Today Ian looks at the impending new operating system from Microsoft, and doesn't seem entirely happy...
Windows 8 - I'm not convinced.
With previous versions of Windows, I've always know if I loved or hated it pretty much straight away. The transition from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95, for example, was one of utter joy. If you were around at the time, you'll know how much of a forward jump 95 was graphically. It was certainly amazing in comparison with the clunky old interface of the DOS GUI that was 3.11.
But Windows 8 has me worried. I honestly think Windows 7 is just about perfect from a visual perspective, and operationally too. Microsoft has been much better recently at thinking about how people use computers, and has managed to build operating systems that are stable, powerful, but still retain compatibility with hardware from a very long time ago.
And Windows 8 retains much of that, and also adds support for a very important category: the tablet. Traditionally, Microsoft has been very pro-tablet. But forget about the slickness of the iPad. Tablets that run windows are full-featured computers. As such, they drink power, look hideous and are a pain to carry around. Hardly surprising, when they run on miniaturised versions of laptop hardware.
Windows 8 changes that by adding support for ARM-based tablets. These are much more akin to the iPad, have long battery life, have slender proportions and will actually be competitors for the iOS and Android devices that people seem to love. Microsoft has been clever too, because the compatibility means it will have developers ready and waiting to develop for it.
The problem I have, is that with each passing day, I'm hearing more things about the desktop-style user interface that I don't like. It feels like Microsoft is marginalising the main users of its products. While I like the Metro interface - it's much more touch friendly, with large icons - I don't want it to be my main way of interacting with my computer.
I should have some faith I suppose, but the early previews all seem to have taken Windows 7, stripped out the bits I like, and replaced it with something that will hamper my productivity. That makes me sad. I suppose I should wait and see what happens when it comes out, but right now, I think I'm going to be one of those people who doesn't upgrade. You know, like those still using XP, because it suited their needs perfectly. And that scares me, because I'm pro-progress!
