Microsoft: That Windows 8 “New Coke” Analogy Is Silly

Microsoft: That Windows 8 “New Coke” Analogy Is Silly

May 12, 2013 at 3:14 am PT

Will the launch of Microsoft’s forthcoming update to Windows 8 next month be the company’s “New Coke” moment? Is its rumored plan to revive the traditional “Start” button it killed when it debuted Windows 8 a massive and humiliating reversal of course, following an ill-conceived reimagining of the company’s flagship product?

Not according to Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, Windows 8 is a good product that’s steadily improving, and recent suggestions by the media that it is turning into a “New Coke”-style disaster are pure sensationalism. And in an unusual company blog bost, Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s VP of corporate communications, dismissed them as exactly that, suggesting they favored “hyperbole” over “nuanced analysis.”

“Windows 8 is a good product, and it’s getting better every day,” Shaw wrote. “Unlike a can of soda, a computer operating system offers different experiences to different customers to meet different needs, while still moving the entire industry toward an exciting future of touch, mobility, and seamless, cross-device experiences.”

Microsoft Responds to Windows 8 Critics - John Paczkowski - News - AllThingsD

 

[sygnus21]

It is clear the general public aren't going for it in big numbers.

People on forums posting how once you get past the metro rubbish it is like 7, or even worse, blaming the public for being lazy - pointless.

A lot of people don't like a particular type of ice cream . The end.

Why tell them they must get used to it - or tell them to force themselves and some of them may eventually grow to like it- or cover it with chocolate sauce and it won't be so bad - that is crazy.

They don't like it. Period.

I could agree with this if we had the same thought process about decrying how garbage the OS is, which simply isn't true.

90 percent of the complaints/hates is basically one of 3 issues: the missing start button, the Metro interface, or the lack of a true desktop. There's very little chatter about the actual performance of the OS itself.

People don't like the OS because it's confusing to use, I get that, but to decry it's garbage, is simply FUD.

 

[Coke Robot]

It is clear the general public aren't going for it in big numbers.

People on forums posting how once you get past the metro rubbish it is like 7, or even worse, blaming the public for being lazy - pointless.

A lot of people don't like a particular type of ice cream . The end.

Why tell them they must get used to it - or tell them to force themselves and some of them may eventually grow to like it- or cover it with chocolate sauce and it won't be so bad - that is crazy.

They don't like it. Period.

Because an operating system is like ice cream....

 

[labeeman]

It is clear the general public aren't going for it in big numbers.

People on forums posting how once you get past the metro rubbish it is like 7, or even worse, blaming the public for being lazy - pointless.

A lot of people don't like a particular type of ice cream . The end.

Why tell them they must get used to it - or tell them to force themselves and some of them may eventually grow to like it- or cover it with chocolate sauce and it won't be so bad - that is crazy.

They don't like it. Period.

Because an operating system is like ice cream....

Android is ice cream sandwich good too.

 

[DavidY]

That's funny. Whatever I did in 7 I can do in 8. I have a building blueprint (usually PDF), an Excel workbook, a Word file, a labor estimating guide, Notepad, calculator, and a browser with 2 to 3 tabs going. I'll have music or news going as well.

But that only works while the software you want to use is all Desktop (in Microsoft's eye, "legacy") software.

I wouldn't be able to work if Office and other software I use became Metro-only apps which I could only view full screen.

 

[Wenda]

Yes, 'serious' users seem to have been abandoned in order to cater to content-consumers, the computer-illiterate, kids, and the 'fashionistas'.

Things aren't looking good for the 'serious' power-user, and that's a real shame. Their loss will be regretted.

That's funny. Whatever I did in 7 I can do in 8. I have a building blueprint (usually PDF), an Excel workbook, a Word file, a labor estimating guide, Notepad, calculator, and a browser with 2 to 3 tabs going. I'll have music or news going as well.

Obviously some haven't actually "used" Windows 8, if they did they would realize outside the "metro" interface, things really haven't changed that much from 7.

As for "power Users" - that word seems to be thrown around a lot without really understanding what "Power User" is. When I think of Power Users, I think of server editions of Windows.

BTW the "Administrative Tools" (for the power users) is still there in Windows 8 - Win Key + C to bring up the Charm Bar, click Search, type "control" in Search bar, left side click "Control Panel", than click "Administrative Tools". Took all of a second and a half. In fact it takes longer the read this than to actually get to the admin tools

Point - it's not as bad as some are making it to be. And Search works really well.

Yes, I realize you could access it quicker from a desktop with a Start Button, but... really???

To me, the biggest issue is the massive change Microsoft did with the UI, which does take some getting used to. The other issue is the in your face tiles, which I personally dislike. But, again, get past that, and it's not really much different from 7.

My two cents.

Firstly, my apologies for the delay in responding.

Secondly (and my reason for responding), we seem to have a bit of a misunderstanding here, which I'd like to clarify.


Hippsie Gipsy, I wasn't referring to the current state of affairs, but was projecting into the future. And, while certainly an exaggeration, I can see it being a possibility, and one I'd lament. Apart from a few minor niggles, I do like Win 8, but I don't share MS' 'vision' of the future of computing, which seems to not take 'traditional' computer users or usage into account.


Sygnus21, since I've been using Windows since V3.1, and have been using Windows 8 exclusively since the release of the Consumer Preview, I'd say that do 'use' Windows 8. I'm more than familiar with Windows 8 and how it operates.

The Metro interface isn't an issue to me, as I simply bypass it on start-up (I spend +95% of the time on the desktop), but it's only a mouse-click away when I do want it. And yes, I do use it. I can take it or leave it, though. Most of the things in 8 that irritate me, I've either modified or worked around. I have no trouble whatsoever finding anything I'm looking for.

To me, the improvements 'under-the-hood' are what counts, and are why I do use 8 in preference to 7. Yes, I prefer the 7 interface and look, but can live with Metro in order to get the benefit of these improvements.

Now, I'm not having a shot at anyone, and I'm not 'on the attack' or trying to be a smartass, I just felt that my post had been somewhat misunderstood, and wanted to clarify what I meant. Maybe I could have put it better, but it's a forum post, not a thesis...


Cheers!

Wenda.

 

[sygnus21]

Sygnus21, since I've been using Windows since V3.1, and have been using Windows 8 exclusively since the release of the Consumer Preview, I'd say that do 'use' Windows 8. I'm more than familiar with Windows 8 and how it operates.

The Metro interface isn't an issue to me, as I simply bypass it on start-up (I spend +95% of the time on the desktop), but it's only a mouse-click away when I do want it. And yes, I do use it. I can take it or leave it, though. Most of the things in 8 that irritate me, I've either modified or worked around. I have no trouble whatsoever finding anything I'm looking for.

To me, the improvements 'under-the-hood' are what counts, and are why I do use 8 in preference to 7. Yes, I prefer the 7 interface and look, but can live with Metro in order to get the benefit of these improvements.

Now, I'm not having a shot at anyone, and I'm not 'on the attack' or trying to be a smartass, I just felt that my post had been somewhat misunderstood, and wanted to clarify what I meant. Maybe I could have put it better, but it's a forum post, not a thesis...

Wenda, I could appreciate criticisms from those like you who are actually using the OS, as opposed to the nay sayers who are bashing the OS because it's the thing to do, or simply because it's Microsoft.

The thing that irks me the most is the posts where the reason is "well my friend said", "I watched such and such struggle", "I went into Best Buy and played with it", "I can simply look at it and see it sucks", etc... Sorry but to me, that's being a bit short sighted.

The OS isn't perfect, and to me, yeah the Metro interface on the Desktop sucks, the hunt for this, hunt for that can be a pain as well. But, once you get past that, the OS isn't all that bad, and in some aspects better than 7, especially the new Windows Explorer.

Anyway my comments weren't meant to be a personal attack on you. I was simply replying to a post and making a general observation.

BTW I have to admit I was caught up in the H8ter hype at first, even saying that even if I got a laptop with 8, I was going to immediately replace it with 7. Well I got my laptop, and it did come with 8, funny thing, I'm finding 8 isn't as bad as they say (and I thought), and the performance is pretty darn good. And this is on a non-touch laptop.

But, though I like the under-pinnings of 8, for now, my main system will stay with 7. Blue may change that.

And at the moment, I find I'm using both systems equally, which means both OS's gets equal use as well. Other than installed software, and obviously the larger screen size of the desktop, I've haven't found I needed to use Windows 7 instead of 8 due to performance, or other supposed 8 deficiencies.

In short, I haven't said I think I'll use 7 because it's better at this, and thus haven't found a reason to remove 8 from the laptop just yet.

That surprised me.

 

[SIW2]

MS has enormous finances coming from the other divisions. They operate what I have seen some describe as a cartel - in effect, there is no competition in the full scale os /laptop sector.

They don't have that control in tablets/phones.

That is why MS have 90%+ in the former and very little in the latter.

They are making it harder for themselves by trying to force something they want.

They seem to be trying to making it less unpalatable with the blue thing. I expect the continued absence of competition, lower prices, gigantic ad spending, and vast presence on the shelves will do the job.

 

[Wenda]

@Sygnus21..

Thanks for that response, and all good. I didn't take it personally, just thought I'd clarify. Yes I have come across those who've never even seen it on a monitor, but 'know' it sucks. How could they 'know', I wonder, if they've never actually used it?


Wenda.

 

[legacy7955]

Wow, I didn't know Windows 7 had options to revert to the Desktop and start menu....

Is that the only weapon you have left?

I'm still using Windows 7 and Linux Mint.

I have friends that use Windows 8 that give NO built in option to select a default boot to the desktop. Fact. Also no traditional start button/menu.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Firstly, my apologies for the delay in responding.

Secondly (and my reason for responding), we seem to have a bit of a misunderstanding here, which I'd like to clarify.


Hippsie Gipsy, I wasn't referring to the current state of affairs, but was projecting into the future. And, while certainly an exaggeration, I can see it being a possibility, and one I'd lament. Apart from a few minor niggles, I do like Win 8, but I don't share MS' 'vision' of the future of computing, which seems to not take 'traditional' computer users or usage into account.


Sygnus21, since I've been using Windows since V3.1, and have been using Windows 8 exclusively since the release of the Consumer Preview, I'd say that do 'use' Windows 8. I'm more than familiar with Windows 8 and how it operates.

The Metro interface isn't an issue to me, as I simply bypass it on start-up (I spend +95% of the time on the desktop), but it's only a mouse-click away when I do want it. And yes, I do use it. I can take it or leave it, though. Most of the things in 8 that irritate me, I've either modified or worked around. I have no trouble whatsoever finding anything I'm looking for.

To me, the improvements 'under-the-hood' are what counts, and are why I do use 8 in preference to 7. Yes, I prefer the 7 interface and look, but can live with Metro in order to get the benefit of these improvements.

Now, I'm not having a shot at anyone, and I'm not 'on the attack' or trying to be a smartass, I just felt that my post had been somewhat misunderstood, and wanted to clarify what I meant. Maybe I could have put it better, but it's a forum post, not a thesis...


Cheers!

Wenda.

Ok, Wenda. I understand now. Bad hair day.

I so happen to think everything will be written in the Modern interface eventually. It'll take years. Beside the snap problem, of which I always agreed it is a problem for some, what other problem could there be to be productive? I'm a switcher using keyboard and I always know where the program I want next is at in the "flip line". In other words, I know how many Alt/Tab-s it takes to get to the next program I want to use. But that's me. I don't even use the 1/3 - 2/3 snap they have now. Why? Because I'm a switcher. I like things full screen. I think eventually MS will get into some kind of "paning" much like Windowing except fixed sized panes.

So, what other problem could there be to be productive? Everything looks flat? Too square? Too colorful? No Start Orb or Menu? What is it that everyone is so afraid of? The Win32 Desktop will die off?

 

[Wenda]

Hippsie Gipsy wrote: -

Ok, Wenda. I understand now. Bad hair day.

All good, we certainly all have them.

Yes, I'd certainly lament the death of the Win32 desktop, as it is by far the best tool for what I do.

But, its 'Cloud-land' and its associated pay-per-use or subscription-based software, and the way they seem to want to
make 'personal computing' a thing of the past, with everything online and monetised, with content consumption and
social-networking being the primary (or only) purpose and reason for ownership.

THAT scares me, and I really do have no interest in, or use for, that kind of 'computing'.


Cheers!

Wenda.

 

[SIW2]

You would be surprised, there are lots of fart apps to play with, and there is a lot of fun to be had posting on twitbook about what you had for breakfast.

 

[Jf1450]

I think eventually MS will get into some kind of "paning" much like Windowing except fixed sized panes.

Windowing? Gee, what a concept for an operating system named Window<s>

 

[HippsieGypsie]

I think eventually MS will get into some kind of "paning" much like Windowing except fixed sized panes.

Windowing? Gee, what a concept for an operating system named Window<s>

Ok. So then they'll call it Microsoft Panes.

 

[Ray8]

I think we can already call it 'Microsoft Pains'.

 

[jimbo45]

I think eventually MS will get into some kind of "paning" much like Windowing except fixed sized panes.

Windowing? Gee, what a concept for an operating system named Window<s>

Hi there
"Trade descriptions acts" -- Windows -- but it's actually only ONE WINDOW.

I want my money back. !!!! plus the fullest compensation allowed under the law for being "duped" into buying a product with a misleading name -- the product doesn't do what it IMPLIES to the user that it's supposed to do.

Any "Legal Eagles" out there -- California usually has a whole slew of this type of legislation. Go on make a test case and earn some HUGE bucks.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[HippsieGypsie]

LOL, Jim. Let's look at this logically. As an American builder/contractor I have yet to install a window that was re-sizable. This is not an attribute of a window. In fact, I can think of no fixed real estate that is re-sizable. It's fixed just as much as your PC monitor screen. A window may be divided into panes, but even they cannot be re-sized. "Re-size-abilty" goes beyond what the name implies, for a window is not re-sizable. Now for the plural of "window" which is "windows" they continue to maintain that with snap and what I read of Blue there will be more snap options. Incidently this concept is called mulling windows. The center bar is called a mullion.

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So far as lawyers here are concerned; I had to answer to a traffic citation at our local court house this past winter. It was so cold that day I saw lawyers with there hands in their own pockets.

Of course when it comes to lawyers, it is now logical to place hot coffee in a soft container between your knees:

Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I don't care what tempurature the coffee getting served is! This isn't right nor does it follow logic.

Interesting stats:

What country in the world has most lawyers per capita

 

[legacy7955]

I think we can already call it 'Microsoft Pains'.

Ballmer....Ballmer ...are you listening?

 

[phillipduran]

What cant you do?

I need to be able to see multiple windows at the same time. I can't do that with any Metro app.

For instance a few weeks ago I was trying to extract travel details from a web page and create a Calendar item. Not being able to see both at once, but instead have to keep switching from one to another was hugely unproductive.

I know there is such a thing as "Snap" but:
(a) it doesn't give nearly enough control on the window size and shape (eg. I spend a lot of time looking at a few rows on a spreadsheet and another matching set of rows in a database at the same time, which means I need to arrange the windows horizontally rather than vertically) and
(b) it doesn't work on my laptop anyway, even though the screen size is perfectly adequate for viewing multiple desktop windows, it hasn't enough horizontal pixels.

Easily done:

ModernMix™ - Run Modern (Metro) apps in a window on your desktop with ModernMix™

This IS the new Windows.

It's like a bad late night commercial is the new fix for all things Windows.

All this too can be yours for just $19.99!!! Buy now and we'll throw in a start button for absolutely free!!!

Why is it $2 - $5 for all things that are lacking in Windows.

This is like pay for downloadable content being immediately available for full price games on release day. Kinda lame.

 

[phillipduran]

It is clear the general public aren't going for it in big numbers.

People on forums posting how once you get past the metro rubbish it is like 7, or even worse, blaming the public for being lazy - pointless.

A lot of people don't like a particular type of ice cream . The end.

Why tell them they must get used to it - or tell them to force themselves and some of them may eventually grow to like it- or cover it with chocolate sauce and it won't be so bad - that is crazy.

They don't like it. Period.

Because an operating system is like ice cream....

Android is ice cream sandwich good too.

And Linux has Mint.