So Microsoft is getting ready to unleash another OS on the world. We have seen the hits of XP and 7, and the misses of 2000 and Vista. But what is Windows 8 bringing to the user? How does it work and fit in with modern computing? And will it succeed as an operating system?
Metro
The Metro interface is simple and intuitive which is a direction that has echoes of Windows 7 mobile and the Xbox's update from 2011. Each App is displayed as a tile which makes up a mosaic strip that navigates fantastically with a well designed background. The high UI leads to a drop in functionality but is very well suited to light usage but curiously a mouse is too cumbersome in this UI.
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| Metro Interface at first glance |
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| Simple and intuitive tiled Apps |
As a whole Metro was built as a simple and easy to use interface that can bring a new view to Windows and different way to bring applications to PCs.
Desktop
As we have a high UI and low functionality in Metro, a prominent tile is Desktop. From here we enter into the familiar environment that is the Windows desktop. What we have is Windows 7 basically, but without the Start button. If you have used Windows 7 with a touch screen then you know what is coming: frustration and annoyance. The desktop environment is not one that is compatible with a touch screen, even with Mac OS and Linux. But maybe this is the point, touch screen for the Metro, then when it comes to fully desktop usage switch over to keyboard and mouse.
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| The desktop we all know ..... |
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| ..... but wait no Start button (what is this world?) |
Possible Applications
So what does this hybrid of Desktop and Tablet style GUI leave Windows 8. Well one situation is the one I have been testing, where I have installed onto a Novatech nTablet, with case (only in a horrible cream colour) containing embedded keyboard that I borrowed from my workplace. In this setup I can use Metro when using as a tablet then move to the case (or dock if the tech moves that way).
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| nTablet in a eye sore of a case |
Another is a dual (or more) monitor setup that many users are adopting. I use it at work and productivity is over double when working over two monitors, and with this a colleague had installed onto a similar setup. What this led to was Metro on one screen and Desktop on another. Introducing Windows 8 can incite a second touch screen monitor and you can have the best of both worlds.
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| Dual screen setup shows how Aero Desktop and Metro can physically work side by side |
So What do We Have Here
In conclusion, Windows 8 essentially is 7 with a Tablet style interface added on top. The applications can be varied, but really an upgrade would be dependant on the system you have, or intend to include, a touch screen. The potential is there but what we have is Microsoft dabbling into Apples domain of High GUI and Low Functionality, but layering it on top of the usual Low GUI and High Functionality. This is what Microsoft has brought to the table. In a previous post I talk about this in more detail and it tries to sit over the graph in two areas.
Is this a new way of covering all bases, or trying to hard to move increase market share?
Personally I feel it is too much for the moment, like Vista had tried to be too powerful this tries to be more than one thing. If the trend of technology, such as second touch screens or laptops with integrated touch screens (much like the Dell Duo) is the move into the norm then this could be a great option for that scenario, but only time will tell. Remember the movement into affordable office and home IT, and the emergence of laptops drove XP to massive success and market dominance, and over a decade later people are still installing XP onto systems regardless of the fact that no units shipped with it any more. But its greatest strength leads to its greatest flaw, the fact that Windows can run on any system means budget systems and touchscreens will be produced, and this cheaper side of the market was not a problem for Windows 7 but may not show 8 in the best light.
Watch a demo from myself and see how it works.
Please leave a comment below, do you think that Windows 8 the next XP or Vista?
Dom
Great read.
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