|
From one perspective I think that Microsoft could be on a winner. Having an OS (Metro) that it is optimized to work with touch and use other tablet features while being able to convert into a fully functionally PC if you connect a keyboard and mouse, sounds like it could be a great marketing strategy to hook those who are already committed to the windows platform.
On the other hand forcing Metro down the throat of your existing business/power users like they have in the preview seems like a great way of antagonizing the very market you are trying to attract. As far as I can see it would be zero work for Microsoft to offer an option to allow users to start in traditional desktop mode and give them back the normal start button (which is still there under the covers anyway). I'm hoping this is just Microsoft's way of forcing people to try out that new Metro interface and when the final product is delivered they will have listened to the outcry from their core user base and sanity will be restored.
I also have to confess that I personally don't like the whole Metro look. I know it's the rage and that they have design rationalizations - but to me it just looks like they've sacked their design department and got the developers to do the visuals. The startup screens reminds me of something from 40 years ago when we only had 16 color screens. And what is with the fish background??? Surely they could have come up with something that looked slightly more professional in a preview that will be widely downloaded.
My final gripe is as a component/tools developer. The Metro stack will represent the 3rd major PC GUI framework in the last 10 years (Windows Forms, WPF, Metro). That's if you believe the hype from Microsoft about Metro being the way of the future for app development - and if you don't count Silverlight/Windows Phone). I know change is an inherent part of the industry but this rate of change does not give businesses and developers a chance to catch up. Businesses want to know that vendors have a long term commitment to a platform before they choose it. They don't want to spend 3 years developing a product and then find their chosen framework is a deadend. WPF and Windows Forms may still be supported but the subliminal message comming from Redmond is that Metro is the way forward.
We've seen this before when WPF was released, very few new projects were commenced in Windows Forms once WPF was released - even though arguably Windows Forms would have been a better choice for many projects given its much more mature tools and components market and larger pool of developers. The case with Metro is possibly worse because I think in many cases it just won't be possible (or desirable) to build LOB applications in Metro and yet it seems like that's where Microsoft is putting all their eggs. Businesses will start looking at what other options they have for building applications where the vendor does have a long term commitment. After all if we have to completely rewrite our application why not not evaluate all the options. Once they do that some of the frameworks that allow cross platform development will start to look very attractive and Microsoft will lose its lock in to the Windows platform.
|
|
|
|
|
The reality distortion field is strong on this one, I can't see how the Metro UI is a good idea at all on anything other than touchscreens (for these it looks great). I hope that they'll release a patch quickly disabling it by default for non-touch users. The field is too great to hope that it will be released like this, despite the almost totally negative response. Probably they'll fund some research to tell us why we're all wrong on the usability front when it all goes Vista-shaped.
I have downloaded it (as part of VS2012 VM) - but only because, as a .net dev, I feel it a responsibility to know what is going with MS's main products. I wouldn't want it on my machines without disabling Metro, and I don't see any good reasons to upgrade from 7.
|
|
|
|
|
Have downloaded and installed it on a virtual machine, and not at all impressed. Trying to keep an open mind about it being a preview, but still not sure about it...
"The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer
"Real programmers just throw a bunch of 1s and 0s at the computer to see what sticks" - Pete O'Hanlon
"Not only do you continue to babble nonsense, you can't even correctly remember the nonsense you babbled just minutes ago." - Rob Graham
|
|
|
|
|
I'll probably give a chance on VM if... I am in the mood when I end the actual project.
I don't see it becoming my main OS though. I already have enough compatibility problems with Win7-64bit and the professional software I need at work.
On the other hand... it would be funny to see how some programs react on it.
Regards.
--------
M.D.V. 
If something has a solution... Why do we have to worry about?. If it has no solution... For what reason do we have to worry about?
Help me to understand what I'm saying, and I'll explain it better to you
Rating helpfull answers is nice, but saying thanks can be even nicer.
|
|
|
|
|
I have downloaded win8 and installed it,
great job.
|
|
|
|
|
Downloaded ... checked
Installed ... checked
Starting up ... fail
<font color="#ff0000"><small>Enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal !!!
</small></font>
|
|
|
|
|
you have to use oracle virtual box last version as your virtual machine,
if you wanna install it on VM.
|
|
|
|
|
Same thing for me, couldn't create a VM - need a later version of VMWare
|
|
|
|
|
|
... but not as useful as a BACON samich!
Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.
Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H
OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre
I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer
Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett
|
|
|
|
|
I do not see the wide-use of Metro on my desktop,
if all of it, and the apps, only work on 1 of my multiple monitors?
// ♫ 99 little bugs in the code,
// 99 bugs in the code
// We fix a bug, compile it again
// 101 little bugs in the code ♫
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Windows 8 looks cool but why drop the start button? Is it another step to be a wanna be MAC???? 
Sir.Dre
http://www.andorum.com
|
|
|
|
|
Installed and removed: not liking Metro: feels like a Disney interface for pcs: looks great but doesn't really do anything. Can't see developing LOB apps to work with this but perhaps that's me not seeing the benefits of this. Anyone got any benefits that can share?
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
nils illegitimus carborundum
me, me, me
|
|
|
|
|
Agree.. Disney Interface.
The UI is not suitable for business use.
// ♫ 99 little bugs in the code,
// 99 bugs in the code
// We fix a bug, compile it again
// 101 little bugs in the code ♫
|
|
|
|
|
|
So I've deleted it back... It seems that VMWARE don't like it... 
|
|
|
|
|
I had no problem installing it in VirtualBox, if you want to give it another try.
|
|
|
|
|
I installed it on VMWare without a problem. Used version 8.
If you make a new virtual machine, tell it to install the OS later, then attach the ISO file and all is well.
Tosch
|
|
|
|
|
Give me a machine, and the time to spend messing with it, and I'd love to. But the answer is no, and perforce, no.
|
|
|
|
|
That's why you have virtual machines. And then you can shelve it.
m.bergman
For Bruce Schneier, quanta only have one state : afraid.
To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered. -- Voltaire
Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is a better defense. -- Steve Landesberg
I am not a chatbot.
|
|
|
|
|
Ok, yea, I suppose I knew that.... but do where can I get the virtual time? 
|
|
|
|
|
Tom Clement wrote: but do where can I get the virtual time?
Looking at your posts history, in The Longue you have it 
Greetings - Jacek
|
|
|
|
|
Good point
|
|
|
|
|
I just downloaded and installed it yesterday. I had "The Build Tablet" running the developer preview and have been looking forward to this update for a bit. I plan to spend this next weekend running it through it's paces with VS11.
For those of you worried about the "Touch First" style of W8, don't. It's still perfectly usable with a mouse. I actually prefer not to touch the screen so as not to leave fingerprints. It takes a bit to get used to where some things have moved, but other than that it seems solid and responsive (it did in the Dev Preview, and haven't had any problems in the last 24 hours)
|
|
|
|
|
I can't stand when people touch my screen and leave fingerprints! If my keyboard is any indication, I have wear marks where my fingers rest. I don't want my screen wearing out by my disgusting hands touching them. Maybe I'll have to put on gloves before I use the touch screen. Then I'll just be a mechanic!
Hogan
|
|
|
|
|
May skip this one, Windows 7 does what I want and can't justify
upgrading.
Besides I'm so broke me and my girlfriend got married for the rice.
|
|
|
|
General 
News 
Suggestion 
Question 
Bug 
Answer 
Joke 
Praise 
Rant 
Admin 
Submit an article or tip
