Posted on 07/06/2010 12:30:05 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
Here’s the short story: Leaked NDA Microsoft slides that landed on an Italian blog site have spread like wildfire. The content of the slides shows that Microsoft is pushing some innovative technology for Windows 8, but also very much looking to Apple’s business model for inspiration. Here’s some analysis.
First, a tip of the hat to Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet for condensing the story. She sourced the Microsoft Kitchen blog that covered the leak, and that blog, in turn sourced the Italian blog ‘Windowsette’ that scooped the leak, which in turn was picked up by most of the Apple rumors sites that I read. Bottom line? This stuff is everywhere.
But other than the plethora of new features, technology, and 2012 timeline Microsoft has laid out for the release of Windows 8, there’s one very interesting slide in particular.
No, you’re not seeing things. That’s an — allegedly — internal slide from the Microsoft Windows team, asking themselves how Apple does so damn well, and how they can mimic the results. The best part is? They’ve even focused on Apple’s mantra “It Just Works.” What’s more interesting than that is the focus on value and user experience. Windows Vista was a focus on flashier graphics, but didn’t do so hot in the UX field. Windows 7 finally started to nail that down, and my assumption is that Windows 8 will be much more fluid, futuristic and minimalistic-ly modern a-la Mac OS X.
Worth repeating: value is the focus here. Microsoft wants to create something people want to pay for, other than something people simply buy because it’s cheaper or preloaded on a PC. Apple has shown that a price tag isn’t as big of a deal when the product has a high level of worth and desirability and functionality.
Lastly, the above picture of the computer is — dare I say it — an iMac prototype clone for a “Windows” computer running Windows 8. In case you were curious, other leaked slides detail that there may be a Windows App store, plus faster start-up and shutdown time, a refocus on functionality and snappier user experience, easier recovery, restore and reset and a facial recognition system for logging in for enhanced security.
Officially, Microsoft hasn’t made a comment, but we didn’t think they would.
Here’s to Windows 8.
That's fine. You keep seething because your computer at work can't be like your computer at home, and never understand that there's a reason for it. You just stay mad about it.
I have 5 Apples over 20 years, an iPad, iPods and iPhones.
I know Apple makes a terrific computer. Perhaps you can help someone else.
I’m sure they’re all very pretty.
They have been terrific. Yes, without your help.
Do you get email on any of them?
Why don’t you find someone who appreciates your opinion. It’s not me. Enjoy your OS, really.
And you enjoy being able to send an receive your email on pocket toys.
What’s wrong with you people. Peddle your opinion elsewhere.
It’s a chat forum. It’s where people come to exchange ideas and opinions. If you don’t like other people’s opinions, maybe it’s not a good place to be.
Wiw, FR is a “chat forum”!!! Haha! How old are you, little boy?
This is the General/Chat forum on Free Republic. The posting guidelines ask that we refrain from personal attacks. I;m old enough to understand what all that means. How about you?
Those of us old enough to remember when the first Macs came out without a keyboard because the mouse was all you needed, and the first terminal emulators had to have a pull-down menu for a keyboard in case the user was on a mouse-only machine, think "The Wheel" is uproariously funny.
I think of those early Macs every time the keyboard pops up on my iPod Touch.
> I don't think Microsoft will copy this one, however...
Nah, they'll do it with only The Joystick instead of The Wheel. :)
Actually, though, addressing the topic of the thread, I fail to see what's wrong with a technology having product concept and design meetings that include sessions of "What the Competition is Doing Right and How Can We Do As Well". It's just part of business.
Ummm, you're out of line. I say this as a FRiend, not an Admin Mod, but I suggest you cool your jets, since you're in the wrong on this particular item. This thread is posted in the "Chat Forum".
Non-voting shares.
Are you a mod?
Actually, between you and me, here's a little inside information from the Halls of Redmond...
It uses the controls from Flight Simulator. But only the foot pedals, so you can keep your hands free for the mouse...;)
Actually, though, addressing the topic of the thread, I fail to see what's wrong with a technology having product concept and design meetings that include sessions of "What the Competition is Doing Right and How Can We Do As Well". It's just part of business.
I fully agree. And if folks don't think Apple doesn't do the same thing, well, all I can say is that when it comes time to design new audio subsystems there's always a lab full of laptops from Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, etc.
Same thing when one of those other companies looks to upgrade things as well - you see Macs in the mix along with all other brands.
Wrong. Been hashed out before. Was a short-term deal as part of a settlement. Swordmaker has laid out the timeline and story several times.
> Are you a mod?
No, I'm not. That's what I meant by "not an Admin Mod". My comment was a friendly suggestion, that's all.
And I'm perfectly content to STFU, if that's where you're going. Have a great evening and enjoy the food-fight. :)
I’ve been reading your posts and see that you are pretty even handed about the Apple/PC debate.
Your stepping in when the resident Apple trolls act up would be appreciated. It’s been worse than ever recently.
Careful - someone here will start referring to you as an Apple “fanboy” or worse....
Though you pretty much hit the nail on the head.
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