Microsoft's Longhorn

[Rower_CPU]

Re: Hubris

Too funny, Les.

1) "Tell me more about my mistake" - Please. For any software designers out there this is exactly the kind of blame shifting that makes computers so damn unfriendly for new users. Read something by Alan Cooper and learn a bit about interface/interaction design.

2) "Install all 48 service packs" - ****.

 

[Dippo]

Oh no, Microsoft is going to add "automatic game patching"

 

[macdong]

Here are more images of the AVALON UI

http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/pdc2003_aero_keynote.asp

and a small video in .wmv

http://www.winsupersite.com/files/pdc2003_avalon_transparency.wmv

i fail to see what's special about it.

 

[Beowulf]

From the screenshots, I can already tell this is going to be clunkier than the GUI of "Luna". Seriously, what's the point of having a huge analog clock with a digital readout of what time it is underneath it?

 

[BakedBeans]

Unless something changes, all Dell's ship with the current version of Windows. So when Longhorn arrives, Dell will no longer sell sub 1K computers? I just cant see this happening.

yeah, 100%correct all computer resellers/retailers sell newest os on there system... o by wentdingo theory then half the worl will stop buy pcs.... great business move right??? lol

 

[thatwendigo]

microsoft are such a succesful company beause they put there os on most computers simple... are they going to stop that because of digital media.... i think not....

You're not understanding the scope of things, here, because this isn't just about Microsoft. It's a hegemony, a collusion of the OS owner, the hardware manufacturers, and content providers to lock consumers into a certain model that will require profits all around for the people who hold the reins.

As of Longhorn, I'm betting that past generations of Windows Media will still work, but that every single bit of content that Microsoft can get their influence into will be distributed in TCI-protected format. You will have to buy one of these new, high-end computers to do anything online that involves video, music, print, images, and so on, if the company involved has been swayed to using the protected standard. With the degree of traceability and watchdog protectionism that can be achieved with a setup like the one going into the TCI sytem, they'll flock in droves, because the one thing you can count on in most businesses is greed.

This isn't just the OS. This is digital lifestyle, controlled by Microsoft. They want to own the internet and the content on it, as much as possible, so that they can bleed you that way, too.

 

[1macker1]

The bad thing I did see,was "Sending Personal Information to MS"...wth is that all about?

 

[Dippo]

Here's a nice screenshot...

Personally, they made it even more confusing.
At first glance, I didn't even know what I was looking at

 

[pjkelnhofer]

Not ones that are running Longhorn.

I said it before, but I will explicitly state it now: The goal of Longhorn is to push new hardware, not to follow the older setups or technology.

As much as I hate MS, I disagree. I think it is being designed for what the expect to be the architecture at the time. I would guess that MS made up the specs based on what the think AMD and Intel will be offering at the time.

For those who say there won't be sub $1000 PC's that can run Longhorn, I am sure by 2007, Dell will be selling 64-bit, 4 GHz systems for $500 bucks. We are talking three freakin' years from now people. How much is a $2000 top of the line Dell from three years ago worth now? Maybe $500 bucks if you are lucky? Dell makes cheap computers, they will continue to do so.

 

[Krrill]

With apple aqua interface and XP's bright colors, i think it's time to move on. And the brushed metal concept isn't cutting it.

For the record, that's called "Fads" And each generation goes through fads, and ideoligies etc etc... Basically, at this point in history brushed metal is all futuristic, so people are milking it. Ever go to Ikea or a smiliar place? They have different products, but they make sure that there is atleast 1 product of that kind that's in a brush metal state.

What I'm getting at, is that when the fads change, and people get sick and tired of a certian "look" things will change for the OS. But currently brushed is the way to go for a lot of consumers. I'm just hoping that it doesn't last too long, I want my Onyx look from BeOS, LOL JK

To the future, cheers! *Clinks glass*

 

[BakedBeans]

You're not understanding the scope of things, here, because this isn't just about Microsoft. It's a hegemony, a collusion of the OS owner, the hardware manufacturers, and content providers to lock consumers into a certain model that will require profits all around for the people who hold the reins.

As of Longhorn, I'm betting that past generations of Windows Media will still work, but that every single bit of content that Microsoft can get their influence into will be distributed in TCI-protected format. You will have to buy one of these new, high-end computers to do anything online that involves video, music, print, images, and so on, if the company involved has been swayed to using the protected standard. With the degree of traceability and watchdog protectionism that can be achieved with a setup like the one going into the TCI sytem, they'll flock in droves, because the one thing you can count on in most businesses is greed.

This isn't just the OS. This is digital lifestyle, controlled by Microsoft. They want to own the internet and the content on it, as much as possible, so that they can bleed you that way, too.

people that buy pcs want pcs not very expensive jukeboxes and video players

 

[pjkelnhofer]

Here's a nice screenshot...

Personally, they made it even more confusing.
At first glance, I didn't even know what I was looking at

Oh yeah, that is pretty confusing, Floppy Drive, CD Drive, etc.

What could these things mean?

Excuse the sarcasm, I am in a crappy mood today.

 

[1macker1]

I agree, I loved the aqua fad, but the bushed metal didnt hit home with me. I'm just egar to see what's next.

For the record, that's called "Fads" And each generation goes through fads, and ideoligies etc etc... Basically, at this point in history brushed metal is all futuristic, so people are milking it. Ever go to Ikea or a smiliar place? They have different products, but they make sure that there is atleast 1 product of that kind that's in a brush metal state.

What I'm getting at, is that when the fads change, and people get sick and tired of a certian "look" things will change for the OS. But currently brushed is the way to go for a lot of consumers. I'm just hoping that it doesn't last too long, I want my Onyx look from BeOS, LOL JK

To the future, cheers! *Clinks glass*

 

[Krrill]

Here's a nice screenshot...

Personally, they made it even more confusing.
At first glance, I didn't even know what I was looking at

Wow, that's one thing that's unnerved me for the beginning of time with Microsoft, I guess people just got used to it. But why in the bleeding hell of time and space do you have to go to a bleeding folder to get at your computer and your CD DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! I would really like to know why you have to spend extra time doing this.... It boggles my mind, it hurt, hurts, hurts *Cries*

 

[thatwendigo]

yeah, 100%correct all computer resellers/retailers sell newest os on there system... o by wentdingo theory then half the worl will stop buy pcs.... great business move right??? lol

There are almost seven billion people in the world, but out of those, less than a billion possess the resources to own a computer. Out of those, perhaps half actually own one, and most of those are going to be out-of-date machines running OSes that are by no means current, because they can't affored better.

Believe it or not, here in the US, even our poor tend to be better off than the general population of, say, Sri Lanka or Swaziland. However, with the middle class shrinking once more and an upwards trend in the wealth gap, it is increasinly the case that computers will be high-end purchases once more, unless something serious is done to change either the economics or the costs of the machines.

You can bet Intel is working on ways to sell things faster and cheaper. They've got a couple of rabid wolves nipping at their heels at the moment, after all, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a Jonas or Merom core show up at the $1000-1200 price point by then. Lots can happen in two years.

 

[1macker1]

Maybe i'm a new tech junkie, but it looks way cool to me.

Here's a nice screenshot...

Personally, they made it even more confusing.
At first glance, I didn't even know what I was looking at

 

[msandersen]

What Price The Fish

Well it still looks like it has as a "Fish-Price" UI to me.

What price those poor fish will pay for their Longhorn UI distresses me too...

Fischer-Price ought to put out a Longhorn fish-toy, perhaps?
Anyway, it's early days yet, the final release will look about as much as the current Longhorn builds as the initial OSX Server looked like the 'final' OSX.

 

[BakedBeans]

There are almost seven billion people in the world, but out of those, less than a billion possess the resources to own a computer. Out of those, perhaps half actually own one, and most of those are going to be out-of-date machines running OSes that are by no means current, because they can't affored better.

Believe it or not, here in the US, even our poor tend to be better off than the general population of, say, Sri Lanka or Swaziland. However, with the middle class shrinking once more and an upwards trend in the wealth gap, it is increasinly the case that computers will be high-end purchases once more, unless something serious is done to change either the economics or the costs of the machines.

You can bet Intel is working on ways to sell things faster and cheaper. They've got a couple of rabid wolves nipping at their heels at the moment, after all, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a Jonas or Merom core show up at the $1000-1200 price point by then. Lots can happen in two years.

firstly sorry for the short replies (i just had my baby asleep on me so i have been typing with one hand)

so your saying there are only 250million computers in the world....
there are 10 thousand in my wifes call centre alone
not to mention how many call centres there are in the worl, plus schools ect ect ect

new machines will not sell half as well if they are very expensive so people will be forced not to upgrade...which will be a bad thing for ms...and intel and amd and a hell of alot of other poeple

 

[e-coli]

Here's a nice screenshot...

Personally, they made it even more confusing.
At first glance, I didn't even know what I was looking at

This is an extremely old build of the interface. The new layout and look is quite different. It's stunning, actually.

The only thing that's remained is the strange (and HUGE) back button in the top navigation. And the dark grey metallic color.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Oh no, Microsoft is going to add "automatic game patching"

Um actually that's not a bad idea considering how many patches games have appended to them post release. Instead of needing to go out to the software developers site you simply have to run or even schedule an update. Nice.

I've heard that MS was going to start providing windows update type services to other software companies but I didn't think it would be as soon as Longhorn. This could actually be a really nice feature if they get it implemented right.

 

[bdkennedy1]

I saw the requirements before. A triple core 4-6 GHz (64-bit recommended) processor, 2 gigs of RAM, and 1 TB of HD...what the heck? And this is just to run the OS itself. As soon as you open solitaire, I bet it will come crashing to a halt with how many resources are going to be monopolized by Windows. I seriously cannot believe anyone would consider this kind of bloat to be acceptable.

System requirements like this are normal for Microsoft. Everyone balked at Windows 95 and Windows XP's system requirements. All Microsoft does is try to predict what hardware will be available by 2007, and if you consider how fast we got the G5, Microsoft's system requirements don't sound so bad for 2007.

 

[coolfactor]

way cool?

Maybe i'm a new tech junkie, but it looks way cool to me.

I haven't had a chance to review all your messages, but the two that I've seen so far don't jive with those of your typical Mac-wheenie expectations.

The Aqua interface, imo, is beautiful. Apple has brought aboard professional interface designers and delivered a sweet interface, and they continue to listen to users to improve it. The brushed metal interface has grown on me a lot. They didn't stop at the first version, as found on QuickTime years ago... they continue refining it into what it is today.

Now, have you used GarageBand (I haven't but seen screenshots). The glossy black that they have happening looks good, really good.

Every attempt that MS designers have made has been a complete disaster. Their "aqua" doesn't look real. Their brushed metal doesn't look real, and their glossy black (among other colors) doesn't look right at all. The highlights, angles of reflection, distance between objects, are all creating a complicated and cumbersome interface.

I really don't understand them sometimes. Even in 2006, they're still going to show an empty CD drive in My Computer? What's the point?

 

[1macker1]

Like i stated, i like the aqua interface , dislike the brushed metal. I didnt know MS had/has a aqua or a brushed metal. No i dont use GarageBand, haven't seen any screenshots. I'm ready for the next fad in GUI design.

I haven't had a chance to review all your messages, but the two that I've seen so far don't jive with those of your typical Mac-wheenie expectations.

The Aqua interface, imo, is beautiful. Apple has brought aboard professional interface designers and delivered a sweet interface, and they continue to listen to users to improve it. The brushed metal interface has grown on me a lot. They didn't stop at the first version, as found on QuickTime years ago... they continue refining it into what it is today.

Now, have you used GarageBand (I haven't but seen screenshots). The glossy black that they have happening looks good, really good.

Every attempt that MS designers have made has been a complete disaster. Their "aqua" doesn't look real. Their brushed metal doesn't look real, and their glossy black (among other colors) doesn't look right at all. The highlights, angles of reflection, distance between objects, are all creating a complicated and cumbersome interface.

I really don't understand them sometimes. Even in 2006, they're still going to show an empty CD drive in My Computer? What's the point?

 

[pjkelnhofer]

You're not understanding the scope of things, here, because this isn't just about Microsoft. It's a hegemony, a collusion of the OS owner, the hardware manufacturers, and content providers to lock consumers into a certain model that will require profits all around for the people who hold the reins.

As of Longhorn, I'm betting that past generations of Windows Media will still work, but that every single bit of content that Microsoft can get their influence into will be distributed in TCI-protected format. You will have to buy one of these new, high-end computers to do anything online that involves video, music, print, images, and so on, if the company involved has been swayed to using the protected standard. With the degree of traceability and watchdog protectionism that can be achieved with a setup like the one going into the TCI sytem, they'll flock in droves, because the one thing you can count on in most businesses is greed.

This isn't just the OS. This is digital lifestyle, controlled by Microsoft. They want to own the internet and the content on it, as much as possible, so that they can bleed you that way, too.

Wow! Talk about a dismal world view. C'mon, do you really believe all that? I don't think that there is this massive conspiracy between MS and the hardware makers. In some ways, the PC world benefits from seperate OS and Hardware manufactures. It causes them to push each other, not secretly force people into buying the latest equipment.

Do you think Apple makes computers just to make people happy. No, they are a business as well. They want to *gasp* make money, they want *gasp* profit.

Don't you think that if Apple suddenly got huge marketshare they would get slammed for insisting that they control both the Hardware and Software ends of their equipment? Talk about a conspiracy, why don't you complain that Apple killed the clones. Or makes it illegal to install OS X on a non-Apple PPC machine.

Doesn't Apple want to control the Digital Lifestyle. Isn't that what iLife and iPods are all about?

Sometimes, I wonder if a lot of the people who buy Macs buy them just because the are not the dominate computer, not because they are simply better designed for what they want a PC to do.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Wow, that's one thing that's unnerved me for the beginning of time with Microsoft, I guess people just got used to it. But why in the bleeding hell of time and space do you have to go to a bleeding folder to get at your computer and your CD DRIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! I would really like to know why you have to spend extra time doing this.... It boggles my mind, it hurt, hurts, hurts *Cries*

Because it's not technically a folder. The My Computer is a placeholder for your various drives be it hard drives, optical drives, floppy drives or network drives. Imagine the chaos if in a network environment you had 8 drive mappings being added to your desktop and then removed when you are off the network. Your desktop would be in a constant state of flux. By keeping everything under My Computer it keeps it relatively organized.
Its just as there is now a central location for all networking items under My Network Places that handles all things networking. Also it's a simple task to right click on the drive you want to select shortcut. Since you can't store a shortcut in My Computer it will prompt "Do you want to place this on the desktop" Answer yes and you have your drive on your desktop which you can just as easily drag to your taskbar toolbar.