Is a tablet style the right innovative move for Microsoft? Image by Ceo1017
Microsoft released the new Windows 8 Operating System on October 26, 2012 with the Surface RT – will the new OS change the way users interact with Windows?
The Surface RT tablet computer offers the new ARM version of the operating system, keeping up with the way people are now using technology.
The new version leaves many computer users baffled and others excited about the reinvention.
Microsoft: A Move Towards Apps
As users move towards Apps through the use of Smartphones and iPads, it is not surprising that Microsoft has created an operating system to follow their preferences.
The ARM version of the latest operating system looks similar to the Windows phones, and uses tiles instead of a Start menu, which is perfect for those who use touchscreen computer monitors and tablets.
The Windows 8 interface is the perfect option for a new generation that is used to these technological advances, offering a quick way to access information, to select the software of choice, and seamlessly begin to use it. There is no need to wait for software to load up, or to find your favorite program within a long list of other programs in the Start menu.
The problem is that not all computer users are tech-savvy individuals; many are simply used to the original layout and may balk at the changes. Microsoft is not the only company to make a move towards smartphone-styled interfaces: Apple’s iPad uses the iPhone and iPod Touch styles.
Of course, the iPad is a tablet, and the interface is designed for tablet and smartphone use; Apple does not use the same interface on its Macs.
Click to Read Page Two: Windows Users “Thrown Under the Bus”
The new UI is an ultimate nightmare for corporate users.
We will have to spend untold millions in training for the new interface.
We will continue with Windows 7 as long as it is supported and then consider either Linux or Apple from there.
CIO
Personally, I prefer the Windows operating systems over all others but I have a general thought of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. I’ve used Windows for the phone and thinks its great for phones but not too sure about it for computers. With the modern UI, you still end up with tiles of programs that you don’t always use, similar to the way Windows 7 and before have the shortcuts and start menu. The ability to pin things means that I have instant access to programs that I use everyday but can still easily find others that I use less regularly on my desktop through shortcuts.
“Windows 7 introduced the ability to pin programs to the task bar for those applications used on a regular basis, but Windows 8 Modern user interface offers nothing like this.” – This is still available in desktop mode. Obviously, you have not used it. And the whole idea of the Modern UI is to pin and arrange tiles wherever you want.
Again people trying to find something negative to bash Microsoft about.
@Ro
Yet you waste time by posting on an article about an OS that you will never waste your time on….Kinda funny
If I wanted apps, I’d buy an iPad.
Plenty of us are “tech savvy” without a burning need to waste time on learning new interfaces when the old one “just works”. We have more important use of our skills than to waste time on learning new interfaces derived from a desperate “need” to keep up with Apple (or Ubuntu’s equally weird Unity interface).
I think it is telling that Samsung and some other OEM hardware makers are offering more “traditional” style interface options for their Win8 customers (and others who want to download the alternative packages).
New is not always better.
Will the new OS change the way users interact with Windows?
Yep, it sure will… I won’t.