So it sounds like we will see significant change in the new update, codenamed “blue”. I personally don’t think we will see too much movement away from the new Metro / Windows 8 brand. I do think we will see an improvement on functionality for people without tablets and a touch screen, but don’t think its going to be a complete rewind to the Windows 9x style start button.
As I have said in previous blogs, the issue, in my mind, isn’t that the new interface isn’t poor, its actually that you need new hardware and / or a complete mind-set change to use it. Don’t get me wrong, these are two very significant areas. Given our passive addiction with a mouse and keyboard it was never going to be easy for Microsoft (or anyone else for that matter) to get us to kick the habit.
I am a heavy Windows 8 user, with a tablet and a laptop running the new operating system. The laptop use was hard, clunky and difficult to migrate from the familiar Windows 9x style. I work in IT and found it tricky to remember all of the keyboard shortcuts. When I got my Tablet Windows 8 really started to make sense… I am a proper convert now. The ease of the tablet with the mix of office and play is truly excellent.
I do feel sorry for Steve Ballmer. The OS is good as a mix of work and play. It was just poorly executed in its messaging / delivery.