to compete with Apple.

That's what I think too. The OEM's will probably jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon and hope to have better success than they did with Android. If Microsoft really polish it well and it works well out of the gate, it may succeed. I just hope it's not a half baked effort like Android. How well do you think the x86 tablet market will do? This will be halfway between the current tablets and a notebook. A more powerful tablet running Windows apps.

 

[DeathChill]

That's what I think too. The OEM's will probably jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon and hope to have better success than they did with Android. If Microsoft really polish it well and it works well out of the gate, it may succeed. I just hope it's not a half baked effort like Android. How well do you think the x86 tablet market will do? This will be halfway between the current tablets and a notebook. A more powerful tablet running Windows apps.

I don't know, it's really hard to say based off anything I've ever seen. Current x86 hardware combined with current Windows is an awful tablet experience for the average user, but Intel is obviously focusing a lot on changing power consumption and Microsoft is focused on creating a better tablet experience. Honestly, I really have no idea how it will all shake out!

 

[AppleScruff1]

I don't know, it's really hard to say based off anything I've ever seen. Current x86 hardware combined with current Windows is an awful tablet experience for the average user, but Intel is obviously focusing a lot on changing power consumption and Microsoft is focused on creating a better tablet experience. Honestly, I really have no idea how it will all shake out!

If we knew, we'd be rich!!

 

[revelated]

Windows 8 seems tailor-made for the Asus Eee Slate. Works even better than the Windows 7 before it. The Eee Slate's weight and battery life are downers, but functionally, it's got this on lock.

For those interested:

 

[AppleScruff1]

[Big Yawn!!!]

Go to bed if you're tired.

 

[macsmurf]

i LOL'ed

And not to start any fights... but when "someone" said that Lion was not a mess of things where they didnt know what to do...

what in gods name is launch pad for?? i have the Dock for all my stuff, i dont need to click launch pad in my dock to bring up more icons to sort through...

Now... maybe if apple releases some touchscreen imac or mac book, then it makes a bit more sense...

Launch Pad is a sort of auxillary dock where you can organize applications you don't use as often as the Dock, but still would like to have an icon reference to, but you don't wan't to use the application folder, or Spotlight, or any of the third-party quick-find applications.

You can't remove applications from the launch pad as you can in the dock, so to be more specific, it's like a really large dock, where you can't remove anything.

Wait, the above is not entirely true. You can remove some apps but only if they've been downloaded from the App Store. Unlike the dock, when apps are removed from the launch pad they are uninstalled from the device.

How is that not consistent?

 

[divinox]

All this arguing about Tiles and Notification Systems is really missing the point.

Fact is, people (and by this I mean the sort of humans who don't spend their time trolling various Tech blogs and forums) really don't buy Operating Systems or Computers because of things like that. they buy computers (and the OS that comes with them) because they need, or want, to do something that their current computing setup doesn't let them. And I think, based on this, that Microsoft 8 doesn't pass the "dog food" test.

Look at the commercials that Microsoft has been playing recently: I think they reflect the reality that, for the past several years the PC market has become stagnant.

But does Microsoft really think that swapping the "Desktop" metaphor for a "Tiles" metaphor is going to persuade hundreds of millions of people to upgrade? I don't think so.

Granted, the worldwide PC business is so big that simple replacement cycles will mean that enough businesses and individuals will buy a new machine - loaded with Windows 8 - to make it a big seller. But its not going to do anything to change the momentum of the business, which has been towards smartphones and iPads (sorry) for their mobile and "lite" computing needs.

Microsoft held its "Build" conference to sell the idea of creating ARM-compatible versions of their Applications to Windows Developers. Which is fair enough. But the strategy of "Build It - and They Will Come" is far from a sure thing, especially in a world where consumers have lost interest in the PC, and a lean, whip-smart, and well financed Apple is setting the pace.

1) "people" really dont buy OS's at all.
2) mature sounds more like it (that is, both the framed concept of the pc, the products, and the market itself --- once you have one, there is generally little need to upgrade any time soon).
3) Why would they think so, and why do you reduce W8 to just that?
-- Tiles is one part of W8, a part that (for many) happens to increase the quality of the user experience - just like metro overall.

Also, why would MSFT be in any rush to get people to upgrade?

4) Sure it is, by its own force. How do you, e.g., administrate 1000 ipads effectively as a sys. adm? With W8, thats easy as 123. Same story goes for many other things aswell. Now, sure - people wont run out to replace their little box at home just to get W8 (or upgrade), but with W8 MSFT also makes a move on the smartphone (indirectly) and tablet (directly) markets. Halo effects should be expected.

5) No, MSFT held BUILD to get developers excited (and ready) for development for W8. Yes, part of that was showing the ease of writing applications for both ARM, and x86, but that was hardly the purpose of build.

6) Imo, setting is slowly turning into the past tense "set". We'll see how they manage to keep up. Its extremely hard to continuously re-invent yourself and your product offerings. Granted, Apple has many organizational traits that allows them to do so, but still. It "sort of" runs against the "nature of the firm". (absolutely terrible wording, but someone might get it).

----------

I would agree with this possibility, though I am doubtful that it will happen (Windows taking off as a tablet OS, but I am not psychic!). However, I guarantee we're going to see Windows tablets popping up as soon as Windows 8 is ready as it's obvious that Android is failing in the tablet arena and OEM's are desperate to compete with Apple.

care to explain why?

 

[AAPLaday]

Metro is used in Microsoft Encarta 95 first, later evolved into products such as Windows Media Center and Zune. Recently, Metro are being applied to Windows Phone 7 and Windows 8. A specially made version of Microsoft's Segoe font family, Segoe WP, is used as the main font family for all typographical elements. Microsoft also plans to add Metro to other products and services, like the Xbox 360 and Windows Live, in order to create a unified and distinctive look across its consumer products and services.

Image
Microsoft's basic description of Metro.​

Love that font. Have an app on my WP7 called Spout that is essentially a beautiful RSS,facebook,twitter reader which uses that font and makes great use of it

 

[Oletros]

It could be Intel, but maybe an Intel-manufactured PowerPC dialect. However this is not necessary as Apple's marketing department is very successful on selling Macs as niche devices even though we know they're not that so exclusive design anymore.

But using ARM or Intel is not using Apple architecture.

 

[divinox]

Finally something decisive:

http://www.winrumors.com/microsoft-...ndows-8-arm-in-a-unique-way-different-naming/

ARM can (obviously) do the desktop, but MSFT is looking to shift away from it on their ARM devices (at least for now, it seems).

Oh well, i guess its the clever thing to do as it will better allow MSFT to compete with "dumb tabs". Just hope MSFT can make a less dumb one, and make sure that we get some nice productivity applications...

edit: i'd love for someone to include some form of video-in on a tablet. That way, the tablet can double as screen real-estate when needed. Cant be that expensive to include, can it? (Yes, you can do it through remoting and such, but thats not as neat).

 

[ct2k7]

Finally something decisive:

http://www.winrumors.com/microsoft-...ndows-8-arm-in-a-unique-way-different-naming/

ARM can (obviously) do the desktop, but MSFT is looking to shift away from it on their ARM devices (at least for now, it seems).

Oh well, i guess its the clever thing to do as it will better allow MSFT to compete with "dumb tabs". Just hope MSFT can make a less dumb one, and make sure that we get some nice productivity applications...

Good choice Microsoft.

 

[MacinDoc]

Finally something decisive:

http://www.winrumors.com/microsoft-...ndows-8-arm-in-a-unique-way-different-naming/

Very interesting article. Interesting quote in the article:

“All of the apps for ARM are going to come through the store which means they’re all going to be metro style.”

Microsoft, meet walled garden. And online-only purchases. Sound familiar?

 

[linux2mac]

Reality Check

Apple beats Microsoft in releasing Windows 8
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2011/09/16/apple-beats-microsoft-in-releasing-windows-8/

Quotes from above article:

"Apple has already beaten the company in releasing a hardware accelerated, animated web browser. It’s called Safari 5."

"Just for the record, I don’t “hate” Windows 8, I’m just not impressed to see Microsoft being hailed as “futuristic” for demonstrating early betas still a year away from fruition of its copy of work Apple pioneered several years ago."

"Metro Tiles don’t represent new technology; they’re just an example of adding flash to something that doesn’t need it."

"That’s distraction. The real technology behind the scenes, which Apple uses to functionally animate transitions to guide navigation and make iOS (and Mac OS X) feel responsive and look cool, is that OpenGL foundation Apple began laying in 2001 with Mac OS X, where everything on the screen was mapped to a surface just like the background walls of a third person shooter. It was new then, not in 2007 when Microsoft brought the same concept to the PC with Windows Vista."

"Shame on the idiots who hate on Apple ideas until they’re copied by others 3-5 years later"

"Why are the people in awe of Microsoft and Google so profoundly unaware of all this?"

 

[Oletros]

Apple beats Microsoft in releasing Windows 8
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2011/09/16/apple-beats-microsoft-in-releasing-windows-8/

Quotes from above article:

"Apple has already beaten the company in releasing a hardware accelerated, animated web browser. It’s called Safari 5."

"Just for the record, I don’t “hate” Windows 8, I’m just not impressed to see Microsoft being hailed as “futuristic” for demonstrating early betas still a year away from fruition of its copy of work Apple pioneered several years ago."

"Metro Tiles don’t represent new technology; they’re just an example of adding flash to something that doesn’t need it."

"That’s distraction. The real technology behind the scenes, which Apple uses to functionally animate transitions to guide navigation and make iOS (and Mac OS X) feel responsive and look cool, is that OpenGL foundation Apple began laying in 2001 with Mac OS X, where everything on the screen was mapped to a surface just like the background walls of a third person shooter. It was new then, not in 2007 when Microsoft brought the same concept to the PC with Windows Vista."

"Shame on the idiots who hate on Apple ideas until they’re copied by others 3-5 years later"

"Why are the people in awe of Microsoft and Google so profoundly unaware of all this?"

Daniel Eran Dilger, the Paul Turroth Apple alternative. More biased and more lie talking than Fox news