Microsoft finally gave us common folk a peak into the next iteration of Windows, which is expected to run on machines from desktops to netbooks to tablets, at the All Things Digital D9 conference earlier this week.
The new operating system features an interface that is heavily inspired by Windows Phone 7, with slick subtle animations and a live tile system.
If the user prefers the old Windows layout instead, it is possible to switch back, as witnessed in the video how Windows 8 reverted back to the traditional Windows interface after launching Microsoft Office. This means developers will have to rewrite their applications for the new user experience if they don’t want to jar their users with frequent changes in interface.
Overall, this early build reminds one of a UI overlay, not unlike what some hardware manufacturers have done to existing Windows 7 tablets. For instance, the Dell Inspiron Duo has the more touch-friendly Stage software built-in. For Windows 8 to stand out, it really has to provide a more seamless experience, so that we don’t feel that we’re using two operating systems.
And Microsoft has made it clear that this is going to be the default interface on all Windows 8 machines, since it supports both touch and mouse input. But why should a touch-optimised interface – which Metro surely is – be slapped onto my non-touch laptop? What is the value for me to upgrade my Windows 7 machines to Windows 8 then?
Naturally, for a giant company like Microsoft, you cannot simply cut the cord of support for all of its legacy applications. So, some form of backward compatibility is needed. The problem here is that Microsoft is trying to make their tablets do everything, while iOS and Android has went with the watered-down OS approach. So there’s bound to be problems in trying to create a one-size-fits-all solution.
Microsoft’s vision of one operating system on all form factors is admirable; perhaps even the holy grail of personal computing. But right now it looks overly and unnecessarily complicated. Will I buy a Windows 8 tablet for my tech-challenged mother, or an iPad? I choose the iPad, not this complicated, bezel-swiping mess.
Instead of working on a whole new UI layer, I would have preferred Microsoft to tweak Aero to suit fingers. It’s really not that difficult to use touch on Windows 7 right now; taskbar icons are finger friendly, handwriting recognition is a champ, and the Ribbon interface is surprisingly touch-worthy.
With refinements in the right places, such as bigger buttons and a proper soft keyboard, Microsoft could have a winner on their hands. There’s really no need to go on a Metro spamming spree.
Of course, this is only a teaser, and I expect the OS to be hugely refined before it hits the market, especially since it is projected to be released in 2012. My impressions could change yet.
Do you like Windows 8 so far, and what would you change? Let us know in the comments!
