4 ms·

As much as I wish this were true (I've been gunning for the MS downfall forever), I doubt it will be the case. My (non-technical) girlfriend recently needed a

by tammer 14y ago

As much as I wish this were true (I've been gunning for the MS downfall forever), I doubt it will be the case. My (non-technical) girlfriend recently needed a reformat, so on a whim I installed the 8 RC to see what her reaction would be. She loves it. It is, quite simply, the first Windows release that presents software in a friendly and usable way that allows the non-technical user to get just as much from a PC as they could from a Mac. Difference drives the uptake of software, otherwise we'd still be on Windows 95. 8 is just as rock stable as 7, but faster, and with an interface that is more logical and easy to grasp. I see no reason why it won't be a huge success (besides some kind of major corporate-IT catastrophe). Newell's comments are leveled at Microsoft's monopoly on software distribution for Windows RT, which may in fact cause a disruption much like the one he outlines. The consumer, however, will finally learn what the "flag button" on their keyboard is for.

FreshCode 14y ago
Wow, this is the first positive reported use-case I've heard for Windows 8 "in the wild". Can anyone corroborate this from a non-technical user experience?
- tammer 14y ago
  I think the lack of positive feedback on the blogoweb is due to the the degree that 8 is directed at non-technical users. Many HN'ers and the tech writers we read will be put off by the metaphorical down-talking of the start 'menu'. I doubt any technical users will have any interest in Metro apps on PCs. The same features that make non-techies feel less affronted with interface elements will feel childish to experienced users. (Just take a look at the HN discussions surrounding the skeumorphic calendar app in Moutain Lion - its the same distaste, just to a lesser degree.) And, if you don't get any benefit from the Metro apps or start 'menu', you really don't get much benefit out of 8. Gabe is absolutely correct to offer Steam on Linux. Many technical Windows users who have invested in their PCs (read: many gamers) will use their distaste as an opportunity to try Ubuntu. People are always looking for something new, especially in regards to software. None of this, I believe, will make 8 a business failure for MS.

by tammer 14y ago

FreshCode 14y ago

Wow, this is the first positive reported use-case I've heard for Windows 8 "in the wild". Can anyone corroborate this from a non-technical user experience?

tammer 14y ago
I think the lack of positive feedback on the blogoweb is due to the the degree that 8 is directed at non-technical users. Many HN'ers and the tech writers we read will be put off by the metaphorical down-talking of the start 'menu'. I doubt any technical users will have any interest in Metro apps on PCs. The same features that make non-techies feel less affronted with interface elements will feel childish to experienced users. (Just take a look at the HN discussions surrounding the skeumorphic calendar app in Moutain Lion - its the same distaste, just to a lesser degree.) And, if you don't get any benefit from the Metro apps or start 'menu', you really don't get much benefit out of 8. Gabe is absolutely correct to offer Steam on Linux. Many technical Windows users who have invested in their PCs (read: many gamers) will use their distaste as an opportunity to try Ubuntu. People are always looking for something new, especially in regards to software. None of this, I believe, will make 8 a business failure for MS.