Last week I had the pleasure of trying out one of the new Nokia Lumina 900 smartphones, which features the Windows Phone operating system using Metro. For those of you who have had the opportunity to try either of Microsoft’s test releases of Windows 8, you have probably struggled with a love/hate relationship with the Metro design. No matter what your opinion of Metro, or your opinion of Windows 8, there is one thing that I know for sure. The Nokia 900 is a fine piece of engineering and compares favorably with any Apple iPhone or Google Android smartphone that I have used.
So this morning when I read What’s Wrong with Windows Phone? from Ian Paul of PC World, I had to ask myself the same question. What is wrong with Windows Phone and why are consumers ignoring it? Will the same fate befall Windows 8 and will consumers reject the new Windows 8 tablets?
Mr. Paul did an excellent job describing his opinion of why Windows Phone is a flop:
- Bad timing of its launch.
- Carrier partnerships and lack of support for Windows Phone.
- Muddled marketing messages.
- Deficit of applications when compared to what is being offered by Apple and Android platforms.
One thing I am sure Windows 8 will receive is plenty of support from OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] like Dell, HP, Sony, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, and others who build PCs. Their very existence as computer companies is all dependent on Windows 8′s success and how well the public accepts the new operating system. Now toss in Intel, which has seen all of these smartphones and tablets use non-Intel CPUs and you can small the lust for blood.
In the smartphone arena, Apple led the way when it first introduced its extremely popular iPhone on June 29, 2007. This gem brought us a combination of telephone and computer into a single, slim design. The operating system was a marvel of invention and, once again, Intel was nowhere to be seen. Next we saw the introduction of a fleet of Google Android cellphones that have flooded the market place and now hold the number one spot in cellphone sales. No Microsoft, no Intel.
However, one of the problems I believe that may plague Windows 8 is the same problem that is plaguing the Windows Phone. Microsoft is showing up late to the tablet party. There was a time when Microsoft and Intel didn’t have to compete. They just produced their software and hardware and consumers scooped up PCs like a child scoops up candy. But that all ended on March 12, 2010. That was the day that Apple introduced its first iPad. The iPad was a piece of art that mesmerized the user with a whiz-bang operating system featuring a non-Intel processor.
Fast forward some two and one-half years later and Apple iPad controls the tablet market and Google Android controls the smartphone market. What is needed is a whiz-bang operating system to blow Windows users’ minds and what do we get? We get a variation of the Windows Phone operating system with a lackluster list of applications that is years behind the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play for the Android OS.
Now before everyone who reads this jumps down my throat hollering “He’s an Apple fan boy,” this is not the case. In fact, for my main systems, I use Windows 7 to surf, write, and edit my blog postings. Trying to use the Apple iPad, Android smartphone, or Amazon Kindle Fire to accomplish real work for me is a non-issue. I rely on Windows and Microsoft Office for my daily chores. The other devices I own are supplements to — not replacements for — a full-blown Windows 7 system.
I have been faithfully upgrading my Windows systems since Windows first was introduced. The only version of Windows I never used was Windows ME. I always wanted to have the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft on my computers and paid for the upgrades to have the latest geek toy. Microsoft has decided to change the way Windows functions after some 17 years of having a Start button. I personally don’t see an issue with using a Start screen in lieu of a Start button.
There are enough opinions being bantered about concerning the one Windows OS for both desktop/laptop computers and tablets. The questions that will need to be answered will be these:
- Will consumers see any benefit to using Windows 8 on a desktop or laptop computer?
- Will consumers flock to Windows 8 on the tablet platform?
These and other questions will not be answered until after Microsoft releases the full blown version to manufacturing sometime later this year. How consumers and businesses alike respond to the newest and latest operating system from Microsoft is still an unknown that one can only guess as to the results, good or bad.
As for myself, I am going to hold off judgment until the final release goes public and I have had a chance to try the full operating system on my test computer. I would recommend that those of you who chose to read this far into this article do the same. There are too many variables to make an informed decision just yet.
Comments welcome.
CC licensed Flickr photo above shared by backofthenapkin
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You’re not going to like me… I am a Windows Fanboy but I also develop for Windows Phone (also did it for Windows Mobile, completely different), Windows 98 (I was 13 making Basic Coding for x32 Processors) – Windows 7 and now Windows 8 (x32-x64 + ARM/RT) in which one of my App’s will be the first in the Windows Store when it officially launches.
I bring it up only because I hope it gives you a good insight that I of all people you’d think would be horribly upset about the new Windows… I’m not upset actually and I think people just don’t get it. When you press the Start button in Windows to access your programs, you have to go to multiple processes (Start Icon>All Programs>Program Name or if Folder with multiple Options>Program Desired) to get to the actual full App list and scroll and it’s basic looking and can be a big blur.
Most people are visual learners and in general shiny, big, colorful items catch our eyes. Exactly why Icons to App’s can make or break the App sometimes, much like an OS’s UI and perhaps why people like iOS + OSX, it’s very clean and shiny. However, I tell people you need to look at the Start Menu as a re-design. It shows you big smart icons that are right in your face and large and no list scrolling (unless you have a lot pinned to the Start Screen) but 1-Click and goes to the main App and no questioning if this is the right thing to push, it’s large and in your face.
The current windows design is smaller, little confusing to new users, and yes the Desktop now has icons but if you’re like some people, you have dozens of those little icons and they get lost. The also good part about the Win8 Start is you don’t have an Icon pinned for whatever reason? Well normally you’d click Start and navigate to find the app, now you simply just press the letters on your keyboard (or on-screen) and instantly get the App you were looking for, without any work. You literally just type, no special procedures.
As a Dev, I am upset as the ecosystem has changed, API’s differ and really different in the new VS 11 Beta. I am not happy at ALL with the new Visual Studio nor the Win8 SDK. Sure I can make App’s that run in the Desktop (non-Metro) but the idea is to make Metro App’s as the experience can be better than what is current as people forget the new world of App’s are constantly changing, look at the iPad as it has full-screen App’s and so do our Phones but yet we don’t complain about that? If you care so much, you can make Metro App’s Side-By-Side or even 20/80 Side-By-Side.
I do like Microsoft’s initiative where if you can run Windows 8, you’re already ready to expect it’s going to be the same or like it on your Windows Phone, Windows Tablet and unlike iOS and it’s current devices, Windows Tablets run real Windows and can run real Windows Apps. Sure cloud-App’s for these type of products I am hinting about exist but not the point. I do like the fact I can Link my Hotmail/LIVE account with my Windows Account and Sync pretty much EVERYTHING and have it with me thanks to SkyDrive ANYWHERE (even non-Windows Devices).
Lastly, I do like the fact a Windows Store exists more in your face than the previous Windows Stores as they were strictly shopping cart systems, not a large-part of how you will get App’s and will also fight the possibility of malicious App’s and yes Apple does it too now but not like how Windows will be set up. Also those who will cry and say what if I don’t want a Windows Store account to sell my Apps? That’s ok, you can side-load Apps but really not smart.
Sorry, just wanted to point out what I feel. You did say comments welcomed.
Can you really side load apps? I thought that was just for the Pro/Enterprise version of Windows 8?
This is a make or break deal for me. Everything I’ve read, until your comment, including articles on this site, has said that side loading is reserved for only the pro/enterprise version.
There are a LOT of other issues I have with Windows 8 after using it for 3 months on my touch screen PC that cause me to have a seriously bad taste in my mouth about this OS, but erecting a walled garden that I can’t get out of, on MY desktop is just plain unacceptable. I would imagine the DOJ would likely have issues with it too considering the much lesser issues that have gotten them and the EU involved in Windows.
Why does everyone who does not like some feature in Windows 8 bring up ant-trust issues? Microsoft creating a walled garden for their ARM processors, RT operating system, not Intel/AMD, is like all other operating systems in existence today, i.e. Apple iOS and Google Android. I have read where people are all up in arms when Microsoft announced last week that IE was going to be the default browser on the ARM/RT flavored operating system. Is this not how it is with Apple iOS and Google Android? The other players can not complain unless they too want to open their walled gardens for all. You can not make rules for one company and not the others as this creates an unfair advantage. Plus, let’s remember whom a majority of the end users will be that will use the new RT OS and what their level of expertise is when it comes to their computing devices.
My humble 2 pennies of a thought…
You’re absolutely right. Also Microsoft isn’t saying they can’t make a browser for Windows 8, they’re simply saying you’re not getting the API’s outside of Metro. They want everyone using Metro and slowly getting away from the Aero look/feel.
Unfortunately Mozilla Firefox has yet to bash and trying to put Apple in this position. iPad does NOT permit it, Safari is the main browser. Yeah you can download things like Opera and etc but they really use Webkit as the Engine.
I concur with you though, only Microsoft is taking heat for it and it’s mainly for ARM Procs and aimed mainly at businesses, not the EU.
Two corrections:
1. Android is not a walled garden, iOS is, and WinRT will be.
2. Default browser is not the issue. Microsoft is banning third-party browsers from WinRT.
Free of charge…
Hi Chris,
Let me ask you this, why would a normal user of Windows want to side-load App’s in the first place? So if the argument was that you’d have to be a Professional or Enterprise user, I don’t see that as a bad thing and maybe a great thing as normal EU shouldn’t be side-loading anything as they technically can download anything right now in Windows and that normally leads to issues.
For Windows Phone you can currently side-load App’s via a tool that comes with the WP7 SDK but your phone must be registered as a Dev Device and I think the same should occur with side-loading on Windows 8, make it harder for people to ruin Windows.
But back to the side-loading of Apps. If you notice in your current edition of Windows 8 (Assuming Release Preview), you may notice Flash doesn’t work (or does). If you go to the Desktop and visit the flash download site, the fact you can download the Flash Player, install and it works, shows you can already side-load App’s or others may notice it simply as using Windows how they normally do. For this as I mention above, I think defeats the Windows Store, a safe (or safer) tested environment.
In regards to your complaint with the API’s and building for ARM, might like to take a read at: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2012/02/09/building-windows-for-the-arm-processor-architecture.aspx as Firefox and etc shouldn’t even really be made for ARM, but guess everyone will have an opinion and want this or that but try to remember Microsoft isn’t denying them the ability, just not out of Metro and of course maybe here and their items that can’t have that might be made strictly for IE and have patents.
Now I currently run Windows 8 on a Samsung Series 7 Slate and notice no issues with the new Release Preview. I minor issues with the Dev Release, but noticed a lot of issues with Consumer Preview (Items not closing, Kernel Crashes, etc). However, the latest release I haven’t run in to any issues. Try to remember though, it’s not the final release and that is exactly why I am upset Microsoft is letting the public test it, they’re going to base Windows 8 off of Beta’s.We have yet to even see a RC1 (Release Candidate) yet, if you were a Dev/Beta Tester (or MSDN Sub) for prior Windows (private), you know how many builds and RC’s we had.
Thanks for sharing your insight, I appreciate what you have to say and hope you will continue.
Very good and well thoguht out comment. It is always nice to get an insight from developers of a platform.
I work on a number of Web apps written in ASP.NET with C# and it is always nice to get an oppinion on new versions of Visual Studio. Obviously your API changes don’t affect me creating ASP.NET applications, but oppinions on Visual Sudio in general interest me. I am a bit of a “fanboy” when it comes to VS.
I am a bit unsure about the chances of success for Windows 8, I like some of the changes and not others. This is natural with any new version of any OS or software in general. My main concern lies with it being too big of a change for the average Windows user.
There have been huge OS changes like it in the past some have worked out, and some haven’t. When Apple overhauled their desktop OS going from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X it was an even bigger change, but it was sorely needed! Saying that it worked wonderfully for Apple and the Mac as a platform would be a huge understatement.
The other more recent example that comes to mind is Ubuntu migrating from Gnome 2 to Unity, this didn’t work out so well for Canonical and Ubuntu hasn’t been at the top of DistroWatch’s rankings for a long time, after leading it for what seems like an eternity.
“Mr. Paul did an excellent job describing his opinion of why Windows Phone is a flop:
Bad timing of its launch.
Carrier partnerships and lack of support for Windows Phone.
Muddled marketing messages.
Deficit of applications when compared to what is being offered by Apple and Android platforms.”
There’s another reason. A lot of people simply don’t like that user interface. They find it klunky and unproductive. As a Windows developer, I’m very very concerned about that (among many other things).
Also, the reason people don’t have an issue with apps running full screen on mobile devices is because most mobile devices have tiny screens and it wouldn’t make sense. On a desktop, it’s pretty darned important.
Chris, you nailed it right there. Although I like the idea that Microsoft is finally jumping in the mobile game I’m also concerned about what this means for their desktop market share. It seems like this Metro UI is focused on gaining market share in a market where they are late to the game and they are abandoning their true core market which is desktop operating systems and productivity software.
That doesn’t seem like a sound business strategy but of course things are hard to see from the outside looking in when you’re trying to figure out what their overall goals are now going forward.
I’m one of those cliche Linux fan-boys, but even I am curious and eager to watch how Windows 8 will turn out and whether it will become accepted… And the desktop/tablet divide – Can one operating rule them all? Only time will tell.
I’ll be honest, their will never be 1 OS that does it for everyone. Impossible. Everyone will find a reason why too, myself included. Also I develop for *NIX as well (not as often, only when outsourced) and the platform it gaining more momentum as I do get more frequent requests to make printer drivers than ever.
My first major problem with Windows 8 is the full screen app. Lance had mentioned that we don’t complain about full screen apps on our phones or ipads. Perhaps his phone or ipad had dual 23 inch wide screens (like my desktop) or his desktop has a 3×5 inch screen. Then I TOTALLY understand that comment. Maybe it’s my fault for having a desktop a multicore processor and a lot of screen space and somehow expecting it to out preform a cell phone. Maybe people who have multiple apps open and switch between them are somehow broken. We are at fault for expecting a desktop to be any different than a cell phone or ipad. No human being should have more than one app open at a time anyway. The idea of expecting your computer to be better than your cell phone is crazy! Everybody out there with a Core I(x) processor in their desktop or laptop should get rid of it and get a cell phone to do all your work. I will gladly take those pesky computers away for you…. That just made me forget my second problem with Win 8, couldn’t have been that much of a problem then.
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If you have dual monitors, why arn’t you using apps full screen? Unless your running 4+ programs at the same time, there’s no need. i have 2 monitors, and i always run programs full screen. If you really wanted to switch apps, you could always ALT-TAB. I love my Athlon X3 and windows 8 isn’t going to stop me from having a good experience. there is a thing in windows 8 where you can have 2 apps on the screen at the same time, and they scale pretty well, and are a nicer way of multi-tasking than iOS and android has. Your sorta nit picking, and it seems like you haven’t even gave windows 8 a shot.
I have not yet tried Windows 8. From what Chris says, it is good, as long as they don’t mix metro and arrow. I am thinking for my next computer, I will get a touch screen computer, and I could get a discount on Windows 8.
Hopefully, Windows 8, and windows phone will be successful.
With your current setup/multi-screen setup (Just to note, I have 4 19″ Screens + 1 52″ Plasma TV (GoogleTV App Testing mainly or watch YouTube Videos) but I understand the use and experience of dual/quad-screens) and you never full-screen App’s?
If you don’t full screen App’s, what was your main intention of the dual screens? Gaming? I suppose I am the only one who full screen Browsers, Office, Visual Studio/Blend, Email Clients, etc? I can’t be…
Also, I never run my app’s side-by-side, sure sometimes but an option called “Show Windows Side by Side” exists and in Windows 8 no need to even press it (doesn’t exist in Metro anyways) as they’ll snap automatically for you or you can simply re-size one of the App’s (They have a centered “control” to allow you to resize) to have a piece of the desired App you want on the screen (Metro SDK/Microsoft UX Guidelines covers this if you program for Windows 8, must stick to the Guidelines to have an App accepted, just a heads up).
Still not happy? When you have dual monitors in Windows 8, you’re actually not using dual Metro, which I thought you’d be happy about? If you have multiple screens you’ll notice only the designated “Main/Default” screen is Metro, the other windows are Aero aka Desktop. So this should be great for you multi-screen users like me but I kinda would like multi-Metro but that’s just me I am sure.
I am a bit confused with the sarcastic remove your desktop cause it’s too powerful remark… You lost me? The Samsung Series 7 Slate outdoes an iPad any day and it was the Slate given to us Dev’s at BUILD to do our testing on, so this was obviously ideal to Microsoft to base/run our App’s on as it’ll be a future release with Windows 8 but of course, with I am sure, even faster specs than what it currently is equipped with.
My other question is and to everyone, you did know you could buy a Tablet/Slate with Windows 7 on it, right? It wasn’t confined to look like a Tablet OS and everyone criticized Microsoft for it but now they make just as powerful OS and can be put on a Tablet/Slate, Laptop, Desktop and so forth but now they’re wrong for doing what people wanted? I guess you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Additionally you must remember, Metro Desktop aka ‘Start’ is simply an enhanced Desktop/File Launcher that has large icons, they’re interactive, and a clean look or to me at least. It is much like Aero except the start menu is small, clunky and if you have tons of programs, yikes. Also the Desktop if it contains too many icons (even on OSX) will slow down the start-up speed of the OS as the OS has to get the resource for the icon (then load it) and obtain the resource where to send the EU upon launch and obviously multiple (if not dozens) of requests will eventually cause a slower load time and keeping it in memory.
So your next response would easily be, “Well Lance the large icons being displayed on the Start screen must take forever, especially if you have dozens and they have LIVE Tiles”. You would think that but that’s the beauty of the new Windows 8 and the UX as they’re using Losseless PNG (opposed to BMP/JPG) turning KB to Bytes (Faster loading), doesn’t work like it used to as it rebuilds the db in seconds and normally that would take forever but they’re not using binaries, they’re using non-binaries and therefore can instantly build from source (How do I know? Welcome to find my tutorial how to Hack Windows 8 to view App Source codes to see for yourself).
Which brings me to my other point, Microsoft was in the Tablet game way before Apple ever created an iPad. People HATED that the Tablet had basically the normal windows (hence my point above) but it was called “Embedded”/WinCE and eventually failed. I think giving a Tablet & Desktop enviornment in one is a terrific idea and can go Desktop/Laptop or Tablet as you’ll have experience using both and no further learning and as of now have a choice to have Desktop (Aero) or Metro App’s but obviously they’d prefer Metro App’s to be used.
I can’t make you like Windows 8 but I must stress to you all that it’s not the final build. I am sure this is pretty similar to the end result but like in all Windows betas before, you can love something and will be gone in the final or other drastic changes that just may change your mind.
If you really hate it and despise having to click an icon called “Desktop” to give you that old feeling, guess instead of buying a new Windows PC, Apple or some public *NIX Device may be for you.
Again, strictly my own thoughts, opinions, and experience with the current edition of Windows 8. If I offended anyone or hurt someones feelings, not and never my intention.
windows 8 is very ugly, looks like a kids toy than an operating system……what were they thinking….a step backwards.
The one big problem I see is that Microsoft is cramming Metro down the throats of desktop users. Starting with the start screen is a big training roadblock for corporate users. Instead, Microsoft needs to provide a compelling use case for Metro. Simplify and convert the entire Control Panel to Metro, and provide a better solution to the current desktop. Let each user make the decision as to when they convert to Metro.
Another issue that hasn’t received enough attention is that WinRT is essentially a version 1 product, and the corresponding hardware will definitely be version 1. Microsoft has learned that it must enforce a UX consistency to prevent vendor inconsistency of Windows Mobile. They are also enforcing minimal screen resolution and touch screen capability, to prevent the Vista ‘incapable’ debacle.
Of all the designs shown at Computex this week, some won’t see the light of day. Others will be rejected by consumers as impractical. Still others will be deemed to be junk. The cream needs to quickly rise to the top, or consumers will be disappointed in their purchases.
Metro represents a huge advancement in interface design for Microsoft. It’s also the biggest gamble Microsoft has taken since Bill Gates shelled out 10 grand for DOS.
Making popcorn.
For me, it’s a Microsoft product, that’s all I need to know not to buy one. I won’t be getting anywhere near Windows 8 either.
I can’t agree more. I don’t like smartphones to begin with, but the Windows phones have to have the ugliest interface I ever saw? I am almost literally on my laptop 24/7 and the last thing I want to look at is that ugly interface all day, every day. It looks like a first grade coloring book or something? I’d like to know if the doofus who designed it is still employed? He shouldn’t be if he is, or the guy who signed off on it.
The biggest problem with Windows 8 is in the name; Windows. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what us tech enthusiasts think, only the mass consumer matters. And those people prefer an easy to use interface with smooth integration. In that category, the iPad reigns king in the tablet market. The laptop and desktop category don’t matter because let’s face it: metro sucks using a keyboard and mouse. I like Metro but I think Microsoft was 2 years too late.
The name is the least of its problems.
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I would really like to see a new platform that fully supports loss-less audio and embraces it. Basically and upgraded version of itunes. The way apple does it is perfect. But instead of having mp3′s they offer loss-less file types. The majority of people that recreationally listen to music don’t know the difference between average mp3 audio and loss-less audio now. As high quality headphones and speakers get cheaper and loss-less audio becomes more available in digital formats I think it will start to become big. I think whoever initiates that movement to the new refreshed way we intake our daily dose of music would be huge. The products, from the music to the systems that play them, will be much cheaper. Bang and Olufsen level products will be available to the masses. ( If you have a chance to visit a Bang and Olufsen store I highly recommend getting a demo. They are amazing ). The market for buying loss-less music is very small, with only a few non-profit websites offering loss-less audio, the only other way to get it is on a vinyl record, which are very hard to find and are limited presses only for new albums. The easiest and sometimes only way to get the music you want in a loss-less format is to pirate it, which no one wants to do. So anyways after that long winded comment basically I would like to see a new platform based around Loss-less music.
i don’t see what’s so wrong with metro :S regular windows is boring and outdated compared to lion and ubuntu 12.10 it’s time we need something new and metro will do a good job and when it comes to metro on windows phone it’s perfect i been using it since december and i haven’t had one problem yet
So you’re the guy who bought a Windows Phone? LOL
I am a Linux guy and one of the major obstacles to new people trying Linux is getting folks to try it out, since its a little different from windows. Windows 8 erases that problem. I someone can learn that, they can darn sure learn Linux. Now add in that Linux is free, and you have a real winner. Thanks, Microsoft……