The next desktop OS is expanding to be many more things.
Microsoft's next operating system for the desktop is due out very soon. If you have been working with it, you understand just how much of a shift it is from what you are currently doing under Windows XP, Vista or 7. The whole concept of the desktop has changed to tiles. And with these tiles, it bears a close resemblance to the screen for Windows Phone 8. It does appear that Microsoft has made some long term decisions as to how the interfaces are going to look and this is definitely one of those paradigm shifts.
Microsoft is attempting to revolutionize the interface once again, but this time they are trying to do it across many different devices. The changes to the Windows Phone 8 interface work well because of the compact nature of the smart phone. And that will work in that environment. But betting that the same interface will work on all other devices is a big leap in technology. For the phones, Microsoft's OS did not exist, so it was far easier to release and make it a standard. It appears to have been well received.
The bigger problem for Microsoft and the risk is with respect to the paradigm shift for the desktop users which also includes laptop users. I have been working with the Windows 8 for a few months and find it difficult to make the shift to the new interface. There are many who are questioning the change to tiles for Windows 8. It is confusing and along with the some what similar desktop screen included, it creates confusion. Things got so bad this morning while I was trying to accomplish something that I downlaoded Start8 so that I could get back to the old standard Windows desktop so that I could accomplish the task at hand. That is a bad situation to be in. There are other who have voiced issues with the interface which will take some getting used to.
The basic consensus is that you will hate Windows 8 at first and I would agree with that. Some believe that after a while, you will adjust to the changes and life will go on. But the differences will drive you nuts for far longer than that.
For those who have not used a Windows desktop in the past, it will be a far easier adjustment to make. For those who have become very accustomed to Windows and where everything is located, this will be excruciating in trying to learn where everything actually is to use. That is why I downloaded a piece of software to get things back to what I am used to. You may feel the need to do exactly the same thing after using Windows 8 for a while.
One of the big winners for Windows 8 may be their coming Surface tablet. Much of the new interface is designed for use with touch screens which exactly fits their 10.6 inch screen. This is where Windows 8 will really shine and makes perfect sense for users. The problem is that Windows 8 has been designed pretty much as a one size fits all. And for Microsoft this may create a big problem for them. Business users may balk at purchasing the latest version from Microsoft. And they have a big impact on how successful an OS can be for Microsoft. It could even open the door to other companies to get their OS into businesses, such as Ubuntu. That is not want Microsoft should be doing.
Just how well Windows 8 is received is up to consumers. We should know by the end of the year just how well it is received. Add on companies which can return to your the familiar Windows desktop may do very well. Are you considering moving to Windows 8?
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