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Microsoft prepares rethink on Windows 8 flagship software
Topic Started: 8 May 2013, 05:54 AM (898 Views)
Black Panther
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Microsoft prepares rethink on Windows 8 flagship software

Microsoft is preparing to reverse course over key elements of its Windows 8 operating system, marking one of the most prominent admissions of failure for a new mass-market consumer product since Coca-Cola’s New Coke fiasco nearly 30 years ago.

“Key aspects” of how the software is used will be changed when Microsoft releases an updated version of the operating system this year, Tami Reller, head of marketing and finance for the Windows business, said in an interview with the Financial Times. Referring to difficulties many users have had with mastering the software, she added: “The learning curve is definitely real.”

Analysts warned that changing course would be a significant admission of failure for Steve Ballmer, chief executive, who called the October launch of Windows 8 a “bet-the-company” moment as Microsoft sought to respond to the success of Apple’s iPad.

“It’s a horrible thing for this to happen to your flagship product – he’ll take a hit for that,” said Mark Anderson, an independent tech analyst. “But he’s also responsible for a renaissance inside the company. There’s a level of risk and creativity going on that would never have happened two years ago.”

Richard Doherty, analyst at tech research firm Envisioneering, said: “This is like New Coke, going on for seven months – only Coke listened better.” Coca-Cola dropped its New Coke formula in response to a consumer backlash less than three months after launch.

Windows 8 was an ambitious attempt to update the personal computer for the tablet era by moving to a new touchscreen interface based on colourful tiles, hiding the “desktop” launch screen familiar to white collar workers and consumers around the world.

The combination PC and tablet software was widely panned by reviewers and has been blamed by some analysts for worsening the slump in sales that has rocked the PC industry. Even before its launch, Tim Cook, chief executive of Apple, said Windows 8 would be like combining a toaster and a fridge – something that, while technically possible, was “probably not going to be pleasing to the user”.

Ms Reller refused to reveal details of the changes Microsoft would make to Windows 8. However, the clamour from reviewers has become overwhelming for a return to a more familiar PC interface. Ms Reller said PC users had faced difficulties adapting to the new software.

Pressure has been building for Windows 8 PCs to launch the familiar desktop view when turned on – and to bring back the “start” button featured in the lower left corner of the screen in previous releases.

Microsoft has also admitted to a range of other slips with the launch of Windows 8, including failing to do enough to train retail staff and educate potential customers about the new software, as well as not focusing all of its financial incentives behind the touchscreen PCs that show off Windows 8 to best advantage. “It’s very clear we could and should have done more,” Ms Reller said.

Despite the slips, she said that Microsoft continued to view the software as suitable for both PCs and tablets and that “customer satisfaction with Windows 8 with touch is strong”.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/330c8b8e-b66b-11e2-93ba-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2SdNpcAHx
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themoops
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Funny how such a dirty corrupt parasite has such a big woody for MS.
stinkbug omosessuale


Frank Castle is a liar and a criminal. He will often deliberately take people out of context and use straw man arguments.
Frank finally and unintentionally gives it up and admits he got where he is, primarily via dumb luck!
See here
Property will be 50-70% off by 2016.
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Joseph
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had a play with windows 8 yesterday. what a schmozzlle, is it an ipad? is it xp? all over the place imho.
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miw
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Joseph
8 May 2013, 10:52 AM
had a play with windows 8 yesterday. what a schmozzlle, is it an ipad? is it xp? all over the place imho.
I've been using it for about 6 months now.

Once you get used to going straight to desktop and find where the start menu things went, it is very close to the W7 experience.

I suspect the service pack will allow you to go straight to desktop by default and aggregate start menu things back under a start button like W7. Something they should have done from day 1. The tiled desktop adds nothing to a non-touch-enabled device.
The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off.
--Gloria Steinem
AREPS™
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Ex BP Golly
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themoops
8 May 2013, 06:54 AM
Funny how such a dirty corrupt parasite has such a big woody for MS.
Micro-soft; long-horn; big-flop.

Im so poetic! :pop:
WHAT WOULD EDDIE DO? MAAAATE!
Share a cot with Milton?
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