Can Microsoft's Windows 8 Actually Do It All?
Kamis, 02 Juni 2011 by Android Blackberry
Microsoft’s demo of Windows 8 showed the company’s path to tablets, a distinctive user interface as well as a lot of promise. But Microsoft’s biggest risk with Windows 8 revolves around the familiar themes that constantly haunt the firm: Reverse compatibility and also the require to create Windows the Swiss Army knife of computing.
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| Can Microsoft's Windows 8 Actually Do It All? |
At AllThingsD’s D9 conference Windows chief Steven Sinofsky highlighted windows future
which revolves around UI discovered on Windows Phone 7. Microsoft’s Live Tiles are sweet along with a welcome addition to both tablets and PCs.
Can Microsoft manage all the complexity under the hood though?
Microsoft’s Julie Larson-Green, vice president of Windows Experience, provides a set-up to Windows 8 that sounds excellent in theory, but ridiculously tough to pull off. Larson-Green noted “effortless movement between existing Windows programs and new Windows 8 apps.”
Then Larson-Green got on the reverse compatibility train.
The full capabilities of Windows continue to be accessible to you, including the Windows Explorer and Desktop, as does compatibility with all Windows 7 logo PCs, software program and peripherals.
While the new user interface is created and optimized for touch, it works equally nicely with a mouse and keyboard. Our approach means no compromises - you get to make use of whatever kind of device you prefer, with peripherals you pick out, to run the apps you enjoy. This is sure to inspire a brand new generation of hardware and software program development, enhancing the experience for PC users around the world
This immersive UI is the new start screen for all versions of Windows 8: The tablet versions, the laptop/notebook/netbook versions as well as the desktop PC versions. Users might be able to switch between this UI and a far more conventional Windows Aero sort interface, it appears.
Sounds wonderful correct? Except for the complexity. There’s a reason why Apple has the iOS plus the Mac OS. The devices those operating systems run are distinctly different. You'll find trade-offs involved. The iPad doesn’t do everything. Microsoft-and to a lesser extent Android-want tablets to do every thing. They want tablets to be PCs.
Daring Fireball’s John Gruber gets to the point. Gruber likes the Windows 8 UI, but doesn’t see Microsoft answering the iPad bell. Why? The Windows 8 model is too complex. Gruber writes:
Windows 8 is attempting to have it all, and I don’t believe that will be accomplished. You can’t make some thing conceptually lightweight if it’s carrying 25 years of Windows baggage.
From a organization perspective, Microsoft’s approach is totally logical. You can’t just cut off the Windows base. That works for Apple, but won’t fly with Microsoft, which has to reach back to support older platforms. Perhaps virtualization ultimately helps this time machine support, but that approach could be clunky too. Perhaps if RIM’s frankentablet works I’ll be a believer.
Add it up and it is challenging to do it all. Microsoft may be able to pull software program engineering perfection, but no compromises often means there genuinely are some for users within the delight department.
Related:
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Microsoft: Will it be too late to tablet party? Not with Office optimized device
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