Windows Blue: Microsoft’s Apple-style OS Strategy

Like it or not, Microsoft Windows is the most-used operating system in the world. From international banks to suburban residences, the Windows platform has propelled the PC industry for years. Yes, there’s been the threat from Apple (Cupertino really scored big with the Vista debacle and the triumph of OS X Leopard). But one thing has remained at Microsoft: the Windows life cycle.

Read more: Windows Blue: Microsoft's Apple-style OS Strategy

 

[FuturDreamz]

I'm still confused as to how this would work.

People compare it to Mac OS X, where you pay $35 every second year for a full license to a new OS with lots of features.
I highly doubt that would go over well, and would probably induce a lot of fragmentation.

The Windows 7 phone worked was by having free upgrades, which are essentially named service packs that drastically change the OS. I think I'd prefer this solution. And this way they can revamp Metro without having to release a brand new OS.

 

[Hopachi]

Kernel version was my key point why it could be fake. On the other hand MS could switch to anual release of their OS so it would not be so weird to se new kernel version much more often.
Maybe it is the same situation like with web browsers. Look at Chrome and Firefox - for every little change they change version number.

Again, Win7 was 7600 (7601 SP1). Windows 8 is 9200. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if MS goes into five digit build number.

Guarantee you by Windows 9, the build number will definitely be 10900 or some such...

Yes that for a RTM. Before that we'll see the 9999 candidate as usual.

 

[Phone Man]

I'm still confused as to how this would work.

People compare it to Mac OS X, where you pay $35 every second year for a full license to a new OS with lots of features.
I highly doubt that would go over well, and would probably induce a lot of fragmentation.

The Windows 7 phone worked was by having free upgrades, which are essentially named service packs that drastically change the OS. I think I'd prefer this solution. And this way they can revamp Metro without having to release a brand new OS.

Well its all rumors for now and MS is not talking. We really don't know how it will play out but it was Sinofky's idea to release yearly updates but he is gone now. The girls that took over worked for him, so they may be on the same page.

Jim

 

[molebo]

The girls that took over worked for him, so they may be on the same page.

Jim

you means, they probably smoke the same thing ?

 

[TickleOnTheTum]

A poster on a Taiwanese forum where members identified the user as a Microsoft official leaked some news:

He is supposedly running an alpha version of the next Windows with the version number 9622. He calls this Windows 9 though judging from the version number (currently Windows 8 is at 9200) he’s actually talking about Windows Blue, which is supposed to retain the Windows 8 branding. He mentions there will be an update to the kernel which will reach version 6.3. Windows Blue is supposed to bring a few deep changes to the OS and upgrading the kernel does indeed fit the bill.


According to him Windows 9/Blue will keep the Metro visuals and Start Screen, however, some changes are expected with users being able to customize their Start Screen more easily with more resizable tiles a la Windows Phone 8.


Also, the Desktop will still be present but will undergo even more flattening and tweaks and that there will be updates to the taskbar too. With flatter look being applied to more parts of the UI, all aspects of Aero will be killed off completely with Windows Blue, according to the source.


Windows Blue will not bring the Start button back to Windows 8.

Blue will almost certainly be a low-cost update, it may even be provided free of charge as a means to stimulate upgrades for all users.

A Summer launch is expected.


Sources:
Sorry, Windows Blue won't bring back the Start button
A bit more info on Windows Blue?
Windows Blue: the next big Windows 8 update
Win 9£º»Ø²»È¥µÄ¿ªÊ¼°´Å¥ UI¸üµ¥µ÷_Windows ´ÎÊÀ´ú_cnBeta.COM
Windows Code Name "9" Dev Now-
Windows Blue is Microsoft's future low-cost OS with yearly updates | The Verge
Windows Next: Just call it 'Blue'? | ZDNet
Windows Blue is in the works, has a more customizable version of Metro | ExtremeTech