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Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

channelregister.co.uk

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Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#41

Post by squidsoup »

neovive wrote: post #22

I think Windows 8 is a long-term proposition for Microsoft. I doubt they are expecting any remarkable change in the short term; there just won't be enough compelling Win8/touch-enabled devices out there to make a difference. They need to grow market share over time. They are practically giving away the upgrade to consumer users which a big change from the past. This is similar to the early XBOX strategy, which took q…

> Microsoft clearly wants to enterprise market and that takes time.

It's a pity that Canonical haven't seized on this and made their focus Ubuntu in the enterprise. I think it's pretty clear that Ubuntu as a consumer OS is a dead duck, but it does have a place as a viable alternative to Windows in the business environment. Sadly, this doesn't seem to be their primary focus and continue to put resources into 'touch' computing, Unity and mobile devices where they're never going to effectively compete with Apple, Google and Microsoft.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#42

Post by untog »

sp332 wrote: post #18
walru wrote: post #4

I went to go use a Windows 8 PC at Best Buy the other day and was shocked. In screenshots everything looks clean, crisp, and modern - then comes the task of using it. I don't understand who at MSFT thought it was necessary to preface every action by a splash screen and inordinately long loading times. Also, am I missing something? Does everything you do have to be full screen? Is having multiple windows open and mult…

They learned with Windows Phone 7 apps, that smooth (long) animations and colorful splash screens can make under-powered hardware seem a lot more responsive. Instead of doing nothing for a few seconds and then popping up your app, it immediately plays an animation, shows a splash screen, then shows your app. It's better than nothing but it would be nice if they just threw better hardware at the problem.

To be fair, you could say the same about iOS.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#43

Post by DGCA »

ewest wrote: post #10
SlipperySlope wrote: post #2

Essentially ... "There’s much to be excited about. Yet, not many in the channel are excited. In fact, the Microsoft ecosystem – component makers, PC manufacturers, distributors and resellers – is bracing for a lull rather than a surge in Windows-related sales."

On the same note, with today's economy it's likely the majority won't bother upgrading since their Windows installs work, so why upgrade now?

That may be true but, as far as I remember, it's the most sensibly priced version of Windows yet. Only $40 to upgrade.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#44

Post by r00fus »

marshray wrote: post #9
SoftwareMaven wrote: post #3

It almost feels like MS is setting itself up to be able to throw their whole OEM ecosystem out the door. MS is seeing their market shrink, so they may decide to stop sharing it with other people like they have in the past. They are starting by getting their toes in the water with Surface, Azure and direct-licensed upgrades to Windows. If so, that would be the boldest thing I've seen from Balmer (which is why I'm very…

Out of curiosity, how do you see Azure fitting in to this plan?

Easy - it's the fabric on which the iCloud-like services from Microsoft will be delivered.

Didn't Apple rely on Azure (in addition to other cloud providers) for iCloud? Or am I completely off the mark there?

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#45

Post by marshray »

r00fus wrote: post #44
marshray wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Out of curiosity, how do you see Azure fitting in to this plan?

Easy - it's the fabric on which the iCloud-like services from Microsoft will be delivered. Didn't Apple rely on Azure (in addition to other cloud providers) for iCloud? Or am I completely off the mark there?

I'm wondering why the traditional OEMs would feel betrayed by new cloud services. I guess it fits the general "post-PC" theme.

Re: Windows 8: Microsoft will declare victory, but will anyone believe it?

#46

Post by sixothree »

mariusmg wrote: post #35
sixothree wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's really the problem. Windows 7 / 2008 R2 are by far Microsoft's best operating systems yet. Going to be very tough to replace, which is what they seem to be trying to do.

Win 8 is a better OS than Win 7. Sensibly faster, proper multi monitor support, lots of cool improvements (explorer, task manager etc). It's sad that most people can't see behind Metro. Press Winkey +D on that start screen and start enjoying a great OS.

Yes, but it's horribly ugly visually. I just can't do that to myself.
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