3 ms·

It's not required, but Windows 8.1 pushes you very strongly to log into your Microsoft account, and to create one if you haven't already. If you don't, most of

by kylec 12y ago

It's not required, but Windows 8.1 pushes you very strongly to log into your Microsoft account, and to create one if you haven't already. If you don't, most of the built-in Metro (er, Modern) apps won't work, including some like Calendar which you'd think shouldn't need it. Further, if/when you finally break down and sign into your MS account, you have to use it to sign into your computer from then on, instead of using the password you set when you created your local user account. So unfortunately, the scenario you described is pretty much already here for Windows users.

AnimalMuppet 12y ago
If Microsoft wants to fix something, fix the thinking behind that. Microsoft has an awful history of trying to "leverage" assets like Windows to try to get people to use things like IE or Bing or whatever. But when Microsoft uses leverage, customers feel forced. I don't want Microsoft to force me to have an online account! I just want to do what I want with my computer, not what Microsoft wants me to do, and I don't want to have to fight Microsoft to do it. I'm tired of having to fight them for control of my computer for the last 15 years. If they want to change, the best change they can make is to change their attitude about who actually owns my PC.
- lloeki 12y ago
  This time it seems it's the other way around: people are asking for more cloud and mobile, thereby dragging Windows on PC towards that unified cloud ecosystem their two leading competitors already have, possibly at the cost of those not wanting that. The core of the message is an admission that, while still a massive component of their business due to sheer inertia, Windows on typical PC hardware is not what makes Microsoft relevant anymore. IOW Microsoft clearly aims at not becoming the next IBM.
ttflee 12y ago
Maybe that was the reason behind the boycott of Windows 8 by Chinese Government.

by kylec 12y ago

AnimalMuppet 12y ago

If Microsoft wants to fix something, fix the thinking behind that. Microsoft has an awful history of trying to "leverage" assets like Windows to try to get people to use things like IE or Bing or whatever. But when Microsoft uses leverage, customers feel forced. I don't want Microsoft to force me to have an online account! I just want to do what I want with my computer, not what Microsoft wants me to do, and I don't want to have to fight Microsoft to do it. I'm tired of having to fight them for control of my computer for the last 15 years. If they want to change, the best change they can make is to change their attitude about who actually owns my PC.

lloeki 12y ago
This time it seems it's the other way around: people are asking for more cloud and mobile, thereby dragging Windows on PC towards that unified cloud ecosystem their two leading competitors already have, possibly at the cost of those not wanting that. The core of the message is an admission that, while still a massive component of their business due to sheer inertia, Windows on typical PC hardware is not what makes Microsoft relevant anymore. IOW Microsoft clearly aims at not becoming the next IBM.

ttflee 12y ago

Maybe that was the reason behind the boycott of Windows 8 by Chinese Government.