Wednesday, December 7th 2011
Windows 8 'Irrelevant' For PC Users
Well, it looks like the Windows 8 flagship feature, the Metro interface, isn't going down too well with PC users, according to leading market research firm International Data Corp. On top of that, there aren't really any killer improvements in the operating system that make shelling out for a new version compelling. The Metro interface, while suited to a smartphone or tablet, really doesn't do anything for a desktop PC, because it's operation is very restrictive compared to the standard desktop that's been around for over 15 years on Windows and is now a very refined and sophisticated user interface. Also, the fact that many organizations have only recently migrated to Windows 7 and are not looking to spend money in the current economic climate and go through the pains of another upgrade cycle again isn't helping. The poor economy looks like it will hamper sales of Windows 8 on its target devices, tablets, too. Finally, IDC said: "(T)here will be intense scrutiny on Microsoft's ability to deliver a successful tablet experience aboard both x86-based tablets and on devices running ARM processors. This is a tall order for Microsoft, and while the x86 tablet strategy makes sense as a transitional solution for today's PC users, it will be the ARM-based devices that need to shine and clear a high bar already set by Apple."
Sources:
xbit labs, zdnet
150 Comments on Windows 8 'Irrelevant' For PC Users
I hear it's quite nice to use from other folk.
I like the idea of dynamic icons like the tiles though, shame you can't mix and match UI elements, maybe in the retail version though.
Finally I understand what Microsoft is trying to do.... Get the mobile market and Home PC's all on one big OS so everything can be universal.... But think about it.... if people really really wanted their PC to be like a Phone.... why wouldn't they just by a phone. You don't have to change the OS in order to make it compatible with everything.
It is time to stop making programs that can supported by Windows XP and LOWER and start making them Vista and higher or Windows 7 and higher.
Logically Windows 8 is better than 7 and people who are still on XP can upgrade to 8, but I bet more will be going XP --> 7. Businesses have no real reason to go from 7 to 8 as that would cost them a lot of money and time for basically nothing
Microsoft will continue to make sure the latest Windows has exceptional backward compatibility anyway.
Apart from a few non-vital apps, everything I've installed has worked right away. The start-up time is ridiculous small, almost like coming up from C3. I'm thoroughly impressed with it so far.
I have to make a dual boot for my work so I can view the security cameras on Windows XP for example. I have to use Office 2003 so that my Accounting programs work... I want to use Windows 7 and Office 2010!
And for Microsoft's own good, it is time to kill Windows XP because it is hindering their sales, and it makes everyone program to make sure it works with XP too. By Windows 8 I really want XP dead so that the world can advance. By Windows "9" I want Vista dead too. That way everyone can be on Windows 7 and move the a new era
It will be 11 years in 2012 that XP exists... An OS shouldn't survive for more than a decade
My computer is on 24/7 so I could care less about boot up.
Memory is cheap so using slightly less is not a motivator to invest money in a new OS.
I won't be using metro, so what would make a win7 desktop guy want to spend money on 8?
You can go back to your desktop, its one of the icons on the homepage, you CAN multitask, just like windows 7.
What they have added is app integration, and more common look and feel for idiots who think their Iphone is the greatest shit since shit on crackers came forth from the asshole os Steve Jobs. And the ability for more streamlined media use. Perhaps once the DRM cockblocks get out of the way they will have a fully featured way to access all your media as part of your personal space that extends beyond most peoples jerkoff station.
Sounds more like a crybaby journalist couldn't figure out a new Beta toy and got frustrated so they wrote a hate piece.
There are choices.