Windows 8: Microsoft's Radical Move
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Microsoft decided to whip back the curtain on Windows 8, with demonstrations at the 2011 Computex conference in Taiwan and D:All Things Digital Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. If things stay on course through the final release, Microsoft's next-generation operating system will represent something of a sea change from previous versions of Windows. At least in the tablet version demonstrated at both conferences, Windows 8's user interface relies on large, colorful tiles that display active information and open applications at a finger-touch. ("Windows 8," by the way, is apparently Microsoft's internal codename for the OS, and not necessarily the moniker for the final version.) Windows 8 features multitasking, including the ability to display two apps side-by-side on the screen. Users can "snap" applications to one side of the screen, a feature heavily reminiscent of the "Aero Snap" present in Windows Vista and Windows 7. A swipe of the finger will cycle through apps. There's a virtual keyboard, adjustable Interface aside, Windows 8 will apparently support the full version of legacy applications such as Office. Microsoft has also provided a video of Windows 8 in action: "This represents a fundamental shift in Windows design that we haven't attempted since the days of Windows 95, presenting huge opportunities for our hardware partners to innovate with new PC designs," Mike Angiulo, corporate vice president of Windows Planning, Hardware and PC Ecosystem, reportedly told the audience at the Computex conference. Windows 8 on a tablet certainly looks pretty. The question is whether that streamlined, sleek interface can support the heavy-duty needs of hardcore PC users, who are used to the old Windows interface that allows for multiple open windows and documents and applications. Microsoft has shown how Windows 8 can play, particularly on a tablet; the question now is how Windows 8 can improve people's daily workflow--not to mention, how seamlessly it can reconcile this new interface and apps with the legacy baggage that so many users and developers bring to the proverbial table. |
Comments (5)
"The question is whether that streamlined, sleek interface can support the heavy-duty needs of hardcore PC users, who are used to the old Windows interface that allows for multiple open windows and documents and applications"
Well, yes, presumably it can, given that the video clearly shows Excel running in a maximized window on the familiar Windows desktop that fills the full screen. The window has the normal window buttons for minimization, closing, etc., and the Windows task bar is clearly visible at the bottom of the screen, complete with Start button. Clearly, the traditional Windows desktop experience is still very much available, but subsumed rather neatly by the 'Windows Phone-esque' experience.
I must say, having previously been highly sceptical about Microsoft's strategy for Windows tablets, I was mightily surprised and rather impressed by what they are demonstrating. I've never quite been able to justify the cost of an iPad. They are lovely to use, but just not powerful enough to make them worthwhile (for me). Same argument with Android tablets. Very much to my surprise, Windows tablets look like they may offer what I'm looking for.
Posted by jjalberts | June 2, 2011 7:47 PM
Many people are disappointed by the presentation.
We don't any connection with Windows Phone 7 apps.
Are they asking developers to develop apps in Silverlight for WP7, then redevelop it in HTML5 & JavaScript for Windows tablet? It is crazy!
HTML5 & JavaScript is OK for gadgets and some apps. But complex apps and games need to support Silverlight and XNA.
If MS does not change it, WP7 and Windows 8 are doomed for smartphone and tablet. As developers, we should focus on iOS and android.
Posted by Xiao59 | June 3, 2011 3:52 AM
As a developer, I want to write a program once and have it run on iOS, Android and Windows. MS doesn't have a monopoly anymore and writing strictly for Windows in .Net/Silverlight makes no sense. Mobile is where all the growth and excitement is and that means iOS/Android. I can't develop in Objective-C for iOS, Java for Android and .Net for Windows. I need to develop once and that is HTML5/Javascript.
Posted by Stephen Smith | June 6, 2011 7:31 PM
A new product launch should always be staggered in a manner that earlier product gets some chance to stabilize and soak in onto the popularity and acceptance of the masses. Windows 8 can wait.
Posted by edunetsys | June 12, 2011 11:50 AM
Looks like worthless overhead for Business owners. Of course more and more they just copy Apple. If they keep going this way eventually they will loose their coporeate user base.
Posted by Patrick Dooley | July 1, 2011 10:59 AM