Microsoft is leaving the old school behind with its new Windows 8 Metro user interface
Is that a wise move?
We all understand that technology is forever evolving and with it we have to learn new things. Most of the time we enjoy the journey of learning and discovering what the big tech guys are bringing our way, but there are times when the new technology or idea is to broad a jump for us to make in our business lives. It hurts our production, our work flow and our profits. We don’t like that.
Enter Microsoft’s new operating system – Windows 8
Windows 8 Metro User Interface
Microsoft’s new Windows 8 is being released in less than a month and there are strong views on both sides of the fence about its new user interface. The techies like it because its fun to learn and play with while they discover its hidden gems. The old guard hates it because they just want it to work so they can work. Time equals money…Period!
The problem with Windows 8 is that it is a complete departure from earlier versions of Windows. Many experts say that the new “Metro” theme is Microsoft’s farewell to the desktop. It’s a bold and risky move. I just can’t wrap my head around why they have taken such a sharp turn from their existing user base while having such a small hand hold on the mobile market? The Metro interface was designed with mobile devices in mind. Desktop PC and laptops were obviously given much less consideration. I think Microsoft could lose it all.
Users with years of familiarity with the older XP interface are going to be very frustrated with Windows 8’s re-designed UI. And I don’t mean a little frustrated. I mean completely frustrated to the point that they will leave Windows. There are many suitable operating systems available for free that work and feel much like the old Windows XP. In the interim, user will stay on their current Windows operating systems for as long as possible. This could go bad for Microsoft.
Upgrading to Windows 8: What you need to know (faq)