This past weekend, I engaged in a healthy debate about what the future of technology will look like. Who will be the leaders and who will be a forgotten thought that will only make cameo appearances in those nostalgic 'Do you remember' conversations. The one company that garnered excitement was that of Microsoft. With the consumer preview release of Windows 8, we are really rooting for Microsoft to come out the gate swinging with the highly anticipated operating system. Over the past couple years, Microsoft has struggled a bit to maintain relevance on the tech playground where Google and Apple are the cool kids.
Though in Beta form, I can see potential in Windows 8. With a quick install this past Saturday, I was able to play around with it for a bit. You can obviously tell it is still in the beta stage and you couldn’t really take it on the open road and really step on the gas. But that is understandable...for it is still in Preview Mode. I say it like that because I have been reading some of the unnecessary complaints about it being limited in functionality. But for what I see so far...it played into that need and I can't wait to get it on the highway. I like Metro, love the seamless design and I somehow never actually missed a start button. I feel like I am getting that tablet experience…on a desktop. Not a bad feeling because I am a sucker for sleek interfaces that makes me feel like I am in a command station in one of those futuristic movies. But not everyone will share that same feeling and go for the re-imagined system. While I am happy to live life without a start button, others need one (security blanket, perhaps?). Similar to the new OS’s integration of the touch screen fans and the keyboard and mouse loyals of the world, I feel like Microsoft shouldn’t swim too far out to sea doing something so different that you lose sight of those who love the Microsoft of old. Many companies fail by trying to beat Google and Apple by trying to BE Google or Apple. Just as in other areas of life, being the best YOU is the goal Microsoft should strive towards. You gain followers and keep those who have always been in your corner. Have you guys given 8 a test run? What are your thoughts? From where I sit, I think Microsoft is positioning itself to be a good competitor for the “others”.
