Microsoft takes on Apple with the radically redesigned Windows 8

[DigitalBuddha]

Microsoft takes on Apple with the radically redesigned Windows 8

Microsoft's new version of Windows is fantastic, jarring, and risky at the same time. Fantastic because it marks the clearest sign yet that Microsoft is embracing the future, shifting from the device that defined the company, the personal computer, to the new era of mobile machines.

Windows 8, which is being released on Wednesday as an unfinished "consumer preview" (download yours here!), is an excellent touchscreen operating system. A few days ago Microsoft loaned me a prototype Samsung tablet running the new OS, and I've found the interface to be just as good as, and in some ways even better than, the iPad's OS.

If hardware companies begin making decent tablets to run Windows 8, the new operating system could make for the first worthy rival to Apple's unstoppable machine.

Have to say, though the actual look and feel of Windows 8 might not look like this, I like the direction Microsoft seems to be going...........



Start here - http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2012/02/windows_8_microsoft_s_radical_redesign_of_the_computer_desktop_.html

[Landshark]

I am not a fan of the Metro UI. I know it can be turned off on desktops, but something about it just grinds my gears.

Also this:

[DigitalBuddha]

Interesting analogy, but are you certain about the "no freely realizable/movable windows?" That makes little sense not to include that capability, is a staple of organizing your desktop, and has been a function of virtually all GUIs for years. Unless Microsoft has come up with one hell of a better idea to replace "freely realizable/movable windows," they will have a hard time selling Windows 8 to almost anyone, including me.

OK, second draft here; OPPS, just read.........

Metro also disposes with windows. Yes, really. By default, all Metro programs take up the full screen. And the maximum number of Metro programs you can display on your screen at the same time is two, and even then, one window occupies almost the full screen, with the second program squeezed to a narrow band on the side. In the shot below, for instance, I've got a PDF displayed on the right side while the Finance app is scrunched on the left.

Has the whole world gone crazy?!! Freely realizable windows, those are the fucking rules!!

[meekon5]

Actually it looks like the shit they did with the xbox interface. I am really not enjoying the new xbox change.

[DigitalBuddha]

Actually it looks like the shit they did with the xbox interface. I am really not enjoying the new xbox change.

All I can say is I hope they listen to the Windows using public.

[meekon5]

Actually it looks like the shit they did with the xbox interface. I am really not enjoying the new xbox change.

All I can say is I hope they listen to the Windows using public.

Like when did that ever happen?

W7 is reasonably good.

So the next one must be shit.

[DigitalBuddha]

Actually it looks like the shit they did with the xbox interface. I am really not enjoying the new xbox change.

All I can say is I hope they listen to the Windows using public.

Like when did that ever happen?

W7 is reasonably good.

So the next one must be shit.

A reasonable theory, I would say.

[Landshark]

Actually it looks like the shit they did with the xbox interface. I am really not enjoying the new xbox change.

All I can say is I hope they listen to the Windows using public.

Like when did that ever happen?

W7 is reasonably good.

So the next one must be shit.

A reasonable theory, I would say.

Fellow Dudes I propose to you...The Law of Windows.




I almost think the Metro UI is meant as a way to shift away from Desktops and Laptops. Ever since the first iPad was released "tech analysts" have kept saying the tablet platform is the way of the future and I believe at some point Microsoft mentioned that Windows 8 is meant to be used more with a touch interface

I sure hope the future isn't mobile devices and tablets only.

[BikerDude]

For most consumers the OS is going to become more and more irrelevant.
It will just be a way for them to get to the most used apps which will increasingly be online.
It'll be different for business users but the lions share of home users will just boot up to the internet for the most popular apps.
And it will probably be either on TV's or small form factor devices. Think a merging of the phone, tablet, gps etc etc...
I think the PC and Mac and even the tablet are going to fade away and be absorbed by the TV and the phone.

[meekon5]

For most consumers the OS is going to become more and more irrelevant.
It will just be a way for them to get to the most used apps which will increasingly be online.
It'll be different for business users but the lions share of home users will just boot up to the internet for the most popular apps.
And it will probably be either on TV's or small form factor devices. Think a merging of the phone, tablet, gps etc etc...
I think the PC and Mac and even the tablet are going to fade away and be absorbed by the TV and the phone.

The Museum is experimenting with VDI (Virtual Desktop Interface) soon all the end users will have is a box that plugs into network. They wont even know what operating system they are using most of the time.

[DigitalBuddha]

For most consumers the OS is going to become more and more irrelevant.
It will just be a way for them to get to the most used apps which will increasingly be online.
It'll be different for business users but the lions share of home users will just boot up to the internet for the most popular apps.
And it will probably be either on TV's or small form factor devices. Think a merging of the phone, tablet, gps etc etc...
I think the PC and Mac and even the tablet are going to fade away and be absorbed by the TV and the phone.

The Museum is experimenting with VDI (Virtual Desktop Interface) soon all the end users will have is a box that plugs into network. They wont even know what operating system they are using most of the time.

Sounds cool, M5, any screen shots available? What does the Virtual Desktop look like?