Posted on 07/24/2015 7:57:51 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The most anticipated feature of Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows 10, set for release on Wednesday, isn't some new application. It's the return of the traditional Start screen, which Microsoft ditched in August 2012, with Windows 8.
For that reason, Windows 10 is a lot like Coca-Cola Classic.
Let me explain.
When the Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) announced in April 1985 that New Coke would replace the original formula of its flagship soft drink, consumers protested. Some even hoarded cases of the original flavor beverage.
New Coke is now seen as a cautionary tale about tampering with a well-established and successful brand.
In October 2012, Microsoft introduced Windows 8, a new version of its popular PC operating system with a radically redesigned user interface. Win 8 was designed with touchscreens in mind, even though few people had or wanted a touchscreen PC. The operating system was clunky to use with a keyboard and mouse.
Like New Coke, Windows 8 forced changes on the public that the company thought people would prefer. And like the dud soft drink, consumers rejected Windows 8.
Even now after almost three years on the market, Windows 8 has only mustered 16% market share, based on PCs on the Internet, according to Net Applications. By comparison, Windows 7 still has 61% of the market and 14-year-old Windows XP has 12%.
Just like Coke drinkers stockpiled the original formula beverage, many PC owners stuck with their Windows XP and 7 machines and refused to move to the new OS. And PC makers amassed Windows 7 licenses that they could install on new PCs if customers so desired.
When Coca-Cola Co. brought back the original formula three months after the debut of New Coke, it tried to put a positive spin on the move by rebranding the old drink "Coca-Cola Classic."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.investors.com ...
The most anticipated feature of Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows 10, set for release on Wednesday, isn’t some new application. It’s the return of the traditional Start screen, which Microsoft ditched in August 2012, with Windows 8.
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Apparently I am the only Windows 8 user that doesn’t miss the “Traditional Start Screen”. I’m hoping that Windows 10 has the option to turn it off. I’m New Coke all the way.
I use Windows 8 and it’s great. Just install Classic Shell (free download) and the start menu is back.
Windows 8 is fine for me. Mrs p6 took to it no problems. Heck I even like the charms bar.
We don’t have touchscreens on our Windows devices.
Both of us are eager to try Win10 and like you don’t want the original start menu!
Seem like ever 10 years of so Microsoft come out with an “OS” the SUCKS ROYAL(ME, Vista and now 8(actually it’s 8.1 now)). I am beginning to think it a part of the “Grand” Microsoft Marketing “Stategy”.
When Coca-cola returned to Coke Classic, it was NOT the same as the old Coke. They claimed it was, but it had a slightly different taste and fizz.
Win10 — unless it will run old DOS and XP programs — will NOT be ‘the same as ...’
Win10 supposedly drops IE and Windows Media Center. I have hardware and software that needs one of those. I have to assume that hardware and those software programs would be dead under Win10. Of course, they are old enough that there will probably not be comparable replacements.
I have lost too many software programs and hardware because of new Windows releases. Too bad they dropped the ‘backward compatible’ concept.
“Apparently I am the only Windows 8 user that doesn’t miss the “Traditional Start Screen”.”
It looks like there are three of you.
Whhhoooooaaaa... revolutionary. (\sarc off)
I blame Bahmer.
He seemed like a non-tech person who thought he could sell any widget with meaningless adjectives.
Windows 10 will still have IE 11 installed. The default browser at first launch will be the new codename Spartan or Edge browser, but the old one is still available... otherwise no corporate customers would buy the OS.
Sorry, but I gave up playing with brightly colored blocks when I was about 3.
Supposedly 8.1 fixed the consumer complaint about the original start button and menu. But no, it is not the same. Microsoft gave in a bit but still saying they know better than their customers what they should like.
Therefore their customers continue whatever they were doing. Windows 10 sales pitch is a final save face effort.
Windows 95/98: Good
Windows ME: Crap
Windows XP: Good
Windows Vista: Crap
Windows 7: Good
Windows 10: ?
Oops, forgot.
Windows 8: Crap
IMHO, the New Coke “debacle” was a brilliant bit of guerilla marketing. Prompt people to buy up all of your old product, then at least try the new one, and then bring back the original to a boom in sales - some debacle.
RE: IE 11 still installed under Win10.
I use an old tabbed IE-based browser because of some editing add-ons that are not longer available and have no comparable modern versions.
Last year, MS updates (which I have turned off) installed IE 10. The old browser would no longer work. I did manage to ‘uninstall’ it and return to IE9. My old tabbed browser works again.
/snort
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