Microsoft made a move with Windows 8 that users either hated or loved. Microsoft saw a future that laptops would all have touch screens, users would want their desktops and laptops more like their phones. Now businesses may have seen this and thought that it wasn’t the future, and in fact it either scared businesses to upgrade to Windows 7 or keep their outdated system. Consumers hated the change, while some welcomed the new layout, features, and touch screen capabilities. Now most laptops being sold have touch screens and take full advantage of Windows 8.
Now Microsoft is taking a set back and making Windows 10 more like Windows 7. There will still be the welcome screen with apps, but the desktop will be the main screen the computer boots to. Windows 10 will still be optimized for touch screens, but it won’t be more like our tablets or phones. This move from Microsoft is a bad reversal from the company that has managed to become cool again and embraced mobile recently.
The Windows apps and the marketplace made it easier for users to find and use apps. I’ve become an avid user of the Twitter and Facebook app because they are better than the web version and I am able to snap the Twitter or Facebook app next to a game or a different app. The marketplace won’t go anywhere, but with the desktop more developers will not take their time to develop apps just for the marketplace or the Windows 8 style apps.
Other than the ranting of my somewhat crazy love for Windows 8, I think Windows 8 grows on you. User hate change and the huge change from Windows 7 to 8 scared users, but more people are becoming accustomed to the touch screen that people almost always have on their phone. Users are starting to think of their laptop or desktop of less than just a desktop and more of a smartphone that’s more powerful, but sometimes that isn’t always the case. The normal consumer uses apps like Facebook, Twitter, and their internet browser to check email.
Professionals and businesses may embrace Windows 10, Adobe understands that some will love to use touch screens and the mouse from time to time. Microsoft change to make our desktops and laptops more like our phones is a smart move, but they are backtracking in Windows 10. Windows 10 may integrate Cortana which is Google Now’s and Siris rival. Windows 10 will make desktops and laptops feel less like tablets and phones that users will once again distinguish them as two different use cases.
Overall Microsoft saw the future but didn’t want to stick it out because too many people are hating on Windows 8. Tell us in the comments below what you think about the leaks and information Microsoft has given us on Windows 10 which will come out late 2015.
I think, it’s good that it’s not going “mobile” the desktop computer does not need a mobile operating system it needs a powerful – reliable one. I see it useful on a tablets like the Surface, but not on every computer.
I do agree though, they shouldn’t turn back on the Start Screen, it is GREAT for productivity, and for the average user. But users that use the desktop more for work, and development also need a powerful and productive desktop; Which for windows 10 they are finally improving upon.
They’ve upgraded command prompt, added better multi desktop management, and improved snap-assist. And even with the new start menu they have integrated the start screen into it, and they’ve made modern apps more user-friendly.
They’re taking a step back from the Start Screen for the time being. But while they are, they’re finally updating parts of the OS users have been asking for, for a while. The smartest thing I think they can do is allow the metro screen to step out of the spotlight for a while and let users discover it, and get friendly with it on their own terms.
Edit – Sorry, I didn’t mean to write an essay 😛
They are making Windows 10 more productive and useful for professionals and businesses which is amang and great. However, the average user wants to just grab and go. If Microsoft could make solid state drives the norm that would be amazing and improve the speeds for all computers. The start screen on the start menu is clever to get users used to it, but the move back is going to make it hard for users to adjust in the long run.