Posted on 06/29/2010 11:47:25 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Although still early in the process, newly leaked documents about Windows 8 offer some keen insight into where Microsoft wants to head with the next version of the operating system.
One thing that is made abundantly clear is that Microsoft has been paying attention to Apple. In the documents, which appear to come from an April meeting with computer makers, Microsoft discusses its Cupertino, California-based rival and outlines plans to offer a Windows Store similar to the way Apple distributes software on its iPhone.
The documents, which Microsoft has declined to comment on or authenticate, also talk about plans to give Windows a more iPad-like response time through new power management settings.
In particular, one slide titled "How Apple Does It: A Virtuous Cycle," talks about the need for simplicity in design. "Apple brand is known for high quality, uncomplicated, 'it just works,'" the slide says, adding that "This is something people will pay for!"
Other slides don't directly reference Apple, but talk about the need for a number of features popularized by its products, including the App Store, as well as a more instant-on feel.
Although Windows has continued to dominate the PC market, still holding roughly 95 percent of global market share, it faces a significant threat from mobile operating systems looking to encroach on the low end of the computer market, including the iPad and Android-based devices.
Hewlett-Packard, which originally talked about plans for a Windows 7-based slate PC in January, now refuses to say whether it will build that product and has since announced plans to buy Palm in a deal expected to close shortly.
Microsoft has been working on tablets for nearly a decade and, as early as 2005, outlined the hardware trends that would enable a device like the iPad.
(Excerpt) Read more at edition.cnn.com ...
Competition is a good thing.
Yeah, but graft, theft, collusion, monopolies and suppression pay better.
Yeah, too bad there isn’t any. I mean come on now, with 95 percent of the market there is no effective competition. On the other hand, with just approx 5 percent market share, Apple proves that there is still a lot of money to be made in the margins.
Microsoft is the Obama administration of computerland.
Sleazy, uncreative, and unable to do anything that actually produces results.
That said Windows 8 might be worth a look as long as I can configure it like 2000/XP with third party applications. I have absolutely no use for their new worthless Start menu or taskbar.
Yep, and with 5(or is it 10 now) percent of market share, Apple can still move the giant(s).
In the Enterprise Licensing world, Microsoft likes to shove their "Software Assurance" program down your throat which forces your enterprise to upgrade and re-license as subscribed product versions (Office, Windows, etc) go General Available.
It's the biggest extortion racket in the licensing world that I know of. How is it legal? I'm not so sure it is, but hundreds of Fortune 500 companies bend over and take it every year. I suppose anything is legal as long as the contract is signed.
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